Statement of the Remote Participation Working Group for the February Open Consultations
The Working Group would like to thank the IGF Secretariat, remote hub organizers and all stakeholders that have continuously advocated the importance of remote attendance for the IGF.
In 2010, continuing emphasis should be placed on Remote Participation. The RPWG asks that, based on the practical success of RP and remote hubs, the IGF now turn to addressing RP and e-participation as policy themes. Moreover, there are practical points that still need to be addressed.
First of all, it is fundamental to have “remote” moderators, who are responsible for facilitating communication between remote participants and the panelists, assigned for each session at least one month before the event, so they will receive proper and timely training.
Secondly, it is important to foster more multistakeholder involvement in the efforts to put RP in place, throughout the phases of preparation, participation and reporting back
Finally, we urge the Secretariat, the Dynamic Coalitions and Workshop organizers to foster accessibility features for people with disabilities.
You can find more information and our written statement at the new website of the Remote Participation Working Group www.igfremote.info.
We are glad to work with the IGF Secretariat towards the improvement of remote participation in the IGF and will continue to do so for the Vilnius meeting.