FAQ about IGF remote moderators

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) will take place from 14 to 18 September in Vilnius, Lithuania. Remote participation options will be provided and people following the webcast of the IGF from home or from a hub will be able to send their text or video questions. This year, workshop organizers have been asked to provide the name of a remote moderator. We have compiled the most frequently asked questions about remote moderators below.

Do all workshop organizers have to appoint remote moderators?

Yes, since remote participation options will be available in all sessions/workshops. Remote participation can positively increase the audience of your workshop

Who can be a remote moderator?

Any volunteer who is attending the IGF Vilnius and is not one of the speakers of the panel/workshop. The volunteer should be trained by the RPWG

How can I find a volunteer?

One possible way is to contact the list of resource persons in the IGF website: http://www.intgovforum.org/cms/component/content/article/94-workshops/503-list-of-resource-persons

It is always better to find someone who has interest on the topic of the workshop, who will be able to select the questions to be forwarded to the panel moderator.

In case you cannot find a remote moderator in the list of resource persons nor in the community or dynamic coalitions working with topics related to your workshop, please send an e-mail to info@igfremote.info.

What is the role of the remote moderator?

A complete “job description” of the remote moderator can be found here: http://www.intgovforum.org/cms/the-preparatory-process/514-job-description-for-remote-moderators. Basically, the moderator has three main functions:

  • They have to connect online with the remote participants (all the equipment and software needed will be available and ready for them)
  • They have to connect the online participants to the discussions in the meeting room;
  • Lastly, they are responsible for some follow-up work for archiving purposes and in view of improving future remote participation efforts. (They are expected to answer very brief and objective questions after the session they moderate)

The workshop already has a remote moderator. What should I do?

Please, update your workshop proposal in the IGF website with the name and contact of the remote moderator. Please, also send this information by the e-mail to the Remote Participation Working Group info@igfremote.info, so we can plan the online training.

Do remote moderators need to take any equipment with them?

No, all the equipment (computer, projector, etc) will be already in place. In case a remote moderator needs to use his/her own laptop, please advise the IGF Secretariat in advance.

Will remote moderators receive any assistance?

Yes, the Remote Participation Working Group will assist them with any doubts they may have.  The group will also provide online training for remote moderators, prior to the IGF on flexible days/time. The training will last for about 40 min. Moderators will also receive on-site technical support.