What are remote “Hubs”?
The hubs are local meetings where the participants are able not only to watch the webcast of the IGF but also to interact with the meeting. Also, and more importantly, participants will be able to discuss the themes covered by the IGF from a local perspective with others from their own region. The Forum serves as a stimulus or a starting point for the debate of local issues and implications and for the development of a network of interested people in every region. Some of the advantages of creating hubs are:
1. Increases the visibility of the meeting. The local press will more likely cover a local event than one that takes place overseas. In addition, the engagement of Civil Society in organizing the hubs is a natural promotion that reaches the
larger local and regional community gathered around it.
2. Raises awareness. As a consequence of an increased visibility, society in general becomes more aware of the importance of the subject. Civil Society plays an important role in getting in touch with possible stakeholders (NGO’s, politicians, government representatives, economic sector, academics, etc.) and convincing them of the importance of the subject and of their presence by being involved in the process.
3. Favors commitment. When a person watches a broadcasted meeting alone, he/she feels free to drop out anytime and may never be involved with the subject again. When she is in the company of others and discusses the subject with them a sense of commitment with the group is fostered.
4. Favors community building. This sense of commitment can evolve into a structured relationship among stakeholders .
5. Provides networking. People can identify common interests and establish different kinds of partnerships.
6. Favors follow-up initiatives. People should feel motivated not only to follow up on the measures taken in the global sphere, but also to develop local actions. Through local discussion, people can agree on measures to take and share tasks and responsibility. This experience encourages collaboration and supports local initiatives.
Who can organize a hub?
The hubs can be held by any group of interested people. Each local group can propose and develop a methodology for the meeting, according to its needs. In general, the organization of the hubs does not demand high investments. We suggest a room with a computer and projector for the streaming video and enough space for the debate.