As you know, during the meeting with the GAC in Marrakech, we proposed that the GAC and the ALAC exchange Liaisons. Although there were no details of exactly how to go about this, the idea was accepted by the GAC. The Chair of the GAC has now given his approval for the ALAC to proceed and identify the person who will serve as its Liaison. Although there is nothing formal in this regard, it is clear to me that whoever we propose must be acceptable to the GAC (or more particularly to GAC leadership). That process was followed with the GNSO Liaison to the GAC and I think it would be unreasonable to do otherwise here - this entire concept must depend on trust and good faith. In terms of qualifications, the person must be familiar with and have the confidence of the ALAC, and at the same time, understand governments and preferably the GAC. I believe that there are a number of people in our community who meet these requirements. Following consultation with the ALT, it appears that there are a few issues. a) It is clear that we do not have the time to initiate a formal call for nominations and the selection process that will follow it if the person is to be seated in Helsinki. b) This is a important step and we want transparency in the process. c) It would be very foolish if we did not take up the offer and appoint someone in time for the Helsinki meeting. Having a Liaison to the GAC is something that we have been wanting for a long time, and we have no control over how the GAC's position might change if we leave the position unfilled. d) On the long term, we will have to ensure that we have travel support for this new Liaison, but on the short term, we have the travel slots for the ccNSO and GNSO Liaisons which are not needed by the incumbents (Maureen is funded as an ALAC Member and Olivier as the EURALO Chair) and we have recently been given permission to use these slots as we wish. After consultation with the ALT, I would like to propose the following: 1. Once we have the ALAC Selection committee in place, and in ample time prior to the Annual General Meeting to be held in Hyderabad, we initiate a formal call for nominations; have the selection committee make its recommendation(s) to the ALAC; and appoint a Governmental Advisory Committee Liaison (subject to GAC approval) for the 2016-2017 year. 2. We delegate to the ALT the responsibility to appoint an interim Liaison to the GAC to start in Helsinki. I would like to initiate a consensus call on this, so please make any comments quickly, and be clear if you have concerns with the premises (a-d) or the proposals (1-2) and any alternative proposals. Alan