Thank you for the extended deadline in relation to the Multi-Stakeholder Model Evolution.  My comments are my own and not those of my law firm or any client or other interested party.

 

Notwithstanding the fact that the work that has been done was initiated in accordance with a Strategic Objective, the work to be done in future on the eight issues identified in the evolution of the Multi-Stakeholder Model, including possible revisions/improvements to that Model should all be reviewed against the following:

 

ICANN’s Renewed Vision

ICANN’S Approved Strategic Plan

ICANN’s Approved Strategic Objectives

 

This review will be important in order for outcomes in the work on the Model to align with the principles contained in the Strategic Plan that was adopted by the ICANN Board.  By way of example, if the Renewed Vision states that ICANN’s process will be “OPEN” (as it does), will the appointment of a representative group of Chairs of the SOs and ACs meet this value stated in the Renewed Vision?

 

Representative governance is in fact a very different model from the current process that values individual participants equally with the officers of established SOs and ACs.  If ICANN elects to pursue a representative governance model in the PDP policy process or in Cross-Community Working Groups, there is a risk that valuable individual Minority Views will be lost and/or overwhelmed.  It will also be much harder for new participants to have an influence on Internet policy.   ICANN already struggles with new participants feeling like “outsiders” due to the specialized language and acronyms and the time it takes to get “up to speed” on organizational dynamics and decision-making.  The barriers to effective participation by newcomers should not be increased.

 

Accordingly, each entity appointed to address an issue identified in the projects for the Evolving the Multi-Stakeholder Model, should, as an obligatory first step, be required to assess the task to be accomplished in relation to the ICANN Renewed Vision, Strategic Plan, and Strategic Objectives.  This exercise should help to focus the work and to ensure that the work to be accomplished is consistent with longer term goals.

 

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

 

Anne Aikman-Scalese

 

Anne E. Aikman-Scalese

Of Counsel

520.629.4428 office

520.879.4725 fax

AAikman@lrrc.com

_____________________________

Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP

One South Church Avenue, Suite 2000

Tucson, Arizona 85701-1611

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