Hi Michele,

Thanks for the question.
to be precise, it is not a feeling shared by the entire WG, some groups were supporting the request while others opposed it strongly. It started with a communication from GAC chair to the EPDP team shortly before the Thursday call (and come as surprise).  I was asked to share this to get guidance from the council if an extension is possible. Council response would settle that and reiterate the expectations in term of delivery and timeline.
The extension and adjustment in the timeline (and so changes in the work plan) need to be done but I don't have that right now.  Leadership would need to work with Berry to build such new timeline and PCR. While I didn't check with Janis regarding this response, I think he is not  in favor of extension and was candid to the whole EPDP team that he has the hard stop of 30th June.

I am copying below the request from GAC as it indicates the reason for its demand:
"In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its drastic consequences on governments, organizations, private sector and individuals worldwide, I would like to express our serious concerns, as GAC leaders, that maintaining the current pace of work towards completion of Phase 2 by mid-June could jeopardize the delivery, efficacy and legitimacy of the EPDP’s policy recommendations.

While recognizing that the GAC has continually advised for swiftly completing policy development and implementing agreed policy on this critical public policy matter, we believe that given the current global health emergency, which puts many in the EPDP and the community under unprecedented stress (for example governments has been called to heightened duties for the continuity of essential public services), pressing important deliberations and decisions in such a short time frame on already strained participants would mean unacceptably sacrificing the product for the timeline.

We understand there are budget and human resources considerations involved in the completion of Phase 2 of the EPDP. However, we are all living through a global health pandemic, so we call on the EPDP Team to seriously reassess its course and expectations (be it on the duration of its calls, the turn-around time of reviews, its ultimate timeline and budget) emulating what numerous governments, global organizations, and households are doing to adapt during these challenging times across the world."


Best,

Rafik 

Le lun. 13 avr. 2020 à 22:04, Michele Neylon - Blacknight <michele@blacknight.com> a écrit :

Rafik

 

Can you provide more details on why there is a need for more time?

Is this a feeling shared by the entire WG or is it only some of its members?

If an extension is to be granted for how long would that be?

 

More information would be helpful.

 

I’m also personally very concerned that we would be unable to find anyone to replace the current chair. It was a challenge previously but in light of the current situation I would suspect that it would be even harder, possibly bordering on impossible.

 

Regards

 

Michele

 

 

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Mr Michele Neylon

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From: council <council-bounces@gnso.icann.org> on behalf of Rafik Dammak <rafik.dammak@gmail.com>
Date: Monday 13 April 2020 at 05:53
To: Council GNSO <council@gnso.icann.org>
Subject: [council] EPDP seeking guidance regarding extension of timeline

 

Hi all,

 

in the last EPDP team call, there was discussion regarding request for extension of the EPDP team timeline taking into account COVID-19 situation. I am sharing this on behalf of the team and as GNSO council liaison to seek guidance from GNSO Council as we approved previously PCR and the updated timeline in last December. 

 

I want also to flag an important factor to have in consideration. Any timeline extension might require replacing the current EPDP team chair due to Janis's availability as he cannot continue in that role beyond 30th June. 

 

Best,

 

Rafik