Subject: GNSO Council Durban Wrap-Up Session and SCI Charter

Dear Jonathan,

I understand that the GNSO Council discussed the SCI Charter revisions at its Wrap-Up Session in Durban on Thursday 18 July.  At its meeting yesterday, the SCI members discussed the outcomes from that session and decided that it would be helpful to seek additional guidance from the Council with respect to the next steps for the SCI Charter.  In particular, based on the discussion in Durban, it seems clear that the GNSO Council would like the SCI to continue as a 'standing committee' and would like the Charter to reflect that role.

Also at the Wrap-Up Session the GNSO Council discussed the SCI process for decision-making (full consensus versus Standard Methodology for Making Decisions).  The SCI understands that the Council agreed to consider this issue further on its mailing list and Council members were encouraged to share their views in support of one or the other option. Jeff Neuman also offered to provide background information as to why the SCI was initially required to operate under full consensus.

At yesterday's meeting SCI members expressed an interest in further revising the Charter to ensure that the role of 'standing committee' is clear, to update it to include procedures for the election of SCI Chair and Vice-Chair, and to revise the decision-making process based on feedback received from the Council.  However, if the Council, as the Chartering organization, would prefer to take on the task of revising the charter, it would be helpful if it could inform the SCI accordingly.  In either case it seems clear that it will be helpful to have a revised Charter available as soon as possible for the GNSO Council to consider for approval at its meeting in September.  The SCI stands ready to assist in this task in whatever way the Council deems appropriate.

We await your guidance.

Best regards,

Ron

Ron Andruff, Chair, SCI