The Internet has permeated almost all aspects of our lives and is fast becoming a ubiquitous tool and medium to which all communication technologies converge.  While industry-driven policies evolve quickly to meet market demands for infrastructure and connectivity, public policies designed to govern the social and economic dimensions of the Internet may be one step behind, especially in developing countries.

Recognizing the need for multi-stakeholder discussions at the national and regional levels, UNDP-APDIP, with support from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada, is initiating an Open Regional Dialogue on Internet Governance aimed at facilitating a participatory dialogue in the Asia-Pacific region and providing input into the World Summit of the Information Society (WSIS) process and to the United Nations Working Group on Internet Governance (UN-WGIG).

From the Ground Up

The initiative will include national surveys and consultations that will provide the basis for a regional perspective on the priority issues and common denominators of Internet Governance.  Focal points throughout the region will be identified to carry out research, analysis and awareness raising campaigns.

A Meeting of the Minds

At the regional and sub-regional levels, consultations for stakeholder dialogue and outreach will be planned, focussing on public policy and Internet Governance.  These consultations will be organized in conjunction with regional and sub-regional events with the objective of building synergies with key institutions/agencies/organizations.

We All Need to Know

Beyond consultations (national, regional, and sub-regional), the initiative will produce research results, reports, and analyses designed to raise awareness for region-wide dissemination.  This includes a review of the dimensions, scope, and critical thoughts behind the discourse of Internet Governance, as it relates most to Asia-Pacific.  The initiative will also produce a "how to" primer or guidebook on public policy and Internet Governance targeting decision-makers.  All findings, information, and reports will be hosted on the Asia-Pacific Internet Governance Portal.

Guiding the Way

The initiative will be guided by an Asia-Pacific Internet Governance Advisory Panel that will be made of members from the public and private sector, and civil society.  The Panel shall advise on the entire scope and methodology for the initiative.

Come Online

Find out more.  Provide your comments. Contribute.
http://igov.apdip.net

Contact

Phet Sayo
Programme Specialist
Email: phet@apdip.net