ICANN Seeks Global Input
Groups invited to weigh in on dot-xxx, other issues
By: SM Gelerman
Posted: 03/29/2007
LISBON, Portugal -
The
Internet
Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers’ today
announced the creation of three regional at-large
organizations (RALOs), which will allow Internet users from
five global regions to have direct input in ICANN decisions.
During a special ceremony in Lisbon at ICANN’s 28th Public
Meeting, ICANN and members from Africa’s and Europe’s RALOs
signed Memorandums of Understanding, thereby officially
initiating regional groups. The third
RALO—Asia-Australia-Pacific—will be signed at ICANN’s 30th
Public Meeting to be held later this year.
"This is a fantastic day for Internet users in Africa, in
Europe, and in the Asia-Australia-Pacific region. The
creation of RALOs gives average Internet users the chance to
influence decisions that shape the security and stability of
the Internet," said Paul Twomey, president and chief
executive officer of ICANN.
The At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) of ICANN
represents Internet users in ICANN.
"ICANN deals with issues that are technical but hugely
important to Internet users. At-Large is the place to be if
you want to participate—and RALOs provide direct input to
us," said Jacqueline Morris, ALAC Chair from Trinidad and
Tobago.
The first RALO, the Latin America-Caribbean Regional
At-Large Organization was created at the 27th ICANN public
meeting held in São Paulo in December 2006. Today’s
announcement means four of ICANN’s five global regions have
RALOs.
The people who RALOs represent are incredibly diverse: For
example, groups from Africa taking part in today include a
network of journalists based in Tanzania reporting on
Internet issues (JUSTA-AFRICA), and Internet Society chapters
from countries as diverse as Mali, Benin, South Africa, and
the Democratic Republic of Congo.
European groups participating include Internet Society
chapters throughout Eastern and Western Europe, a network of
science and Information and Communications Technology
professionals in Germany, and academic professionals.
