Stakeholder involvement is the key to continued Internet development and economic growth
As the e-G8 gets underway in Paris on 24-25 May, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has reiterated its long-standing belief that Internet policy issues are most effectively addressed with the involvement of all relevant stakeholders on an equal footing, and highlighted global business positions on several policy topics to be discussed at the event.
Business acknowledges the positive contributions of the Internet to the global economy and advocates a favourable Internet governance environment as a pre-condition for continued investment, innovation and development in this dynamic network of networks.
ICC believes that effective Internet-related policies can foster economic recovery and growth.
“The e-G8 meeting is a positive recognition of the importance of the Internet sector, and the importance of taking a multistakeholder approach to Internet issues,” said ICC Secretary General Jean-Guy Carrier.“Helping more people to gain access to the Internet is the most effective way to ensure diversity of content and users. A regulatory environment that helps obtain development goals through private sector competition, is the most sustainable way to attract investment, promote innovation and help build necessary infrastructures to bring the benefits of the Internet to the next billion users,” usiness innovation has been instrumental in producing the network design and technology responsible for the huge surge in data transfers – from micro-finance businesses run by individuals using mobile phones, to complex international trading run by financial institutions – that supports economic life across the globe.
Continued innovation and spread of Internet benefits to more people around the world, requires informed policy decisions at national, regional and international levels.
“This can only be achieved through the input and experience of all stakeholders— governments, business, the Internet technical community, international and intergovernmental organizations and civil society,” ICC said.
An enabling environment includes independent regulators, respect for the rule of law; intellectual property rights protection and enforcement; pro-competitive legal, policy and regulatory frameworks that also increase user choice regarding quality and lower cost of services; independent courts; and policy approaches that foster entrepreneurship.
ICC, its Commission on E-Business, IT and Telecoms and Business Action to Support the Information Society initiative is actively contributing to the next Internet Governance Forum (IGF) which will take place in Nairobi, Kenya 27-30 September.
The unhindered flow of data and information is essential for business, trade and all users. ICC members from across sectors and geographies fully support the open exchange of ideas and free flow of information in a manner that respects both the rights of others, and the rule of law.
The IGF’s multistakeholder model sets the example of such exchange at regional and national levels. Forum participants share ideas and listen to the perspectives of others, contributing to the spread of best practices, human and institutional capacity, and informed policy approaches.
