ICC/BASIS feedback on first Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Athens, Greece [30 October-2 November 2006]
This contribution provides feedback from the global business community of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and its initiative, Business Action to Support the Information Society (BASIS) on the first Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Athens [30 October-2 November 2006] in response to the IGF secretariat’s call for input. ICC and BASIS include members from companies and business associations from around the world, across sectors and of all sizes.
ICC/BASIS members believe that the aim of creating an open and informative forum for discussion on Internet governance (IG) issues among all stakeholders was fulfilled in Athens. This feedback provides reactions and experiences of ICC/BASIS members on the successful first event, and proposes improvements to ensure that the IGF continues to evolve as a productive space for discussion on these issues.It is essential that preparations for the next IGF in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (12-15 November 2007) build on the successful format and multistakeholder approach in Athens, and that logistical and substantive arrangements for the IGF in Rio de Janeiro begin in earnest immediately. Reflecting on the first IGF and integrating this experience in all aspects of the preparations for the next IGF will be critical to its success.
