Public participation site

Some participants pointed out the investments in infrastructures as well as advancements in Internet services in Middle East and North Africa, yet the main challenge remains in the lack of local content and tools that the majority of users may wish to access. Participants have highlighted some of the local needs such as the desire for kids in schools to search the net in their local languages. Participants stressed that solutions to some of the Internet issues (i.e. IDNs) should take into consideration those local needs and should also involve those communities in the process. So for example, the IDN development process has to involve people who represent communities that need IDNs, rather than just involving those who do not care much about it.

Another point was about regions, and how the Arab / Middle East region can better be represented in ICANN. Some raised the point of having a region within ICANN, or a regional organization for Arab ccTLDs. A comment was made that there have recently been discussions within ICANN SO’s and AC’s on this subject and some issues papers have also been developed. Again it went back to participation as some have admitted that the Middle East community have to enrich its participation in the various groups such as GAC, At-Large, ccNSO, etc.

The idea of applying for .Arab TLD was also thrown on the table. Another comment was also made that a mailing list for Arab ccTLDs has been set up since 3-4 month and we yet to see more interactions and discussions coming up there. Some participants who are not on this mailing list expressed interest in joining it.

Introduction of .XXX was also mentioned as an example for issues that the Middle East community should have a say in. A discussion went on about whether or not it is too late to provide input regarding .XXX as the board is going to vote on it within a couple of days. Some questioned the effectiveness of making a statement to the Board during the public forum on behalf on the community of the Middle East. Some GAC representatives commented that the GAC is expected to come up with a position on this issue and present it to the Board. Discussion on .XXX was another example showing the lack of effective participation of the Middle East community in the ICANN process and lack of knowledge about how processes are developed and decisions are taken.

Remarks were made by ICANN staff attending the meeting highlighting the importance of getting feedback and input from the Middle East. Staff also indicated that ICANN is encouraging members of the Middle East Internet community to participate and provide input either by attending meetings or through online means. A note was also made by staff as regards the public participation forum.

As time was running out and the chairman wanted to adjure the meeting, a suggestion was made to have another meeting later today particularly for the Arab participants to discuss the idea of establishing a regional organization for Arab Internet community.