Question: How do you think to be involved as regional elected member to help to disseminate in countries the policy of ICANN, the role of african government ! We know that all of us have to pusch things but what will you add value !!

Nominee Replies

Alan Levin - posted on 2000-09-26 15:00:04 My stance on government involvement is mentioned in my answer to the previous question directed to that point. Please see Icann, the Governments and the Private sector. The value that I deliver is derived from my business and technical knowledge and experience as well as my passion and enthusiasm for the Internet in Africa. I will use this to channel new business and networking opportunities towards Africa. I believe that my track record and endorsements illustrate that I will make a difference. Please see my candidate page for more detail. Calvin Browne - posted on 2000-09-26 00:15:45 We need to remember that the ICANN position is an honorary position, and the successful candidate will not be paid for his efforts. ICANN also does not have a budget for this kind of activity (at least that I can see), nor does it have getting governments involved or informed as one of its activities. What we need to do (and this really goes for all emerging Internet nations and not just Africans) is to ensure that the ability for new entrants into the process is preserved. To this end I will do what I have currently done, and that is to take part in the process, and inform any person who wishes to ask about what went on. If anyone has ideas on how to get more of us involved, Please let me know. Nii Quaynor - posted on 2000-09-21 12:14:49 Africa needs a regionally elected Board member who can be in good contact with the grassroots organizations to develop policy positions that are favorable to Africa. The creation of the policy positions and how we articulate that in the international forum to our advantage is a challenge I'll like to take up. I prefer to empower the African Institutions and its members, as a vehicle for debating our policy positions. A key part of the process would require dissemination of varied information including technical, policy and regulatory issues. As I have been participating in the ICANN process since its inception I am uniquely prepared to provide some leadership in opening up opportunities for more African participation. Yes, we must all push and we must uncover more participants to push with us. I like to add value by making available my years of experience as a player in building the African ICANN team to be exploited for expansion. Although we try to be as independent as we can, we cannot ignore the importance of Governments as enablers in emerging Internet countries. We should maintain dialog with governments and factor their concerns in our consensus processes. My experience with the International organizations could be an asset in engaging the Government leadership in Africa.