Open consultations on enhanced cooperation on international public policy issues pertaining to the Internet
Closing Remarks by Mr. Sha Zukang, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs
14 December 2010, New York
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
We have listened to all speakers on the list. I thank you for your active participation, and for the views you have expressed over the course of the day. Your contributions will help further the process towards enhanced cooperation on public policy issues pertaining to the Internet.
As you may recall, these consultations are part of the ongoing efforts to deliver on the WSIS outcomes and in particular on the Tunis Agenda. I am sure that you agree on the importance of this consultation process, and I am confident that today’s consultation, based on the active engagement of Governments and other stakeholders, will make an important contribution in this regard.
Many valuable and, dare I say, innovative suggestions have been made. We have heard about a wide range of issues where cooperation may be enhanced such as those enumerated by the Working Group on Internet Governance and others that have arisen in the last five years.
As we end this face-to-face consultation, we are left to consider that there may be many objectives and many approaches. Different public policy issues may require different treatment at different times. All require the engagement of stakeholders in their respective roles and a commitment to openness, transparency and inclusiveness.
We are also left with the thought that these approaches may be complementary as some have noted in connection with the process towards enhanced cooperation and dialogue with stakeholders in the IGF.
This account is by no means exhaustive. Before we conclude today’s open consultation, I would like to remind all of you, including those who are participating online, that written contributions can still be provided through 31 December 2010.
Similar to the consultation process to consider the desirability of continuation of the Internet Governance Forum, the views expressed through written contributions and the opinions expressed today will be reflected in the Secretary-General’s report on enhanced cooperation, to be conveyed to the 66th Session of the General Assembly through the Economic and Social Council in 2011.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The open consultation session on enhanced cooperation on public policy issues pertaining to the Internet is now adjourned. Thank you.