Invitation to the Fifth Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum

UNDESA Under-Secretary-General Sha Zukang
On behalf of the Secretary-General, it is my pleasure to invite you to the fifth meeting of the Internet Governance Forum. The meeting, which is being graciously hosted by the Government of Lithuania, will be held in Vilnius from 14 to 17 September 2010.

Participation is open to all entities accredited to the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). Other institutions and persons with proven expertise and experience in matters related to Internet governance may also apply to attend.

The overall theme of the meeting will be IGF 2010 – Developing the Future Together. This theme reflects the open and inclusive nature of the IGF with its multilateral, multi-stakeholder, democratic and transparent approach to discussions of Internet-related public policy issues. The Vilnius meeting will help articulate a view of how we can use the Internet for the benefit of all humankind, and how we can further address the risks and challenges ahead. Internet governance should not be seen as an end in itself, but as a means of achieving development for all as expressed in internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals.

In broad-based consultation with stakeholders, the Multistakeholder Advisory Group has prepared the following programme for the meeting:

• Managing critical Internet resources
• Security, openness and privacy
• Access and diversity
• Internet governance for development
• Taking stock of Internet governance and the way forward
• Emerging issues: cloud computing

The experience of the IGF so far illustrates the complexity and multifaceted nature of public policy issues related to Internet governance. While the IGF has no decision-making power, it has built bridges by bringing together people and institutions with diverse interests. Perhaps the greatest strength of the IGF is that it encourages stakeholders with diverse opinions and experiences to discuss concerns and move towards a common understanding.

I hope you will be able to join us in Vilnius this September to share your views on these important matters.

 

(Signed)
Sha Zukang
Under-Secretary-General