About the Internet Society 

Board of Trustees

2005 Board Election

Candidates Forum

Marilyn Cade, USA

Running for candidacy in the Organizational Elections

Biography [ppt]

Marilyn S. Cade Statement regarding ISOC’s Role in Internet Leadership:

I would welcome the opportunity to participate in leadership of ISOC as a board member. I appreciate your consideration of my candidacy.

This is a unique time in the life of the Internet…. We face one of those unique opportunities that happens but can dissipate, if not recognized. Unfortunately, in this instance, the opportunity dissipates, but the threat to the Internet will not--– without strong leadership. ISOC can be a key player in that leadership.

Today, we face a significant threat to the Internet, as we know it. And as we envision its future.

The Internet is the ultimate success story. All countries want access to the Internet, even if they want to control how, they want the access it brings to commerce and to information for their citizens. Thus, we are encountering a number of questions:

“If the Internet is so important, why isn’t government [or an intergovernmental organization] in charge?”

Today, the WSIS and the WGIG – processes created by governments, and still largely influenced by governments – now debate the future of the private sector leadership. It is this private sector leadership which is in fact so much of what it is that ISOC stands for. Those interested in the Internet, whether they are business, individuals, suppliers, etc., all can contribute to the future of the Internet through supporting ISOC.

In addressing the challenges of the WSIS, ISOC has already demonstrated its commitment to addressing the need for information and awareness that the WSIS has highlighted. ISOC members, who are highly respected as technology leaders, are listened to when they speak. The contributions of ISOC, and its members is making a difference.

Yet, this isn’t enough.

I envision this challenge for ISOC as a long tem commitment, and an ongoing need. ISOC has the ability to harness the expertise and the widely distributed nature of its membership to undertake the kind of awareness campaign/educational dialogue that is needed to ensure that the concept of private public partnership in addressing policy challenges in the Internet… is sustainable.

I do not suggest that answers to any of the Internet Governance questions is easy.

I do suggest that ISOC has a unique opportunity to help to devise how governments and private sector entities might work together, while recognizing that intergovernmental solutions are less than optimal. And may even harm the objective they, as governments, seek to advance – access to the Internet for their citizens.

In many ways, the challenges for private sector leadership in this area have only begun….

And while ISOC has made strong contributions so far, this is a journey of many days….

It is up to those who have built, are building, are using, and who value the Internet as a unique medium, to turn the threat of more intergovernmental control of the Internet into an opportunity.

We need to grasp this opportunity to educate not only private sector stakeholders; but also governments. We need to use our own expertise and the mobilization of others to build informational bridges into governments who want the Internet, but may think a more controlling model is preferable.

I would value the opportunity to work through the ISOC Board to advance ISOC’s leadership on behalf of its membership.