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ISOC's 'ambassadors' – diverse voices at the IGF
Representatives of ISOC Chapters bring local experience to global forum
HYDERABAD, INDIA, 1 DECEMBER 2008 - Thirteen 'ambassadors' of the Internet Society (ISOC) are now gathering in Hyderabad, India for the third Internet Governance Forum (IGF), representing their local communities and promoting ISOC's goal of Internet development for the benefit of all people in every part of the world.
The Internet Society has a worldwide membership of more than 90 organisations and 28,000 individuals, many of whom have also formed more than 80 ISOC Chapters – groups dedicated to working for Internet or societal development on behalf of either their community or special interest.
In preparation for the current IGF meeting, the Internet Society selected representatives from 14 of the Chapters to serve as 'IGF Ambassadors' (unfortunately external circumstances meant one of the ambassadors, from the Netherlands, had to withdraw from the meeting at late notice).
"ISOC's IGF Ambassadors will contribute tremendous local and regional experience and insight to the Internet governance topics being discussed this week," explains Bill Graham, responsible for Strategic Global Engagement at ISOC.
"The IGF’s strongest asset is that is a truly multistakeholder event,” said Mr. Graham. “ISOC is committed to bringing Ambassadors to the IGF because the modern Internet is a dynamic and diverse environment and we firmly believe that Internet governance discussions must include as many diverse and informed voices as possible."
Mr. Graham explains that Internet-related needs and priorities vary enormously around the world: "ISOC's IGF Ambassadors are drawn from a broad range of backgrounds and all major geographical regions, representing many perspectives on Internet governance issues."
For the Hyderabad meeting, ISOC has brought in IGF ambassadors from Canada, Congo, Fiji, Haiti, Iraq, Jamaica, Malta, Nepal, Poland, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, and Turkey.
This diversity reflects the success of ISOC's Chapter programme, each taking on the challenge of making the most of the opportunities the Internet offers within their own unique environments.
The role of the IGF Ambassadors in Hyderabad is to contribute their experiences and perspectives into the many discussions on the agenda. Several of the Ambassadors will take part in workshops and other discussions, and will be available to discuss their own perspectives on Internet development as the meeting progresses.
After the IGF, the Ambassadors will return to their own communities with the experience gained in Hyderabad, applying the knowledge shared, and helping to ensure the ongoing, genuine dialogue and action.
ISOC IGF Ambassadors 2008
- Boujemi, Hanane (Malta)
- Cieślak, Marcin (Poland)
- Daluwatte, Priyanthi (Sri Lanka)
- Farrelly, Glen (Canada)
- Guerrier, Reynold (Haiti)
- Kadhem Al-Radhi, Ala'a Al-Dhin (Iraq)
- Kissangou, Jean-Philemon (Congo)
- Koubaa, Khaled (Tunisia)
- Mangal, Anju (Fiji)
- Poudel, Rajendra Prasad (Nepal)
- Thakur, Dhanaraj (Jamaica)
- Ünal, Ceren (Turkey)
- Yang, Sunyoung (South Korea)
Leenaars, Michiel (Netherlands), was unable to attend
Biographical details of the ISOC IGF Ambassadors
About the Internet Society
The Internet Society is an international, non-profit organisation founded in 1992 to provide leadership in Internet related standards, education, and policy. With offices in Washington, DC, and Geneva, Switzerland, it is dedicated to ensuring the open development, evolution, and use of the Internet for the benefit of people throughout the world.
About ISOC Chapters
Internet Society Chapters are groups organised by ISOC members on a volunteer basis and officially recognised by ISOC. Chapters bring together people who reside in a particular geographic region (such as a city, country, or larger area), or who share an interest in a specific Internet related subject. The role of Chapters is to help ISOC achieve its mission at both local and regional levels and to infuse ISOC with local and regional perspectives on developments and issues that affect the evolution of the Internet.
Further details
Scott Hoyt
Vice President, Strategic Communications and Business Planning
E-mail: hoyt@isoc.org
Telephone: +1-703-439-2120 x2142
1775 Wiehle Avenue
Suite 201
Reston, VA
20190-5108 USA
or
Gerard Ross
Senior Communications Manager
E-mail: ross@isoc.org
Telephone: +41-228-071-444 x2261
4, rue des Falaises
CH-1205-Geneva
Switzerland
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