[ALAC] URGENT: GAC Liaison

[Alan Greenberg]

As you know, during the meeting with the GAC in Marrakech, we 
proposed that the GAC and the ALAC exchange Liaisons. Although there 
were no details of exactly how to go about this, the idea was 
accepted by the GAC.

The Chair of the GAC has now given his approval for the ALAC to 
proceed and identify the person who will serve as its Liaison. 
Although there is nothing formal in this regard, it is clear to me 
that whoever we propose must be acceptable to the GAC (or more 
particularly to GAC leadership). That process was followed with the 
GNSO Liaison to the GAC and I think it would be unreasonable to do 
otherwise here - this entire concept must depend on trust and good faith.

In terms of qualifications, the person must be familiar with and have 
the confidence of the ALAC, and at the same time, understand 
governments and preferably the GAC. I believe that there are a number 
of people in our community who meet these requirements.

Following consultation with the ALT, it appears that there are a few issues.

a) It is clear that we do not have the time to initiate a formal call 
for nominations and the selection process that will follow it if the 
person is to be seated in Helsinki.

b) This is a important step and we want transparency in the process.

c) It would be very foolish if we did not take up the offer and 
appoint someone in time for the Helsinki meeting. Having a Liaison to 
the GAC is something that we have been wanting for a long time, and 
we have no control over how the GAC's position might change if we 
leave the position unfilled.

d) On the long term, we will have to ensure that we have travel 
support for this new Liaison, but on the short term, we have the 
travel slots for the ccNSO and GNSO Liaisons which are not needed by 
the incumbents (Maureen is funded as an ALAC Member and Olivier as 
the EURALO Chair) and we have recently been given permission to use 
these slots as we wish.

After consultation with the ALT, I would like to propose the following:

1. Once we have the ALAC Selection committee in place, and in ample 
time prior to the Annual General Meeting to be held in Hyderabad, we 
initiate a formal call for nominations; have the selection committee 
make its recommendation(s) to the ALAC; and appoint a Governmental 
Advisory Committee Liaison (subject to GAC approval) for the 2016-2017 year.

2. We delegate to the ALT the responsibility to appoint an interim 
Liaison to the GAC to start in Helsinki.

I would like to initiate a consensus call on this, so please make any 
comments quickly, and be clear if you have concerns with the premises 
(a-d) or the proposals (1-2) and any alternative proposals.

Alan