[NA-Discuss] Comment on GAC Scorecard (12.1)

[Danny Younger]

Evan, as I don't see a Confluence page set up yet to accept comments on the GAC Scorecard, could I trouble you to bring this proposed comment to the attention of the ALAC?

Thanks,
Danny


The ALAC has taken note of the ICANN Board response to GAC Scorecard point #12.1, namely that “The principle of an early warning is already included in the Guidebook” and that “The exact process needs to be discussed further”.  The ALAC supports the principle of early warning and contributes the following recommendation for consideration.

Inasmuch as ICANN has established a comfort level with the notion of short-term, purpose-built and time-definite consulting contracts (as exemplified by RSTEP), we are of the view that ICANN can attend to some of the concerns expressed by the GAC in their final San Francisco session with the Board through recourse to such an approach.

The ALAC in particular notes that members of the GAC articulated the following concerns:

•	there are many governments that are not affiliated with the GAC that may not daily follow that which transpires within ICANN – accordingly it becomes quite possible for governments to perhaps miss the opportunity to offer objections (if warranted) within the scheduled comment windows.
•	Some geographic identifiers may not reside within the authoritative lists that are published by recognized global organizations

At issue is the subject of “reach” and the desire not to inadvertently fail to address what may be the legitimate concerns and sensitivities of those in the developing world that may not yet have a voice within ICANN.

To that end, and in keeping with the spirit expressed at the ICANN plenary by President Bill Clinton to enjoin the world’s NGO population, the ALAC makes the following proposal – ICANN will seek to retain the short-term services of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CONGO) as part of its Communications Strategy to inform relevant parties and governments worldwide of their opportunities for comment and/or objection in the new gTLD process.