Discussion of ICANN strategic plan

[Milton Mueller]

Some time in the next week we will teleconference with ICANN staff
about the strategic plan. I am formulating a response. One issue strikes
me as open to debate. ICANN proposes to create a "Restricted Fund for
Developing Country Internet Communities."

Do we favor or oppose?

In favor: ICANN provides support for workshops and technical forums in
developing countries. The governance model of ICANN has been critizied
by many on grounds that it does not foster participation from developing
countries. This can be viewed as an appropriate response.

Oppose: this steps outside of ICANN's coordination role and makes it
into a much more expansive welfare state type of agency. Those who are
supported by ICANN are also, to a large degree, under the control of
ICANN; it might be better for independent agencies (foundations, higher
education institutions, civil society organizations, governments) to
provide this kind of support.

Please give me your opinion.