VOA常速英语:On Internet Multi-stakeholder Cooperation

At the Internet Governance Forum held recently in Bali, Indonesia, one of the prominent themes discussed by participants was the role of non-governmental actors in international Internet policy issues.

“[We are seeing] increasing efforts to shut non-governmental stakeholders out of the global conversation on Internet issues... Some of the exclusion is politically motivated, and some of it is due to resource constraints. The US is committed to addressing both,” said State Department’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Scott Busby at the IGF.

The Internet evolved to become such a powerful enabler of social and economic potential because it was open for everyone to innovate and participate. U.S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy Ambassador Daniel Sepulveda said, “Today, it is a crucial part of the global economy, of free expression, and of inclusive economic development.”

“The U.S. government strongly believes that the global community is best positioned to benefit from a vibrant, growing Internet environment where commercial, civil society and governmental stakeholders jointly participate,” Ambassador Sepulveda said at the conclusion of his IGF opening remarks.

“Let us think creatively in order to bring more developing country governments, along with their counterparts in civil society, academia, and industry to the table of our multi-stakeholder Internet institutions. Let us grow and evolve together . . . [and] let [us] collectively move forward to ensure that we make the most of this compelling opportunity.”

Throughout the conference the U.S. delegation, which also included Coordinator for Cyber Issues Christopher Painter, echoed the message that people from all sectors and from all parts of the world deserve a seat at the table.

The IGF is a place where any interested person can come to discuss the pressing Internet policy issues of the day. The United States strongly supports open and inclusive forums, like the IGF, for discussion of international Internet policy matters.

For more information go to intgovforum.org.