Canadian Internet Registration Authority makes first corporate contribution in support of the UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in order to strengthen the engagement of all stakeholders in Internet governance processes.
Ottawa, ON – The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) today announced that it had completed a contribution agreement with the Internet Governance Forum Support Association (IGFSA), providing the necessary resources to address emerging issues in Internet governance.
“The proliferation of non-technical issues that affect the Internet, such as cyber-crime, online surveillance, copyright and trademark protection, necessitate an independent and inclusive forum for Internet leaders to come together and meet on equal footing,” said Byron Holland, president and CEO of CIRA. “The IGF fills that critical gap in the global Internet governance ecosystem.”
The legitimacy of the global Internet governance system is contingent on the inclusion of all actors that benefit from the Internet’s success. At the IGF, the private sector, governments, technical community, and civil society can come together for frank and honest debate on issues affecting the development of the global Internet.
“The IGF has proven to be a remarkably successful forum, yet continues to face challenges of underfunding”, said Raúl Echeberría, IGFSA Chair. “The IGF Support Association will work to remedy this and will serve as a vital channel for funding from individuals, companies and foundations to help ensure the IGF remains the primary event for everyone interested in the Internet and its governance.”
There are several pressing policy issues that the IGF is working to address, for example:
- Online child protection: The development of global standards for protecting children from threats online and helping advance child rights
- Human rights and the Internet: Ensuring that the free and open nature of the Internet can remain a force for good
- Cybercrime: Criminal behaviour online is global in nature; international responses are necessary to address this threat.
- Global business and the Internet: Encouraging economic and job growth from digital technology
CIRA plays an important role in global Internet governance bodies. From the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers to the IGF and the Canadian Internet Forum, CIRA ensures that Canadian values are represented in the venues that govern the digital world.
About the Internet Governance Forum
The IGF is an open, inclusive and transparent forum for dialogue on public policy issues related to key elements of Internet governance. It is intended to foster a common understanding of how to maximize Internet opportunities and address the challenges that arise. The theme for the Istanbul meeting was ‘Connecting Continents for Enhanced Multi-stakeholder Internet Governance,’ and an emphasis was placed on strengthening the evolving multi-stakeholder model for Internet governance.
The 10th Annual Meeting of the IGF will be held in Brazil in in Juan Passoa, Paraiba, Brazil from 10 to 14 November 2015. In consultation with all stakeholders, UN Member States are expected to consider the IGF’s future in the context of the 10-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+10) next year.
About CIRA
The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) manages the .CA top-level domain, Canada’s online identifier, on behalf of all Canadians. A Member-driven organization, CIRA also facilitates the development of a better Internet for all Canadians, and represents the .CA registry internationally.
For more information or interview requests:
Ryan Saxby Hill
Communications Manager, CIRA
[email protected]
613-316-2397
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