I oppose this proposal as outside the scope of ICANN's role.  And while
helping poor countries sounds great at first, I think it could give
ICANN too much power to "help" these countries to do as ICANN would like.

Robin


Milton Mueller wrote:
>
> 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.