Wisdom Donkor asks what the motivation is behind ITU's various moves.

It is not correct to say here that the emperor has no clothes, but it is closer to correct understanding to say that the emperor is shopping for new clothes. The advent of the cell phone and voice over IP put a big hole in the ITUs business-as-usual revenue plan, and while the ITU has a lot to contribute in the future security and stability of many aspects of the Internet ecosystem, it also has to worry about parts of that ecosystem that are revenue generating. Consider the plight of ICANN if management, board and staff were faced with a virtual evaporation of revenue sources. Civil society organizations and individuals make personal sacrifices in terms of time, and one's own pocket book, to participate in ICANN's remit. Staff are not in that position, and management/board is likely not so inclined. ICANN would likely be shopping for new clothes as well.

The proper strategy here, in my humble view, is to help the ITU find its way forward without the risk that it does damage to others, or damage to the Internet ecosystem's promise, as it moves forward.  

Sam Lanfranco, Chair
NPOC Policy Committee

On 2014-10-23 10:04 AM, Wisdom Donkor wrote:
[log in to unmask]" type="cite">
Nicola is raising an important point. I am wondering what the motivation is why ITU is now interested in internet policy. They should rather contribute to the enhancement of the multi-stakeholder process instead of seeking new roles in the development of core internet resources.

How is ITU going to do this, considering the fact that almost all their meetings that i no off are top-down approach, very selective process of who should attend their meetings. The same business men and women who are on the ITU board are the same guys going to run the process unless other wise.