Hi Renata, Thanks for raising this topic for further discussion. If I understand correctly, you are suggesting that our representatives work not only for people from the global south, but with them too. I support these sentiments, because there are many untapped voices that can add value, legitimacy, and new perspectives to our work. In order for this to happen, I would like to hear from our candidates as to whether or not they have any suggestions as to what strategic goals, objectives, and priority actions the NCSG could take to increase the representation of people from the global south in our internal governance/decision-making processes? I’d particularly like to hear some time-bound actions that could be taken and achieved within your two-year term. Thank you. Best wishes, Ayden Férdeline [linkedin.com/in/ferdeline](http://www.linkedin.com/in/ferdeline) -------- Original Message -------- Subject: LAC/Developing countries engagement strategies Local Time: August 18, 2016 4:37 PM UTC Time: August 18, 2016 3:37 PM From: [log in to unmask] To: [log in to unmask] Hi all Just wanted to clarify a point of a question I made during the candidates call It is great that both NCSG and NCUC have amazing LAC representatives. They not only represent the region but maintain online actions engaging civil society in IG which are key to participating in LAC. A while ago there was a comment about one of the reps current address being in EU. I do not mind and have not heard about any LAC colleague that worries about this. It is more important what someone lives as coming from the region and doing work for it than actually living there. Speaking as a researcher, the few opportunities I had of doing work abroad were very impactful for the group and region I come from. So the point was Given the low level of participation of LAC and other developing regions in policymaking process at GNSO, it is important that the candidates keep thinking about strategies to listen to these voices. Specifically in LAC's case, the disengagment due to the ICANN's 2 year distance from the region will only worsen. Other sectors in ICANN have been working on ways to react to this. I have seen no reaction from GNSO or NCUC/NCSG. So without addressing this problem, it does not seem possible that there will be new engagement of volunteers in GNSO. That was just an observation. Best Renata