Brief Description

Orientation sessions are intended for both newcomers to the IGF and those who are already involved but would need to get a more holistic view of Internet governance. It gathers experts, fellows, decision-makers and practitioners to engage meaningfully by discussing actors and topics related to Internet governance. The session will be interactive, educative, inclusive, at the same time creative and fun, it will be open but also guided in order to be effective.

Set up: U-shape seating

Interpretation is provided for the Orientation Session.

Participants:  Newcomers and IGFers’

Main questions:  

●        What is the history WSIS and IGF and mandate of the IGF?

●        How does diplomacy play in the global Internet governance? What are the main IG-related process and actors involved?

●        How to navigate the IGF to get the best out of it and for it?

●        How to stay involved with the IGF and IG process beyond IGF2014?

Time: 90 mins

Session outline:

9.30-10.00  Part 1:  Diplomacy, process and actors

●        A brief overview of the WSIS process and other IG-related processes 

●        Role and mandate of the IGF and MAG

●        Multistakeholder model and roles

Q&A and discussion

10.00-10.30  Part 2:  Navigating the IGF

●        Navigating through IGF: providing practical hints and inputs on how to navigate the IGF during the meeting; (main sessions, workshops, best practice forums, remote participation, corridors, etc.)

●        How to choose the workshops (color codes)

●        How to benefit from the IGF?

●        How to contribute to the IGF?

Q&A and discussion

10.30-11.00  Part 3:  Involvement beyond 2014

●        Joining the MAG and the IGF2015 preparations

●        Role of national & regional IGFs

●        Inclusiveness: Involving the persons with disabilities, youth and indigenous groups

●        Capacity building mechanisms and programmes

●        Continued Engagement - e-participation, mailing list

●        Other opportunities

Q&A and discussion