Internet Governance (IG) is an increasingly relevant issue in international relations. The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), held in Geneva in December 2003, officially placed the question of Internet Governance on diplomatic agendas. Participation in the global IG debate represents a significant challenge for all countries, but especially for small and developing ones. Dealing with IG issues in a comprehensive way requires multidisciplinary knowledge, as well as a unique blend of diplomatic and technical skills.

The Internet Governance Capacity Building Programme aims to assist individuals involved in IG issues from countries with limited financial and human resources to develop the skills and knowledge required to participate meaningfully in the global debate on IG.

To build on the Internet Governance Capacity Building Programme that was run earlier in the year, Diplo, in cooperation with the Global Knowledge Partnership (GKP), the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), is currently accepting applications for the Internet Governance Research Programme. This programme aims at improving Internet Governance (IG)-related knowledge and skills of participants from developing countries, and facilitating community-building among different national, cultural, and professional groups.

The programme, running from September 1 to October 30, 2005, will consist of supervised collaborative online research for up to 12 participants. The most successful participants may be invited to attend the WSIS in Tunis in November 2005 or to present a paper at the International Conference on Internet Governance in Malta in February 2006.

We are accepting applications for research on the following themes related to Internet Governance:

* Introduction of IPv6 and Future Governance of Internet Resources in Relation to Bridging the Digital Divide * The Role of Civil Society in WSIS: International and National Level in Developing Countries * The Internet as Common Heritage of Humanity: Analogies and Regulation Strategy * Alternative Economic Models for Internet Governance: Continental and Regional Backbones for Developing Countries

Applicants should submit a 400-word project proposal, a curriculum vitae outlining their relevant experience and a letter of interest explaining why they wish to be involved in this programme. The application deadline is August 20, 2005.

PARTICIPANTS

Target Group The Internet Governance Capacity Building Programme is aimed at professionals from developing countries who have an interest in Internet Governance.

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