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IGF 2024 WS #174 Environmental Sustainability in Multi-Stakeholder Models

    Organizer 1: Pari Esfandiari, 🔒Global TechnoPolitics Forum
    Organizer 2: Sathees Babu Chellikattuveli Sivanandan, ALAC, ICANN
    Organizer 3: Glenn Mcknight, ICANN NARALO

    Speaker 1: Raoul Plommer, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Speaker 2: Daniel Migault, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Speaker 3: Raymond Selorm Mamattah, Civil Society, African Group

    Moderator

    Pari Esfandiari, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

    Online Moderator

    Glenn McKnight, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

    Rapporteur

    Sathees Babu Chellikattuveli Sivanandan, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group

    Format

    Roundtable
    Duration (minutes): 90
    Format description: A 90-minute roundtable discussion is ideal for deeply exploring complex topics while ensuring comprehensive participation and integrating interactive elements. This duration allows panelists to fully articulate their perspectives and engage in nuanced discussions without feeling rushed, promoting a detailed exploration of subjects requiring thoughtful analysis. It ensures balanced participation, giving all attendees, including audience members, ample opportunity to contribute. The timeframe is perfect for incorporating interactive activities like Q&A sessions, live polls, and breakout discussions without sacrificing the depth of the main conversation. Additionally, this length is optimal for maintaining audience attention and energy without leading to fatigue, respecting both time constraints and attention spans. It also allows for informal networking and reflection, fostering connections and enriching dialogues with diverse viewpoints. Overall, 90 minutes strikes a balance between depth and engagement, making it a comprehensive choice for productive discussions.

    Policy Question(s)

    1. Balancing Act: How can policymakers effectively balance the need for personal interaction in multi-stakeholder models with the imperative to reduce carbon emissions associated with travel to international meetings?
    2. Technological Integration: What are the best practices for integrating advanced technologies in hybrid meetings to ensure that remote participants are as engaged and able to contribute as those who are physically present?
    3. Supportive Frameworks: What policies can be developed to encourage and support the adoption of environmentally friendly practices in hosting international conferences, such as using green venues and promoting sustainable transportation options?

    What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants of this session will gain valuable insights into innovative strategies for sustainable multi-stakeholder engagement that balance the need for meaningful interpersonal connections with environmental responsibility. Attendees will learn about the practicalities and benefits of organizing regional meetings, partnering with eco-friendly travel and venue options, and effectively utilizing hybrid formats to reduce carbon footprints while maintaining the essence of personal interaction crucial for collaborative efforts.
    Furthermore, the discussion will provide a platform to explore new tools and technologies that facilitate efficient and inclusive virtual participation, ensuring that every stakeholder has a voice regardless of their physical location. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped with actionable strategies and examples of best practices that can be implemented in their own organizations or contexts, enhancing the overall effectiveness of their contributions to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

    Description:

    In the quest to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the multi-stakeholder model has emerged as a pivotal framework for collaborative action. However, this model faces a challenging dichotomy: the necessity of in-person interactions for building trust and relationships versus the environmental implications of such gatherings. As we strive for a sustainable approach to achieving global goals, it becomes imperative to explore innovative solutions that balance personal engagement with ecological responsibility.

    Our proposed panel discussion aims to delve into this issue, examining how regional meetings, partnerships with environmentally friendly airlines and venues, and the integration of hybrid meeting formats can create a more sustainable yet effective multi-stakeholder environment. These strategies not only reduce the carbon footprint associated with global conferences but also ensure that the invaluable personal touch, crucial for forging lasting partnerships and understanding, is not lost.

    This session will engage experts and stakeholders in a vibrant discussion about balancing the need for personal interaction with the imperative for environmental sustainability, presenting a critical exploration of how we can redefine the logistics of global cooperation. Through this dialogue, we aim to highlight actionable strategies that maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the multi-stakeholder approach while addressing the urgent environmental challenges of our times.

    Expected Outcomes

    A 90-minute roundtable discussion is ideal for deeply exploring complex topics while ensuring comprehensive participation and integrating interactive elements. This duration allows panelists to fully articulate their perspectives and engage in nuanced discussions without feeling rushed, promoting a detailed exploration of subjects requiring thoughtful analysis. It ensures balanced participation, giving all attendees, including audience members, ample opportunity to contribute. The timeframe is perfect for incorporating interactive activities like Q&A sessions, live polls, and breakout discussions without sacrificing the depth of the main conversation. Additionally, this length is optimal for maintaining audience attention and energy without leading to fatigue, respecting both time constraints and attention spans. It also allows for informal networking and reflection, fostering connections and enriching dialogues with diverse viewpoints. Overall, 90 minutes strikes a balance between depth and engagement, making it a comprehensive choice for productive discussions.

    Hybrid Format: To ensure an engaging environment for both onsite and online attendees we aim to integrate strategies that foster inclusive participation:
    Unified communication and hybrid-friendly Q&A sessions are essential elements, we will have two dedicated moderators one for the insite audience and another for online. Finally, we will conduct live polls that integrate responses from all attendees, fostering a unified discussion. In addition, we employ the following strategies:
    Pre-Event Communication: Provide clear instructions and agendas to all participants about accessing the session and engaging in activities.
    Ensure both onsite and online panelists have equal chances to speak and that setups are optimized for online viewers.
    Run detailed technical checks with all presenters to minimize disruptions.
    These integrated approaches guarantee that all participants, whether physical or virtual, experience a seamless and productive session.