Purpose of the Group

The idea of establishing a Dynamic Coalitions Coordination Group (DCCG) emerged at the 10th IGF in João Pessoa, Brazil, during the first-ever main session dedicated to Dynamic Coalitions (DCs). The idea found broad support among members of the different coalitions, many of whom were exchanging views and good and best practices for the first time. The main task of the proposed Group would be, on one hand, to develop a framework for all DC with some common principles and recommended rules of procedure, and on the other hand, to act as a convener of coalitions in order to further the open and constructive discussions that took place in Brazil. The Group would would work on obtaining organizational support in those areas where the Dynamic Coalitions may require support, look at areas of overlap and duplication and aim to create synergies among  DCs. It was suggested that it also serve as a liaison to both the IGF Secretariat and the MAG.

Members

To ensure the fairest and widest representation of the Dynamic Coalitions community, each coalition should encourage one or two of its members to serve as representatives and join the Group. Coalitions should establish their own processes, if needed, for determining which members will join, with the understanding that in any case the meetings are open and participation from others within their DCs is welcome.

The Members of the Group, in principle, should commit to:

·         Actively participate and contribute in the Group

·         As a  priority, consult and work with all members of the broader DC community

·         Represent the interests of the DC community as well as those of their own coalitions

·         Engage in respectful and constructive dialogue, both within the Group and in liaison functions

·         Communicate openly and transparently on the Group’s activities

·         Share DCs' work as well as DCCG recommendations in an open and transparent fashion

Group Activities and Procedures

I.   Working Tasks

The working tasks of the group should be adaptable to the changing activities of the DCs and their plurality of themes.

Some suggested main or core tasks of the Group are as follows:

·         Developing a framework of principles for all DC to follow, using as a potential baseline the “three opens”: open archives, open lists, open membership

·         Developing  additional recommended rules of procedure, including a procedure aimed at developing statements reflecting minority or dissenting viewpoints

·         Acting as a liaison to the IGF Secretariat and the MAG, including at face-to-face and virtual MAG  meetings throughout the year.

·         With the support of the IGF Secretariat, convening virtual meetings of all dynamic coalitions to discuss issues of common interest

·         Facilitating communication and taking a leading role in activities, inputs and outputs involving all DCs

·         Taking a leading role or nominating a suitable candidate to participate in any future main sessions devoted to dynamic coalitions at the IGF annual meeting

·         Facilitating collaboration between DCs on topics of shared interest

·         Reviewing DC outcomes and thoughtfully examining whether and how the work of DCs meets the relevant recommendations of the CSTD Working Group on Improvements to the IGF, and propose ways of enhancing DCs' work if necessary

·         Sharing recommendations with regard to the DC work with the IGF Secretariat and the MAG as well as with the entire IGF community  

·         Sharing good and best practices with each other in organisational aspects of DC work

·       Developing a framework for outreach to policy makers

II.  Meeting Procedures

The DC Coordination Group may opt to hold its meetings under the ‘Chatham House rule’, as the MAG traditionally does. In the same spirit, its discussions should be open to all observation and participation by interested outside parties. The meetings would be virtual and held as needed, with all dynamic coalitions meeting face-to-face at least once a year during the annual IGF. The DC Coordination Group should use the DCAD Accessibility Guidelines for all meetings and aim to use captioning technologies  to the extent possible at all meetings, be they conferenced telephone calls, remote and virtual meetings using conferencing tools and or physical meetings, so that persons with disabilities can follow and participate in the meetings.

If and whenever possible, the coordination group should strive to find opportunities to hold face-to-face meetings, notably during the regular biannual or triannual meetings of the MAG.