Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Skip to main content

ALAC Statement on the Proposed Bylaws Changes Regarding the Technical Liaison Group

Last Updated:
Date

Introduction

Rinalia Abdul Rahim, At-Large member from the Asian, Australasian and Pacific Islands Regional At-Large Organization (APRALO) composed an initial draft of this Statement [PDF, 231 KB] after discussion of the topic within At-Large and on the Mailing Lists. On 22 November 2013, this Statement was posted on the At-Large Proposed Bylaws Changes Regarding the Technical Liaison Group Workspace.

On 23 November 2013, Olivier Crépin-Leblond, Chair of the ALAC, requested ICANN Policy Staff in support of the ALAC to send a Call for Comments on the draft Statement to all At-Large members via the ALAC-Announce Mailing list.

On 9 December 2013, a version incorporating the comments received was posted on the aforementioned workspace and the Chair requested that Staff open an ALAC ratification vote on the proposed Statement.

On 16 December 2013, Staff confirmed that the online vote resulted in the ALAC endorsing the Statement with 12 votes in favor, 0 votes against, and 0 abstentions. You may review the result independently under: http://www.bigpulse.com/pollresults?code=36124cT4d7h3QB2IDih6zrFg

Summary

  1. The ALAC supports the intent of the proposed bylaw changes to increase the availability of technical advice to the Board as well as the effectiveness of the Technical Liaison Group. It is clear that the current modus operandi is not working and that it has not brought any benefit to ICANN in terms of advice. However, the ALAC is concerned that the order in which the changes are presented is out of line with the original recommendations of the Board technical relations WG findings.
  2. The ALAC understands that the proposal is not to disband the TLG altogether but to remove the TLG position from the ICANN Board. We call on the ICANN Board to make sure, in the substitution of the TLG position in the Board, that it be structurally replaced by constant access to the necessary technical competence, not only through a structured, distance consultation.
  3. The ALAC considers the actual elimination of the position of a technical liaison to the ICANN Board should not occur until, at least, a mechanism to seek regular advice from the Technical Liaison Group (TLG) be founded. This capability should be a permanent one and, provide for the ability of the technical constituencies to provide advice to the Board on an ongoing basis and not merely when requests are made.
  4. The ALAC is concerned that the proposed changes in the bylaws removes the TLG from appointing a delegate to the Nominating Committee. Given the concerns of having persons on the Board with sufficient technical expertise, this change should NOT be supported and the TLG should continue to be able to select a delegate to serve on the Nominating Committee.