Nomination for Fellowship To The ITU’s World Telecommunication Development Conference 2017 (WTDC-17) – Deadline June 30

The Internet Society invites expressions of interest from chapter members for fellowships to the ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina on 9-20 October 2017.

The World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC) is a key development conference hosted by the ITU every four years. This conference sets the ITU’s telecommunication/ICTs development agenda for the next four-year period (2018-2021). The theme for the 2017 conference is “ICTs for Sustainable Development Goals.”

ISOC Objectives for WTDC 2017

  • ITU Development Sector remain focused on its core development activities that have been successful in expanding access to telecommunications/ICTs.
  • Solidify ISOC’s profile as a trusted collaborator, partner, and expert in the field of Internet Development.
  • Maintain scope of WTDC within ITU’s mandate e.g. BAP’s scope does not widen to include a role for ITU in Internet policy matters
  • Encourage governments to commit to multistakeholder principles to tackle some of the telecommunications/ICTs development challenges

About the Fellowship

The fellowship provides travel support to cover costs of the meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It includes roundtrip economy class airline ticket, hotel for 12 days, visa expenses (if needed) and per diem for meals and ground transportation.

Internet Society Chapters are local communities that share an interest and belief in our principles and mission and who are committed to furthering our goals and objectives within your geographic or special interest area. Therefore, chapter members are a powerful voice locally to inform their national delegations about the importance of Internet access for everyone as well as providing voices during WTDC-17 to advance Internet Society positions in the several parallel sessions. In this spirit, the Internet Society would like to extend the opportunity to 4 members by supporting their attendance to WTDC-17. While all qualified candidates are welcome, we strongly encouraging members from currently under-represented areas to nominate candidates. In this light, nominations of candidates from Africa, Asia Pacific, Central and South America and women are encouraged.

Any chapter member interested to apply should review and fully understand the criteria and responsibilities outlined below. The selection process will take place as follows:

  • Interested applicants should send a letter of interest by June 30 outlining:
    • how their experience will contribute to the Internet Society efforts at WTDC-17. This could include active Chapter events on topics/issues relevant to ICT Development, and/or articles or previous participation at either national or regional or International ICT development conferences/events, etc.
    • how they fulfill the criteria set out below; and
    • Provide a referee, e.g. another Internet Society chapter or member.
  • A selection committee will review the applications based on the criteria below;
  • Selected chapter members will be announced by 10 July, 2017.
  • Please email applications to [email protected]
  • Criteria for Selection

Selected Chapter members will play a critical role in efforts to promote Internet Society principles and positions at WTDC-17. Selected individuals will be expected to be part of the preparations for WTDC-17 and participate fully in the work on the ground in Buenos Aires.

Commitment – Selection as an Internet Society representative entails commitment by the individuals to attend sessions, prepare assignments and assist in the overall accomplishment of objectives for the meeting.

Advocacy – for Internet Society agreed principles, mission and specific positions for each event so that anyone representing the Internet Society will be speaking and responding with the same context.

Preparation – delegates are responsible for delegation preparation, planning and specific assignments to develop Internet Society positions for the conference.

Empowerment – regional diversity is important. Delegates from developing countries or emerging economies will be preferred;

Expertise – clear and demonstrable awareness of ICT development issues either local, regional or global.  Specific expertise with the ITU Development Sector and issues on the WTDC-17 agenda is helpful.

Communication skills – working language is English and the candidate must have full professional proficiency in English.

Responsibilities of appointees

Serving on the Internet Society delegation is an important undertaking and will require significant commitment and effort by the representatives. Below you can find a non-exhaustive list of expected activities that will be required from selected candidates:

  • Active participation in Internet Society preparatory meetings both prior to and during WTDC-17;
  • Regular communication and updates to the Internet Society delegation regarding national/regional developments ahead of and at WTDC-17;
  • Full report highlighting the progress made and impact of the meeting results in your country/region;
  • Must adhere to and promote Internet Society principles and strategic objectives;
  • Cooperation with Internet Society staff and other Internet Society Chapter representatives to promote engagement and advocacy efforts on the ground; and
  • Must commit to being at the meeting on Monday, 9 October 2017.

Timeline

  • Call opens for applications: 1 June 2017
  • Call closes for applications: 30 June 2017
  • Selection announcement: 10 July 2017
  • WTDC-17 Period: 9 – 20 October 2017

For further information, please contact [email protected].