Public Comment

Public Comment is a vital part of our multistakeholder model. It provides a mechanism for stakeholders to have their opinions and recommendations formally and publicly documented. It is an opportunity for the ICANN community to effect change and improve policies and operations.

Document Publication Operational Policy

Open: 8 September 09
Closed: 8 October 09

Explanation: In an effort to build on existing best practices, and to encourage the early sharing of documentation that is primarily intended for public review and discussion, a document publication operational policy [PDF, 146 KB] has been developed for use across ICANN at the organization’s international public meetings.

The intent of the operational policy is to provide a clear framework and guidelines for the consistent publication of work across the organization and so enable wide dialogue throughout the community. It will be reviewed in the light of each meeting in an effort to continuously improve ICANN operations.

That operational policy includes: a single 15-working-day deadline for all documents (including meetings agendas) ; best practice guidelines on the production of meeting agendas, cover sheets and executive summaries ; an emphasis on the use of plain language and minimised use of jargon; and sections considering the issues of translation, earlier provision of presentations, and reporting on the efficacy of the operational policy.

You are invited to discuss and comment any part of the policy online with suggestions for changes. You will need to register to add comments online. The results of the discussion will result in changes to the policy before it is put to the Board for review and approval.

The policy is split into clear sections to encourage focussed responses but at the same time, a number of broader questions are also asked below:
  • Is the community (and staff) prepared for the early provision of documents?
  • Are you sufficiently persuaded of the need for a document deadline to change established approaches and cultures?
  • How do we effectively tackle the issue of language/jargon?
Staff member responsible: Kieren McCarthy

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