Fellows 2013

as of 5 August 2013

Name, country, institution	Academic background / interest
Humaid Al Basti, United Arab Emirates Telecommunication Regulatory Authority	Academic background: Humaid Al Basti holding Bachelor’s in e-Business management from Dubai Men’s College, United Arab Emirate (2012) and High school Diploma in General Business this included Economics, Finance and accounting. My job in the TRA mainly focuses in all aspects of Internet Governance and involvement with internet bodies such as IAB, ICANN, IETF, IRTF, IANA, IGF, ISOC etc. Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG: I am very interested in participating in this program, hoping to expand my knowledge and visibility of global internet governance.
Farzaneh Badii, Iran / Switzerland	Academic background: Bachelor Degree in Law (Iran) Masters Degree in International Commercial Law (England) Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG: My interest in attending Euro-SSIG is twofold. First, my work at the IGF Secretariat gives me a great insight into Internet governance related issues. I would like to build upon this insight from the academic perspective, and attending Euro-SSIG can greatly help me with this aim. Secondly, as a research student, attending Euro-SSIG will provide me with the opportunity to learn from some of the prominent role players in the field of Internet governance. I am hoping to use what I will learn at Euro-SSIG to actively contribute to the Internet governance related research projects that are under way and contribute to the ones that are already in progress.
Caroline Burle dos Santos Guimaraes, Brazil CGI.br/NIC.br/W3C Brazil	Academic background: I am graduated in International Relations at Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado (FAAP), in São Paulo, Brazil. I have a specialization degree in negotiations by Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV), in São Paulo, Brazil. I am now a graduating student in International Relations at Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), through the Program San Tiago Dantas. I will have my master's degree in March, 2014. Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG: I work at W3C Brazil Office, which is hosted by the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee (CGI.br) through the Brazilian Network Information Center (NIC.br). My daily job requires studies about Internet Governance. Furthermore, I am a graduating student at Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), and my master is about Open Government. The Summer School on Internet Governance would be a great opportunity to deepen my knowledge about Internet Governance and its related themes, as well as to have the opportunity to meet bright professors and students and to contribute to the debates.
Steffen Calsow, Germany dotversicherung-registry GmbH	Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG: I am quite new to the whole topic of internet governance. As an employee of Dotversicherung-registry GmbH I am very interested in internet governance and all topics that are associated with it, especially new gtlds.
Roger Caruth, St. Vincent and the Grenadines / United States of America Howard University	Academic background: Dr. Caruth holds a Ph.D. in Mass Communication and Media Studies from Howard University (2012); a J.D. from Atlanta's John Marshall Law School (1999); and MPA and BA degrees from Clark Atlanta University. His undergraduate studies focused on mass communications and on international administration and development. His juris doctor emphasized law in entertainment, business and technology. He served as an adjunct assistant professor and lecturer at Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business, and at Queens College’s Department of Political Science – both institutions part of the City of University of New York. He also taught at Georgia Perimeter College’s Department of History and Political Science, where he taught courses in speech, group discussion, family business, public service, public administration, the judicial process, American government, politics, and media law. He recently completed a faculty internship at Frederick Community College through Howard’s Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) Program. I am interested in studying International Communications with a focus on the use of information communications technology (ICT) tools, e.g., social media, to improve the quality and standard of life of Caribbean communities in the region and abroad. Specific areas of research include: media policy, law, education, politics, health, economics, culture, agribusiness, tourism and hospitality,and energy development. Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG: Participation in the 2013 European Summer School on Internet Governance would provide me with an invaluable opportunity to grow academically, professionally and experientially in the field of Communications. My research interests center around examining how the power of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are impacting underrepresented communities in the United States and internationally, and more specifically, how these communities can use these technologies to effectively engage government about services and resources, seek employment opportunities, mobilize and advocate for common causes, and better utilize ICTs as a social integration tool. The Internet has transformed communications practices to allow for robust exchange between receiver and sender. The ICTs provide vital two-way communication tools that can supplement print, broadcast and Internet marketing and outreach campaigns by delivering information and providing the receiver with various ways to interact with that information. An April 2009 survey by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project showed 63 percent of adult Americans have broadband Internet connections versus more than 80 percent of Americans who have cell phones—and nearly 99 percent have access to at least one cell phone. For example, mobile devices are becoming more attractive than ever as cellular phones are quickly approaching 100% penetration among all demographics in domestic and international markets. ICTs are heavily used by underrepresented communities but attract significantly less attention of policy-makers and other stakeholders unlike its predecessor, the Internet. Studying issues surrounding the policy-level concerns that affect minority communities is integral to change and can positively impact these communities. 2013 European Summer School on Internet Governance will allow me to build upon my understanding of the law, politics, communications and business, enabling me to contribute to the telecommunications public policy arena pertaining to underrepresented communities domestically and internationally.
Zuzana Duracinska, Czech Republic CZ.NIC	Academic background: I have started my studies of political science in 2008 and graduated in 2013. I got my Master degree in may 2013. I have finished my studies by diploma thesis of E-Government. For my comparative analysis I have chosen to compare level and development of E-Government in Slovakia, Czech republic and Estonia. I have done internship in Slovakia´s department of Information society in Ministry of Finances and later on in CZ.NIC - operator of the CZ top-level domain and provider of CZ.NIC-CSIRT team. Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG: As I have started working for CZ.NIC in january 2013 my interest for Internet development was rising. By getting involved in various CZ.NIC projects for development of public education in the area of Internet usage, I could have developed my interest and believe for unprecedent usage of Internet services for citizens. As a former political science student and starting member of CSIRT team I believe that scheduled program for EURO-SSIG 2013 will provide my very usefull informations for my further personal and professional development.
Ekatarina Dureva, Bulgaria UNICART Ltd	Academic background: My Bachelor's Degree is in Information Technologies, Technical University, Sofia, Bulgaria. I have graduated with Master's Degree in International Project Management from University of National and World Economy, Bulgaria. Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG: I am interested in Internet governance issues since last year. Although I have participated in a few domain related meetings, my knowledge in this field is still poor. My currently position at UNICART, a member of the CORE Association, is Project Associate and I am responsible for maintenance of the domain registrar business unit - Regia.bg. I also participate and lead some of the company projects for new gTLDs. I am one of the co-organizers of the unique for the Balkan region event Domain Forum. I have participated in an ICANN working group – the GNSO Thick WHOIS PDP Drafting Team. I have a lot to learn. The participation in Euro-SSIG will expand my knowledge about Internet governance and infrastructure, as well as will enhance my technical skills in order to prepare other internet related projects.
Shai Guttman, Belgium ALDE Group / European Parliament	Academic background: 9/2007 – 08/2009 Master History of International Relations, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands 9/2003 – 6/2007 Bachelor of History, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands Minor European Studies Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG: Due to an early fascination with global developments I chose to study history at the University of Amsterdam. Within the framework of this study I specialized in the History of International Relations. The emergence of the internet is playing an increasingly big role within the sphere of international relations. I find many web related issues interesting because the internet has the ability to change our world in rapid pace. In my current job as a policy adviser in the European Parliament I advise on Data Protection issues and other issues that concern Civil Liberties and Justice & Home Affairs. About a month ago I visited an event organized by MEP Marietje Schaake and ICANN on the issue of internet governance. I found very interesting and I am convinced of the great importance of a open internet which is governed through stakeholders. It appears the interstate fight over governance of the internet ‘is getting hotter and not cooler after WCIT’. European Commissioner Neelie Kroes as talked about “preventing a cold war on the internet”. Nation states and other stakeholders will have to work together to effectively use the potential the internet brings for development. I would like to learn more about the different approaches that exist with regards to internet governance. I am fascinated by the complex interaction of several issues like intellectual property, cyber security and human rights that all touch the internet governance and it is crucial for me to better understand the interconnectedness of the different topics. I like the fact that the summer school will be visited by people from all over the world. In order to find future solutions for governing the internet we should enable inclusive discussions. I would like to develop substantial insight into the different aspects that characterize internet governance. It is a subject on which I want to work professionally as a policy maker in the future. The Summer School on internet Governance makes it possible to build up solid knowledge and I would gratefully take use of this opportunity.
Dixi Hawtin, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Global Partners	Academic background: MA Understanding and Securing Human Rights, University of London, Institute of Commonwealth Studies (2007- 2008) LLB Law, University of Warwick (2003 – 2006) International Baccalaureate, Atlantic College, United World Colleges (2001 - 2003) Higher level: Economics, English, Biology. Standard level: Politics, Mathematics, French Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG: I have been involved in internet governance issues, from a human rights perspective, since February 2010. During that time I have been involved heavily in the Internet Governance Forums (including at national and regional levels) organising and participating in workshops, and chairing the Internet Rights and Principles Dynamic Coalition (I have currently stepped down as chair and am active on the Steering Committee). I have also had the opportunity to research and write a number of top-level reports looking at the implications of the Internet for human rights, the opportunities and challenges of protecting the public interest in the dispersed internet governance regime, and regulatory approaches to protecting the right to privacy online in various countries across the globe. In the last two years I have become very involved working with civil society in the global south (particularly in South Asia) to support them to engage more actively in internet governance discussions to support human rights. While I feel I have grown a lot over the last three years, and feel like I have a strong understanding of the relationship between the internet and human right, I also feel that there are many gaps in my knowledge – particularly in terms of a technical understanding of the internet, and of technical governance of the internet – that ultimately hold me back. As the internet is a complex ecosystem, I believe it is very important to have a good understanding of the whole to allow you to be effective in the smaller section in which you specialise. In addition, with our partners in India (the Internet Democracy Project) we are looking in to building an Internet Rights Institute for activists in South Asia. This course could really help me to understand what elements of the broader internet governance regime activists will need to learn about. For these reasons I would really welcome and appreciate the opportunity to participate in the Euro-SSIG.
Arina Kamarudin, Malaysia University of Southampton	Academic background: LL.B (Hons); MCL, International Islamic University Malaysia, Mphil/ PhD candidate, Univ. of Southampton. Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG: I am currently investigating on the data privacy and security of electronic payment system in Malaysia. Since the law on personal data protection is relatively new in the country, I strongly feel that there is a need for a critical analysis on the adequacy of protection given by the government to consumers who opt for electronic payment system and this includes the protection for privacy of information given while using the system. Even though my initial research is on data protection, I believe that learning about internet governance will assist me in understanding the global world of internet, thus carving a better path for my research. Objectifying with internet governance will promote a better understanding towards some of the relevant issues pertaining to the current trend, the theme of the World Wide Web (www), what is lacking, the pattern and the similarities that a global scale brings to local regions i.e. North America, Europe, Asia etc. Furthermore, it is imperative that I sit for this summer school in order to strengthen my background knowledge on Internet & Communication Technology (ICT) since I do not come from that domain. Additionally, the overall technical setup or implementation for the usual electronic payment system (e-payment) involves numerous stakeholders and policy to begin which may include clients, banking system, third party authentication layer, Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), encryption method (public/private key, MD5 etc) and other Service Level Agreement (SLA) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that the banking system has provided to further fortify the overall security towards the service rendered to it’s customers. I am particularly interested in cyber law because it is still at an infant stage in my country as we are still unable to reach to the point that we can pervasively talk about ethics and attitude revolving the cyber world. I am hoping that this research would serve as a catalyst towards an improved legal system for online users particularly in Malaysia if not the world. I would like to end this paragraph on the notion that some changes are better than none at all, and I truly believe that positive changes is good for all humanity.
Lea Kaspar, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Global Partners	Academic background: MSc Global Governance and Ethics, University College London, U. of London, 2010 – 2011 Certificate, International Relations and Economics, Georgetown University, 2008 – 2008 MA Comparative Literature/ Hispanic Studies, University of Zagreb, 2002 – 2008 Certificate, International Relations, London School of Economics and Political Science, 2007 – 2007 Exchange semester, Hispanic Literature, Universidad Catolica de Chile, 2006 – 2006 Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG:As a project manager at Global Partners, I have been managing a range of projects at the intersection of internet policy, digital communications and human rights since early 2012. Through my work, I have developed a particular focus on internet governance and multi-stakeholderism, which now form a large part of my project portfolio. In addressing internet governance, the projects I manage tackle the problem of democratic deficit through a two prong approach – by facilitating bottom-up empowerment (especially in the Global South) and by providing policy advice to governments and decision-makers. In December 2012, I managed a grant aimed at assisting Global South civil society representatives to engage in the WCIT by funding their research efforts and their participation at the conference. I also had the opportunity to sit on a Mozilla Foundation grant-making group to secure additional funding for civil society. In Dubai, I acted as a focal point for a number of groups on the ground and facilitated information sharing between participants. Simultaneously, I have been actively participating in the consultation process with the UK government on internet governance issues and this March, I was invited to join the UK government’s multi-stakeholder Advisory Group on Internet Governance. My recently published report that maps upcoming internet governance debates and forums (http://global-partners.co.uk/?publications=internet-governance-mapping-the-battleground) was used as a background paper for framing the Advisory Group’s strategy on internet governance. Currently, I am finalising a research paper on perspectives of major Global South states on internet governance, which is aimed at improving policy-makers’ understanding of the changing geo-political environment. In the upcoming period, I will be participating in a number of IG-related conferences, including the WTPF, the WSIS Forum, and the Freedom Online Coalition annual Conference in Tunisia. My approach to this field is influenced by globalisation studies and theories of international relations. In many ways, internet governance poses unprecedented challenges to traditional models of policy-making enshrined in the Westphalian system of sovereign states – and, depending on the outcomes of current debates, it could be a game-changer in the evolution of global governance. Should an appropriate multi-stakeholder model for addressing internet-related public policy issues be found, its transformative potential for representative democracy could be revolutionary. Being a part of this process is a rewarding experience, but also one that requires continuous research and reflection about its potential implications. This balance of theory and practice is difficult to attain during busy project periods, and I often find it challenging to grasp the full extent of the field I am working in. I think I would particularly benefit from a better overview of the technical aspects of internet governance, a part of the internet regulation environment that I am least familiar with. Coming from a policy background, I am most interested in whether and how the multi-stakeholder model characteristic of governance of internet’s technical resources could now be applied to the field of internet-related public policy. In my work with governments and civil society, this is the most inquired about issue, but it is the one where no adequate solutions have yet been found. This program would be an invaluable opportunity to solidify my understanding of these issues, build a stronger theoretical rooting for the projects I develop, and give new quality to my work. In addition, I would be interested in meeting other people involved in this field, hearing their views, and sharing my ideas and experiences.
Ines Kefel, Belgium Institute for European Studies - Vrije Universiteit Brussel	Academic background: I have a professional bachelor cum laude in Graphic and Digital Design at Artesis Hogeschool Antwerpen during which I did an exchange program for 6 months to The Hague University. In June, I will graduate as an academic bachelor in communication studies and as a Msc. Information Society & Globalization. Currently, I am combining dissertation-work with a research-internship at the Institute for European Studies (VUB), where I am doing research on Internet governance since September 2012 until July 2013. My research focuses on ICANN's GAC and ITU's PP's and the policy network around Belgian actors in Internet governance. I have a.o. performed expert interviews with people in the field of Internet governance (ICANN, CENTR, DNS.be, CEPT, Belgian federal dep. of Economy, DG Connect) At the IES I took part in an intensive three-day seminar on the institutions and decision-making processes of the EU. Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG: I have knowledge about the Belgian policy network in Internet governance, however I want to know more about the international field, where I only focussed on the GAC and ITU PP's until now. I also want to have better insights in the current issues in the field and how this will evolve in the future. The field of Internet governance is a very exciting topic anno 2013-2020 and I think it might be bound to undergo some or many transformations in the future. I would like to meet people from diverse regions in the world, to discuss what their experiences are and have an insight in what their views are on current issues in Internet governance. This summer school is a wonderful opportunity to meet people from all over the world and have people-to-people debates and discussions. Reading about the topic in books and articles can be very enlightening; however in my opinion real-life exchange of views and experiences is exponentially more interesting.
Narine Khachatryan, Armenia Media Education Center	Academic background: 1994 - Yerevan State University - MSc, Physics 2011 - DiploFoundation Internet Governance Capacity Building Program Foundation Phase, Advanced Course in Cyber Security, Policy Research Course in Network Neutrality 2011 - ISOC Next Generation Leaders Program ‘Shaping the Internet – History and Futures' Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG:I believe that Euro-SSIG is a good opportunity to become more knowledgeable in Internet Governance issues. I have a strong interest in human rights aspects of Internet Governance and the relationships between technological advancement and the democratic developments of different nations. The Media Education Center, which I represent, is a Yerevan-based non-governmental organization, promoting media and Information literacy in Armenia. The Center promotes the usage of media to enhance democratic communication, civic and cultural participation through a variety of educational initiatives. We build the capacity of Armenian citizens through sharing skills, methodologies and resources: organize training programs, provide with educational materials, tools, e-platforms for collaboration and participation. Media Education Center is actively involved in Internet Governance issues, by making input in policy development and raising awareness about positive and responsible usage of ICTs, the digital citizenship and other issues. As a member of eNACSO, our organization works towards the common goal – better on-line environment for children. Media Education Center participates in EuroDIG organizational network, IGF, the Working Group on Armenian IGF and since 2012 has been recognized as ALS under ICANN Bylaws. Since 2009 I have been engaged as an expert/speaker/org. team member in the European Dialog on Internet Governance. I have been interested, in particular, how to empower people to meet the new social and technological challenges posed by evolving digital environments, how to educate them about their rights and freedoms on the Internet? How to empower them to make informed choices when more and more commercial interests reign over the Internet?
Jarle Langeland, Norway	Academic background: LLM. University of Oslo - thesis on data retention, Studies in political science, University of Oslo Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG: Internet governance is a highly interesting field which involves both, technology, law and multi-stakeholder policy making. I have been looking into courses in this area for some time, and are applying to this course to learn more about Internet Governance by the actors themselves. The EURO-SSIG seems like a great opportunity to get a thorough introduction to the area.
Balbine Manga, Cameroon Lawyer	Academic background: Licence en Droit Prive, Université de Yaoundé 2, Cameroun Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG: l apply to the fellow programme to improve my knowledge in internet governance process. l am a lawyer interested by the ICT matters. l am collecting laws referring to ICT in my country and will like to do so with all the African legislation in ITC, l have attended a few IGF meeting, and l would like to know more about internet governance challenges and issues. l have put on a work group, with ICT technicians and law professionals and l am sure the fellowship programme will help me to get more knowledge and skills, that l will share with my colleagues of the working group. l have also joined the ISOC chapter of my country.
Jackson Miake, Vanuatu Office of the Government Chief Information Officer	Academic background: Bachelor of Science (Computer Science). Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG: I am interested to learn more about Internet Governance and organizations and entities that IG is associated to, to help our office participate in ITU meetings in the future with our contributions that make an impact especially on IG. Also it is a good opportunity to network with professionals in the field of IG, to explore, share and exchange knowledge for the development of internet in the Pacific region.
Iheanyi Nwankwo, Nigeria Institution for Legal Informatics, Leibniz University Hannover	Academic background: LL.B Nig, LLM Hannover, Currently a PhD student Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG: My research is on legal aspect of cloud computing, which basically hinges on the use of the Internet. This programme will give me the background knowledge of the backbone of the cloud.
Olha Luchka, Ukraine Independent media trade union of Ukraine	Academic background: L'viv National University named after Ivan Franko, Law faculty, faculty of journalist, The 4th year of studying VIII International Summer School on Media Law (Kyiv, 16.07-03.08.12) Alpbach Summer School of European Integration (Kyiv, June 2010) Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG: As a journalist, I work fully in online media (portals Zbruc and iPress). My materials are on legal issues, including intellectual property law and Internet law. That's why I am interested in the Internet regulation issues to work effectively as online-journalist and know more about the areas of my articles. My important part of activity is work in the L'viv branch of Independent media trade union of Ukraine on the position of executive secretary. We are working with journalists' rights protection, and I am coordinator of this legal direction. We face with a lot of cases of the copyright violations, censorship and defamation in the Internet. Because of it I want to know more about views on Internet governance and international mechanisms of rights' protection in the Internet. Also this legal component includes my education at law faculty, where I write and discuss scientific works on intellectual property law within the civil law scientific circle. And finally, it's very important to discuss new knowledge and ideas of projects in the Internet governance area with participants of school. Looking forward to further cooperating between us after the School. I'll share the gained knowledge with my colleagues with help of discussions and further projects realization.
Andrii Paziuk, Ukraine ISOC Ukraine	Academic background: Institute of International Relations, Taras Shevchenko National University, Kyiv, Ukraine 2012-2014 Postdoctoral (Doctorantura) research and study program elaboration on International Internet Law, lecturer 1999-2004 PhD International Law thesis defended on Personal Data Protection and Transborder Data Flows 1996 LLM Jurisprudence Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG: It will allow to share knowledge on Internet governance among the new generation of law-students and advocate multistakeholder concept for policy-making at CIS region.
Matthias Pfeiffer, Germany dotversicherung-registry GmbH	Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG:As the CTO of the .versicherung and .reise TLD Project i want to take a closer look to internet governance and how it works.
Shawn Powers, United States of America Georgia State University	Academic background: Shawn Powers (Ph.D., University of Southern California, 2009) is an associate director at the Center for International Media Education and an assistant professor of communication at Georgia State University. Dr. Powers specializes in international political communication, with particular attention to the geopolitics of information and information technologies. He’s currently writing a book on the political economy of internet freedom. Dr. Powers and co-leads GSU’s study abroad program to Istanbul, Turkey titled, “Media, Journalism and Business in a Global Context.” Powers is also an occasional commentator for CNN International, The Guardian, Al Jazeera English, and National Public Radio. Previously, Powers co-directed the annual Annenberg-Oxford Summer Institute on Media, Policy and Law at Oxford University (UK) and was a visiting assistant professorship overseeing USC Annenberg’s London Program in conjunction with a research fellowship at the London School of Economics and Political Science. He has traveled widely in the Middle East connecting to his own ethnographic and social scientific research as well as to the study of public diplomacy, and has received funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the U.S. Institute of Peace and the U.S. Department of State. Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG: I am currently completing a book manuscript, recently placed under contract with the University of Illinois Press, analyzing the political economy of internet freedom. The book’s working hypothesis suggests efforts to create a singular, universal internet built upon Western legal, political and social preferences alongside the promulgation of a universal human right to internet connectivity (Clinton 2010) are driven primarily by economic and geopolitical motivations. The Euro-SSIG program would provide me the opportunity to better understand the multi-layer, multi-stakeholder structure of internet governance. In particular, how the different actors and organizations interact, what their institutional missions and goals are, and the current controversies each faces are of tremendous interest to me. Moreover, additional detail regarding the technical standards involved in internet governance are of great interest, as one important aspect I am examining relates to the politics of design as it relates to the internet use and policy. The wide range of speakers from industry and the academy are terrific, and ideal for me to learn from and discourse with regarding my book project. I would be honored if admitted to join the program! Thank you, in advance, for your consideration.
Gertrude Dora Osae Addo, Ghana Internet Society Ghana Chapter	Academic background: I am a holder of BSc. Computer Science and Statistics and an MSc Marketing Management (candidate) at the Ghana Institute of Management and Professional Administration, due to graduate in December 2013. Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG: The subject of Internet Governance is little known and among the politician and the ordinary citizen in Ghana. It is for this reason why majority of the signatories to the ITR Treaty in Dubai in 2012 were from developing countries including Ghana. My participation in the Euro-SSIG 2013 will equip me with the right skills and knowledge to enable me create awareness about the subject and also initiate train-the-trainer workshops through the ISOC Ghana Chapter where I am the Financial Controller to allow for the widespread understanding and awareness of issues relating to Internet Governance.
Lenandlar Singh, Guyana University of Guyana	Academic background: MSc - Internet Applications Development BSc - Computer Science PG Dip Ed - Methods of Teaching Mathematics Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science, University of Guyana since 2000 Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG: I have completed a number of courses on internet governance from Diplo Foundation. In particular i have recently completed the ISOC NGL 12 Course on Internet Governance with distinction. My interest in Internet Governance is rooted in my belief that it is a critical area of important especially for developing countries. I am currently developing a course on Internet Governance for undergraduates and i am involved in research in cyber security policy mechanisms. Euro-SSIG will be a great push for me towards achieving my objectives of better understanding internet governance and contributing to the discourse via policy involvement and research and teaching.
Oleksandr Tsaruk, Ukraine Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Committee on Informatization and Informational Technologies	Academic background: Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University, Faculty of Economics, Post graduate study, major – financial statistics. Dissertation: Statistical Analysis and Estimation of Government Debt., Ph.D. in Economics Kyiv National Taras Shevchenko University, Faculty of Economics major – accounting and audit, Master of economics Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG: I believe that by using best practices provided by Euro-SSIG 2013 my work at parliament on regulations and legislation improvement will get powerful impetus. I am also confident that Euro-SSIG is the best place to meet professional responsible for Interment Governance and spread the experience to Ukraine.
Patricia Vargas-Leon, Peru School of Information Studies - Syracuse University	Academic background: Patricia Vargas is currently a PhD candidate in the school of Information Studies at Syracuse University in New York. She has a law degree from the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru with specialization in International Law and Law of the Sea, and a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Sciences with a focus in legal research from Syracuse University. Patricia practiced law for eight years in Peru and was also a consultant for the division of ocean affairs and law of the sea United Nations; her current research focuses on the area of information policies, with emphasis on Internet governance taking into account considerations on national security, civil liberties, and government attempts to "shut down" the Internet (“Internet kill switch”) and implement policies for the surveillance of social networks. Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG: I would like to participate in the Euro-SSIG because I need more exposure and gain more knowledge about other aspects related to the Internet governance debate, other than the legal ones, such as political, economic, technical and social implications. Coming from a developing country (Peru) that is amending its telecommunications laws and increasing the broadband, the Internet is becoming in an important communication tool, which represents new challenges for the future. Since it is my interest to participate critically in the decisions of the government and contribute to the academic sector, I think the Euro-SSIG would offer to me the possibility of learning of the experience of countries and organization from whom the developing world could benefit when regulating the Internet. The situation in Latin America has become critical because countries’ opinions in Latin America about the new proposal for an RTA prepared for the ITU. For personal research purposes, my area of interest borders with issues like freedom of expression, privacy and network neutrality, all of them sensitive topics in the agenda of Latin American countries.
Loreta Valeria Vioiu, Romania Council of Europe	Academic background: Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Bucharest, Romania, 1993 National School of Political Studies and Public Administration, Bucharest, Romania, 1997 Please explain why you are interested to participate at the Euro-SSIG: To increase my knowledge and understanding on Internet governance neccesary for my daily work, to exchange views and ideas with experts working in the same field.