[council] DNSO Secretariat and its Budget

[Elisabeth Porteneuve <Elisabeth.Porteneuve@cetp.ipsl.fr>]

The structure of ICANN and its Supporting Organizations is
international ex definitio, and some clauses are added to
ensure the cultural, linguistical and legal diversity
and collaboration are mandatory.

Behind ICANN setting up process there is a worldwide responsability
and a worldwide economy, the global village market.
To achieve the internationality and the basis for safe economy
one need to have diverses partners involved, concerned and confident.
The correct understanding of Internet issues requires that
staff working for ICANN and its Supporting Organizations
be internationally distributed.

What is the current situation ?

The ICANN offices are in California, and the worldwide partners
(not only NSI, incorporated in the US, but Registrars and
ccTLD Registries from 240 sovereign countries and territories,
as well as regional RIRs) commited or are commiting to contribute
to its budget (approx $US 5 millions per year, with the DNSO members
contributing for 90 percent of ICANN budget).
The DNSO Secretariat, European initiative since its origin is in Europe.
The DNSO budget (approx $US 250 thousands per year, 5 percent of ICANN
budget) and workplan is beeing submitted for decision to the Names Council. 
The Secretariat cost has been estimated minimal, the NC decision
is political not financial.
Among seven DNSO Constituencies, four have secretariats based in the US,
two have secretariats in Europe, one is making a call for proposals
(and expecting the responsability taken by Asia Pacific region).

The legitimacy of ICANN and its SOs comes from the responsability
of all partners to work together, and make it international.

Elisabeth Porteneuve