Report on Travel to NZ for NZNOG and ICANN meetings Wellington
Prepared by
Andrew A Molivurae
April 2006
Representing: Self, VFSC and Vanuatu Internet Society (Vignet)
Introduction
This report is intended for those who might be interested in this particular tour. The reasons behind this tour are as follows:
- Technical training
- To obtain information about such meetings that may help in Vanuatu.
- Understand the levels internet governance
- Learn how other Pacific islands have dealt with challenges and new ideas.
Funding
This tour was funded by two parties. I had applied for funding from the Pacific Internet Partners and it was approved for partial funding. I also applied to my boss, the Vanuatu Financial Services Commissioner who was kind enough to approve the other part of the funding. I express sincere gratitude towards these two organizations. The PIP process was good as it does not take to long to process. At least the applicant is required to submit everything to meet the criteria. I am looking forward to applying for funding for other conferences such as PAVNOG and PacInet 2006 in Samoa.
NZNOG Meeting 22-24 March
This meeting was a very technical meeting which includes tutorials. I had managed to attend the following: IPv6, Firewall Virtualization by IBM and the "Who is Database" by APNIC on the first day. These tutorials have broadened my understanding about the topics as they were presented by highly qualified and experienced network engineers. The other two days were spent listening to presentations by various engineers on various issues as listed on the NZNOG website (www.nznog.org).
ICANN Meeting 27-31 March
The ICANN meeting seemed a special treat since I have heard of the event during PacInet 2005 on Tarawa and during that time I have hoped I could attend just to understand what these meetings are all about. I attended the opening ceremony and everyday after. I had enjoyed the public forum discussions where people from around the world discuss matters relating to internet governance. The most interesting day was on Friday 31st March, the "Pasifika" day where pacific island communities shared their experiences while others learn. I had learned a lot and was so fortunate to be allowed a 3 minute presentation on the Vanuatu Internet Society. I was happy to get some feedback straight after my presention from some people who think they can help in one way or another towards internet development in Vanuatu.
Sharing of Information
All information from both meetings will be compiled and shared among the members of our internet society in Vanuatu. I will push for the registration of the Vanuatu Internet Society as a charitable organization with the regulator of companies and organizations (Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (www.vfsc.vu)) as well as other relevant bodies in the region.
Summary
I have learned a lot from these two important meetings and I believe this knowledge will assist my work and the Vanuatu internet community. I am currently in discussions with Ian Thompson of 2020 Trust for a small project for Secondary schools in Port Vila and I see this as a big achievement from this trip which makes me smile.