China says scrap UN Internet governance forum

    Add new comment

    Date: 
    20 November 2009

    SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (AFP) - China on Wednesday called for the abolition of the UN's Internet Governance Forum, blasting it as a powerless gathering where IT heavyweight countries dominate.

    "Without any reforms to the IGF, it is not necessary to give it a five year extension," Chen Yin, head of the Chinese delegation, told the forum's fourth conference which wrapped up in the Egyptian resort of Sharm El-Sheikh.

    Other participants including the United States, Japan and the European Union backed a extension of the IGF's mandate.

    The UN Secretary General will decide whether to grant the five-year extension after he receives written submissions from delegates.