The IETF is for Everyone: Toward Inclusive and Equitable Participation in Internet Governance
draft-attoumani-ietf-inclusion-00

Network Working Group                               K. ATTOUMANI MOHAMED
Internet-Draft                                     Chapitre ISOC Comores
Intended status: Informational                              8 April 2025
Expires: 10 October 2025

 The IETF is for Everyone: Toward Inclusive and Equitable Participation
                         in Internet Governance
                   draft-attoumani-ietf-inclusion-00

Abstract

   This document affirms that the governance and activities of the IETF
   must be inclusive, accessible, and safe for all individuals,
   regardless of geography, language, race, gender, or sexual
   orientation.  While the IETF promotes global Internet standards for
   everyone, structural and contextual barriers still limit the full and
   equal participation of many stakeholders, particularly from
   underrepresented regions and marginalized communities.  This draft
   proposes key principles and recommendations to ensure that IETF
   meetings and processes reflect the foundational values of openness,
   diversity, inclusion, and non-discrimination.

Status of This Memo

   This Internet-Draft is submitted in full conformance with the
   provisions of BCP 78 and BCP 79.

   Internet-Drafts are working documents of the Internet Engineering
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   This Internet-Draft will expire on 10 October 2025.

Copyright Notice

   Copyright (c) 2025 IETF Trust and the persons identified as the
   document authors.  All rights reserved.

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   This document is subject to BCP 78 and the IETF Trust's Legal
   Provisions Relating to IETF Documents (https://trustee.ietf.org/
   license-info) in effect on the date of publication of this document.
   Please review these documents carefully, as they describe your rights
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Table of Contents

   1.  Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2
   2.  Problem Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2
   3.  Principles for Inclusive Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3
   4.  Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3
   5.  The Value of Diversity and Multilingual Innovation  . . . . .   4
   6.  Conclusion  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
   7.  Acknowledgements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
   Appendix A.  Security Considerations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
   Appendix B.  IANA Considerations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
   Appendix C.  Author's Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
   Author's Address  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   6

1.  Introduction

   The IETF's mission to create a globally interoperable Internet cannot

   be fulfilled unless its governance is itself inclusive,

   representative, and accessible to all individuals, regardless of

   origin, language, identity, or location.

2.  Problem Statement

   Challenges include:

   - Hosting meetings in countries with policies that exclude groups

   (e.g., LGBTQ+);

   - English as the sole working language limits global participation;

   - High participation costs for attendees from developing countries;

   - Lack of support and safety mechanisms for newcomers or marginalized

   groups.

   Example: Hosting IETF 122 in San Francisco, while the U.S. federal

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   government disregards LGBTQ+ rights, may hinder safe participation.

3.  Principles for Inclusive Governance

   The following principles aim to ensure that IETF governance,

   meetings, and processes are inclusive in both design and

   implementation:

   - Zero tolerance for discrimination across all IETF spaces and

   interactions, including on the basis of race, gender, language,

   region, ability, or sexual orientation;

   - Safe, inclusive, and legally enabling meeting locations, selected

   with explicit consideration of local human rights and the freedom

   to participate without fear of exclusion or persecution;

   - Active inclusion strategies, not just openness—including targeted

   outreach, accessible documentation, and cultural sensitivity;

   - Linguistic and cultural diversity, promoted through multilingual

   interfaces, translated summaries, and AI-powered accessibility

   tools;

   - Equity-driven financial and technical support mechanisms,

   prioritizing participation from underrepresented regions and

   communities;

   - Inclusion as a measurable success metric, with regular public

   reporting on progress and challenges.

4.  Recommendations

   To operationalize the principles of inclusive governance, this draft

   recommends the following actions:

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   - Participation Impact Assessments should be systematically conducted

   for every proposed IETF meeting venue, evaluating risks related to

   discrimination, legal exclusion, and safety for all stakeholders;

   - Selection of host countries should prioritize jurisdictions with

   clear commitments to human rights, non-discrimination, and safe

   civic space, especially for marginalized groups;

   - Promotion of multilingualism through the use of AI-based
   translation

   tools, the availability of key documents in multiple languages, and

   the encouragement of multilingual interactions;

   - Expansion of mentoring and newcomer programs, with special focus on

   participants from developing economies, non-English-speaking

   regions, and underrepresented communities;

   - Creation of safe spaces during meetings and implementation of clear

   and visible enforcement mechanisms for the IETF's Code of Conduct;

   - Proactive inclusion of diverse voices in working groups,
   leadership,

   decision-making processes, and community consultations;

   - Annual publication of an "Inclusion and Accessibility Report",

   assessing progress and identifying ongoing gaps in diversity,

   equity, and participation.

5.  The Value of Diversity and Multilingual Innovation

   The diversity of perspectives—across cultures, economies, and lived

   experiences—has been shown to be a key driver of innovation and

   creativity.  For the Internet to truly serve everyone, it must evolve

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   in ways that reflect the diversity of global needs, contexts, and

   cultural habits.  In the age of Artificial Intelligence, multilingual

   systems offer a significant opportunity to improve accessibility to

   IETF work, display existing outputs in more languages, and facilitate

   better interactions across communities.  These innovations can
   amplify

   the participation of underrepresented voices and enhance the

   inclusiveness of the IETF process.

6.  Conclusion

   The Internet is a global resource.  The IETF must reflect this in its

   values, operations, and community engagement.  Everyone must feel
   safe,

   welcomed, and empowered to contribute.

7.  Acknowledgements

   Inspired by RFC 3271, RFC 8890, and the lived experiences of Global

   South and marginalized communities working for a better Internet.

Appendix A.  Security Considerations

   This document introduces no new protocol and has no security
   implications.

Appendix B.  IANA Considerations

   This document does not require any IANA actions.

Appendix C.  Author's Address

   Karim ATTOUMANI MOHAMED

   Chapitre ISOC Comores

   Email: karimattoumanimohamed@gmail.com

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Author's Address

   Karim ATTOUMANI MOHAMED
   Chapitre ISOC Comores
   Comoros
   Email: karimattoumanimohamed@gmail.com

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