[Ncsg-discuss] Candidate Statement for NCUC Executive Committee (Latin America and the Caribbean)

[Umut Pajaro]

Dear NCUC community,

*1. Why do you want to serve on the Executive Committee (EC)?* Running for
EC LAC, I believe the Latin American and Caribbean region needs a
representative who can bridge the gap between technical Internet
Governance, education, and grassroots digital rights. With years of
experience within the multi-stakeholder ecosystem—from administrative
leadership to advocating for open knowledge, digital rights and open
standards—I have seen how non-commercial interests are often the most
vulnerable to policy decisions. My current work integrating digital rights
and technical tools in underserved communities has underscored that
internet access and digital rights are fundamental human rights. I want to
serve on the EC to ensure that NCUC remains a strong platform for inclusion
and diversity. The voices of non-commercial users in our region must not
only be heard but must also be influential in shaping GNSO policy.

*2. Biography, Relevance, and Conflict of Interest* *Biography:* I am
currently the Chapter President of the Internet Society (ISOC) Colombia,
where I drive initiatives focused on internet governance, community-driven
connectivity, cybersecurity, capacity building, and digital rights. As a
professional researcher and educator/curriculum designer, I recently
managed the "Reading and Writing Wikipedia in the Classroom" project in La
Guajira, Colombia, bringing open knowledge to hundreds of students and
teachers. In the broader Internet Governance ecosystem, I coordinated the
1st Edition of the Regional Cuir/Queer Forum for Internet Governance (Peru
Host), Youth LACIGF (2018 -2024), Youth IGF Colombia (2019 -2025), and The
ISOC Gender Standing Group (2019 - 2023, and in 2025). I also actively
contribute to the Policy Network on Artificial Intelligence (PNAI) as a
team lead for AI Liability discussion papers. I am also a candidate for the
Global Ethics Emerging Leaders in Ethical AI Governance Fellowship.

*Relevance:* My background provides a grassroots, pedagogical, and
policy-oriented view of the multi-stakeholder model. My experience with
ISOC Colombia, IGF, the ISOC Gender Standing group and other Internet
Governance spaces, such as the Digital EU-LAC Alliance, sharpens my ability
to manage complex regional stakeholder dynamics and administrative
frameworks. Professionally, my research and advocacy work in digital
rights, education and AI ethics allows me to bring a human-centric lens to
technical policy, ensuring that NCUC’s advocacy reflects the realities of
educators, activists, and civil society organizations across the region.

*Conflict of Interest:* No conflict of interest.

*3. Time Commitment* I am prepared to commit *5 to 8 hours per week* to my
EC responsibilities, with additional time dedicated during ICANN Public
Meetings and key policy comment periods. I am fully committed to the
duration of the term and view this role as a primary professional and
community priority.

*4. Meeting Attendance and Limitations* Based in Cartagena, Colombia
(UTC-5), I am well-positioned to represent the LAC region. While
early-morning or late-night calls are standard in global governance, I am
highly experienced in managing global schedules across different time
zones. I have no significant limitations regarding international travel—as
my recent and upcoming professional engagements in Europe, and Latin
America demonstrate—and I intend to attend all ICANN Public Meetings in
person to effectively represent our constituency.

*5. Communication with Membership* Transparency and engagement are
essential. To keep members apprised, I would:

   -

   *Monthly Summaries:* Provide concise EC Briefs via the NCUC/NCSG mailing
   lists summarizing *key decisions* and upcoming policy deadlines.
   -

   *Regional Huddles:* Organize quarterly informal online meetups for Latin
   American and Caribbean members to discuss region-specific concerns and
   gather feedback.
   -

   *Social Advocacy:* Utilize social media and other community platforms to
   highlight NCUC’s impact, making our work more accessible to new joiners and
   external stakeholders. *Tag each other!*

*6. Future Vision and Policy Focus* *The Future of NCUC:* I foresee NCUC’s
role expanding as a vital compass for ICANN. As the DNS faces increasing
pressure from regulatory regimes worldwide, NCUC must scale its capacity to
mentor new members from underrepresented regions, ensuring our expertise is
as diverse as the Internet itself.

*Policy Focus Areas:*

   -

   *WHOIS & Data Privacy:* We must continue to defend the privacy of
   non-commercial registrants, particularly for activists, educators, and NGOs
   who face real-world risks from data exposure.
   -

   *Ethical AI & DNS Governance:* Drawing on my work with PNAI, I believe
   we need more attention on the intersection of artificial intelligence and
   domain policies, ensuring that emerging tech governance does not
   disproportionately silence marginalized voices.
   -

   *Digital Inclusion & Open Knowledge:* Utilizing my experience with open
   platforms like Wikimedia, I will advocate for policies that treat digital
   literacy and linguistic inclusion as a right, not a technical luxury.

I am eager to bring my experience, and commitment to the NCUC Executive
Committee to ensure a trustworthy and inclusive Internet for everyone.

Best regards,

-- 
Umut Pajaro Velasquez *(Elle, Le /They, Them)*
Presidente Internet Society Colombia Chapter
Investigador Colaborador - IEEE SA
Consultorx e Investigadorx en ética y gobernanza de IA
Comunicadorx Social
MA en Estudios Culturales
----------------------------------
President, Internet Society Colombia Chapter
Collaborator Researcher - IEEE SA
AI ethics and Governance Consultant/Researcher
Communications Studies
MA Cultural Studies
—----------------------------------
Whatsapp: +573052494349
Telegram: @umutpajaro
(https://linktr.ee/elojodepajaro)
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