Welcome to the 2006 European Global Event on domain Names and address systems on Internet. The main theme of this annual meeting organised by ISOC France, CCIP (Paris Chamber of Commerce) and MEDEF is "Internet is for every one!".

You are user or expert, you will be able to review all the aspects regarding the functioning and the use of today’s and tomorrow’s Internet governance. And participate on those topics discussion.

Since ICANN (Internet Corporation For Assigned Names and Numbers) was set-up by the American government in 1998, international Internet governance has undergone a simultaneous process of creation, transition and privatisation. The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) aimed to provide a global stage for discussions on the subject.

A global Forum on Internet Governance will be held in Athens at the end of 2006. It is a major event involving governments, international organisations (ITU for example), businesses and civil society representatives. The question is what impact this will have at a global level?

For its fifth year, EGENI focuses on these issues. The format remains unchanged with workshops held throughout the day on June 22nd 2006.

The 12 workshops will be designed to ensure participants are fully involved with smaller groups and more opportunities for questions from the floor.

Europe can weigh more heavily in the decision making process on subjects as diverse as technical coordination and governance, new technologies and how best to use them. EGENI aims to provide Europe's Internet community with a place to meet and share ideas and opinions. Together, we can strengthen our involvement in the future of the Internet.

Our discussions are more than ever relevant. To highlight the complexities of the issues at hand. To determine their potential impact on industry or the public sector and the implications for our personal freedoms, consumer rights, etc.

This year, the French chapter of ISOC celebrates its tenth anniversary.

On behalf of EGENI's organising committee, I wish you all a productive day.