ICANN Expands U.S. Presence with Meetings in Washington D.C. and Seattle

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has recently announced the addition of Washington D.C. to its calendar of upcoming meetings and the rescheduling of a previously postponed meeting in Seattle. This move underscores ICANN’s commitment to fostering global internet governance and policy development through collaborative, in-person forums.

ICANN77 Policy Forum in Washington D.C.

From June 12th to 15th, 2023, Washington D.C. will host the ICANN77 Policy Forum. This event is a significant opportunity for stakeholders from around the world to engage in crucial discussions and contribute to the shaping of internet policies. The choice of Washington D.C. as the venue is particularly noteworthy, given its role as the home of the U.S. government and the headquarters of key internet infrastructure organizations such as Verisign and the Public Interest Registry (PIR). These organizations play vital roles in the Domain Name System (DNS), making Washington D.C. a strategic location for this important policy forum.

The ICANN77 Policy Forum will provide a platform for in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics, including:

The future of the DNS and its role in ensuring a stable and secure internet.
Policy considerations related to new generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs).
Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) and their impact on global accessibility.
The ongoing evolution of internet governance and multistakeholder collaboration.
Addressing cybersecurity threats and protecting the integrity of the DNS.

The presence of Verisign and PIR in Washington D.C. will facilitate greater collaboration and knowledge sharing during the ICANN77 Policy Forum. Verisign, as the operator of the .com and .net registries, plays a critical role in maintaining the stability and security of the internet’s infrastructure. PIR, as the operator of the .org registry, is dedicated to serving the public interest through its management of this important domain space. Their involvement in the forum will provide valuable insights and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the internet community.

Rescheduled ICANN82 Community Forum in Seattle

In addition to the Washington D.C. meeting, ICANN has also announced the rescheduling of the ICANN82 Community Forum, which will now take place in Seattle from March 8th to 13th, 2025. Seattle was originally slated to host an ICANN meeting in the fall of 2020, but those plans were disrupted by the global pandemic. The rescheduling of this meeting underscores ICANN’s commitment to holding in-person events and fostering a sense of community among its stakeholders.

The ICANN82 Community Forum will bring together a diverse group of individuals and organizations from around the world, including:

Government representatives
Business leaders
Technical experts
Civil society organizations
Academics
Individual internet users

This forum will provide an opportunity for these stakeholders to engage in open and constructive dialogue on a variety of issues related to internet governance and policy. The agenda for the ICANN82 Community Forum will be developed in consultation with the community, ensuring that the topics discussed are relevant and timely. Key areas of focus are likely to include:

The ongoing development of ICANN’s strategic plan.
Efforts to promote multilingualism and diversity on the internet.
The role of ICANN in addressing emerging challenges such as data privacy and cybersecurity.
The importance of multistakeholder collaboration in shaping the future of the internet.
Ensuring equitable access to the internet for all.

Seattle’s vibrant technology sector and its proximity to leading internet companies make it an ideal location for the ICANN82 Community Forum. The city’s innovative spirit and its commitment to fostering collaboration will create a welcoming and productive environment for participants.

ICANN’s Return to In-Person Meetings

The announcement of the Washington D.C. and Seattle meetings represents a significant step forward for ICANN as it seeks to resume in-person gatherings after a long period of virtual events. ICANN recognizes the importance of face-to-face interactions in fostering collaboration, building relationships, and advancing its mission. The organization is committed to ensuring the health and safety of its participants and will continue to monitor the global health situation closely as it plans for these upcoming events.

ICANN is also planning to hold its first in-person meeting since 2019 next month in The Hague. ICANN74 is scheduled to take place from June 13th to 16th and will provide a valuable opportunity for the ICANN community to reconnect and address pressing issues facing the internet. This meeting will serve as a model for future in-person events and will help ICANN refine its protocols for ensuring the safety and well-being of its participants.

The resumption of in-person meetings is crucial for ICANN’s ability to effectively carry out its mandate to coordinate the internet’s unique identifier systems and ensure its stable and secure operation. By bringing together stakeholders from around the world, ICANN can foster a more collaborative and inclusive approach to internet governance, leading to better outcomes for the entire internet community.

These upcoming meetings in Washington D.C., Seattle, and The Hague represent a renewed commitment to open dialogue, collaboration, and the multistakeholder model of internet governance. ICANN encourages all interested parties to participate in these important events and contribute to the shaping of the future of the internet.

The internet is a global resource that requires careful stewardship and collaboration to ensure its continued growth and evolution. ICANN plays a vital role in this process, and its commitment to holding in-person meetings is a testament to its dedication to fostering a strong and vibrant internet community.