ICANN Selects Mumbai and Lisbon as Future Community Forum Locations

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has officially announced the host cities for its upcoming Community Forum meetings in 2026 and 2027. These forums serve as vital platforms for global internet governance discussions, bringing together stakeholders from around the world to address critical issues impacting the internet ecosystem.

The Gateway of India, a landmark in Mumbai, India, one of the host cities for the ICANN Community Forum.

Mumbai to Host the 2026 Community Forum

In 2026, the vibrant and bustling city of Mumbai, India, will welcome the ICANN community. The Community Forum is scheduled to take place from March 7th to March 12th, 2026, at the Jio World Convention Centre. Mumbai, a major economic and cultural hub, offers a dynamic backdrop for discussions on internet policy and governance. The Jio World Convention Centre, a state-of-the-art facility, will provide an ideal venue for the event, ensuring a seamless and productive experience for all participants.

India’s growing digital economy and its increasing role in global technology make Mumbai a strategic choice for hosting the Community Forum. The event will provide a valuable opportunity for participants to engage with local stakeholders, learn about the unique challenges and opportunities facing the Indian internet landscape, and contribute to the development of inclusive and sustainable internet policies.

Lisbon Selected for the 2027 Community Forum

Following Mumbai, the picturesque city of Lisbon, Portugal, will host the 2027 Community Forum. From March 13th to March 18th, 2027, the Lisbon Congress Center will serve as the meeting point for the global internet community. Lisbon, with its rich history and modern infrastructure, offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation, making it an appealing destination for international gatherings.

The Lisbon Congress Center, a premier venue for conferences and events, boasts world-class facilities and a convenient location, ensuring a comfortable and productive experience for attendees. Portugal’s commitment to digital innovation and its strategic position within Europe make Lisbon an excellent choice for hosting the Community Forum. The event will provide a platform for participants to explore the latest developments in European internet policy and to engage with stakeholders from across the continent.

ICANN’s Commitment to Global Engagement

The selection of Mumbai and Lisbon as host cities underscores ICANN’s commitment to engaging with diverse communities and promoting global participation in internet governance. By rotating its meetings across different regions, ICANN aims to foster a more inclusive and representative decision-making process, ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders are heard.

The Community Forums are integral to ICANN’s mission of ensuring a stable, secure, and unified global internet. These meetings provide a platform for open dialogue, collaboration, and the development of policies that shape the future of the internet. Participants include representatives from governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and the technical community, all working together to address the challenges and opportunities facing the internet ecosystem.

Upcoming ICANN Meetings: Prague and Muscat

Before the Community Forums in Mumbai and Lisbon, ICANN has two other significant meetings on its calendar. The Policy Forum will be held in Prague, Czechia, from June 9th to June 12th, 2025. This forum focuses on the development and refinement of internet policies, providing a crucial opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the policy-making process.

Following the Policy Forum, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place in Muscat, Oman, from October 25th to October 30th, 2025. The AGM is ICANN’s largest and most comprehensive meeting, bringing together stakeholders from around the world to discuss the organization’s strategic direction and to address key issues facing the internet community.

Stay Informed and Get Involved

ICANN encourages all interested individuals and organizations to participate in its meetings and to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on internet governance. Whether you are a seasoned expert or a newcomer to the field, your voice is valuable and your participation is essential.

The Community Forums in Mumbai and Lisbon, along with the Policy Forum in Prague and the AGM in Muscat, offer unique opportunities to learn, network, and contribute to the future of the internet. By engaging with ICANN, you can help shape the policies and practices that govern the internet and ensure that it remains a valuable resource for all.

For more information about ICANN’s meetings, including registration details and program updates, please visit the official ICANN meetings website: https://meetings.icann.org/en/. We encourage you to explore the website and to consider participating in these important events.

The Importance of Global Internet Governance

In an increasingly interconnected world, the importance of global internet governance cannot be overstated. The internet has become an indispensable tool for communication, commerce, education, and countless other aspects of modern life. Ensuring that the internet remains open, accessible, and secure is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration and cooperation among all stakeholders.

ICANN plays a crucial role in this effort by coordinating the internet’s unique identifiers, including domain names, IP addresses, and protocol parameters. This coordination is essential for maintaining the stability and functionality of the internet. However, ICANN’s role extends beyond technical coordination to encompass policy development and stakeholder engagement.

The Community Forums, Policy Forums, and Annual General Meetings provide platforms for stakeholders to come together, share their perspectives, and work collaboratively to address the challenges and opportunities facing the internet. These meetings are essential for fostering a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable system of internet governance.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Internet Governance

As the internet continues to evolve and expand, the need for effective and inclusive governance will only grow stronger. New technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, are creating both opportunities and challenges for the internet ecosystem. Addressing these challenges and harnessing these opportunities will require ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and innovation.

ICANN is committed to facilitating this dialogue and to working with stakeholders to shape the future of internet governance. The upcoming meetings in Prague, Muscat, Mumbai, and Lisbon provide valuable opportunities to contribute to this effort and to help ensure that the internet remains a valuable resource for all of humanity.

We encourage you to stay informed, get involved, and join us in shaping the future of the internet.