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ICANN Policy Crew Skips Kuala Lumpur, Goes Virtual

ICANN Kuala Lumpur Meeting Moves Online: Navigating Domain Governance in the Age of COVID-19

Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers - ICANN Meeting Going Virtual

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the organization responsible for coordinating the global internet’s domain name system, has announced the formal cancellation of its in-person Policy Forum, originally scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this coming June. This decision, driven by the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, marks a significant shift in how ICANN conducts its vital policy discussions and stakeholder engagement. The Kuala Lumpur meeting will now transition to a fully online format, mirroring the approach taken with the previous meeting planned for Cancun, Mexico.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Global Internet Governance

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted nearly every facet of global society, and the realm of internet governance is no exception. Travel restrictions, social distancing measures, and concerns for public health have forced organizations like ICANN to adapt and embrace virtual platforms to maintain continuity in their operations. The decision to move the Kuala Lumpur meeting online reflects a commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of ICANN’s global community of stakeholders, while simultaneously ensuring the crucial work of shaping internet policy can continue uninterrupted.

The shift to online meetings presents both challenges and opportunities. While the spontaneity and informal networking that characterize in-person gatherings may be difficult to replicate in a virtual environment, online platforms offer the potential for increased accessibility and broader participation. Individuals who may have been unable to attend in-person meetings due to travel costs, visa restrictions, or other logistical constraints can now engage in ICANN’s policy discussions from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.

Lessons Learned from the Cancun Virtual Meeting

The experience of holding the Cancun meeting online earlier this year provided valuable insights into the best practices for conducting virtual ICANN events. While initial concerns existed regarding the effectiveness of online discussions and the ability to foster meaningful collaboration, feedback from participants was generally positive. The online format allowed for a wider range of voices to be heard and facilitated a more structured approach to policy debates. ICANN has undoubtedly taken these lessons into account when planning the online Kuala Lumpur meeting.

Key takeaways from the Cancun experience likely include the importance of:

  • Robust technical infrastructure: Ensuring a reliable and stable online platform that can accommodate a large number of participants and support simultaneous discussions in multiple languages.
  • Clear communication and moderation: Providing clear instructions and guidance to participants on how to navigate the online platform and ensuring effective moderation of discussions to maintain focus and productivity.
  • Engaging and interactive formats: Employing a variety of interactive tools and techniques, such as polls, Q&A sessions, and breakout groups, to keep participants engaged and encourage active participation.
  • Accessibility and inclusivity: Addressing potential accessibility barriers, such as language differences and technical limitations, to ensure that all participants can fully engage in the discussions.

Looking Ahead: Hamburg and Beyond

Following the online Policy Forum, ICANN’s Annual General Meeting is currently slated to take place in Hamburg, Germany, in October. However, given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the feasibility of holding an in-person meeting in Hamburg remains uncertain. Similarly, the planned “return” to Cancun in March of next year should also be considered tentative at this point. ICANN is likely to continue monitoring the global health situation closely and will make decisions regarding future meetings based on the best available information and guidance from public health authorities.

In the meantime, ICANN encourages all participants to exercise caution when making travel arrangements and to ensure that their bookings are fully refundable. The organization is committed to providing timely updates and clear communication regarding any changes to its meeting schedule.

The Future of Internet Governance: A Hybrid Approach?

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of virtual platforms for meetings and events across a wide range of industries and sectors. While the long-term impact of this shift remains to be seen, it is likely that virtual and hybrid models will continue to play a significant role in the future of internet governance. As the world adapts to a “new normal,” organizations like ICANN may explore ways to combine the benefits of in-person and online meetings to create more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable platforms for policy discussions.

A hybrid approach could involve holding smaller, regional in-person meetings alongside larger virtual gatherings, or offering remote participation options for individuals who are unable to travel to physical events. This would allow for the spontaneity and networking opportunities of in-person interactions, while also leveraging the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of online platforms. The key will be to find the right balance between these two approaches to maximize participation and ensure that all stakeholders have the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing evolution of internet governance.

ICANN’s Commitment to a Stable and Secure Internet

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, ICANN remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a stable, secure, and unified global internet. The organization’s work in coordinating the domain name system is essential to the functioning of the internet, and its policy discussions play a crucial role in shaping the future of the online world. By adapting to the changing circumstances and embracing new technologies, ICANN is demonstrating its resilience and its dedication to serving the global internet community.

The move to online meetings is just one example of how ICANN is innovating and evolving to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The organization is also actively engaged in addressing issues such as cybersecurity, data privacy, and the digital divide, all of which are critical to ensuring that the internet remains a valuable resource for all of humanity.

Staying Informed: How to Engage with ICANN

For those interested in staying informed about ICANN’s activities and engaging in its policy discussions, there are several ways to get involved:

  • Visit the ICANN website: The ICANN website (www.icann.org) is the primary source of information about the organization’s activities, policies, and upcoming events.
  • Subscribe to ICANN’s mailing lists: ICANN offers a variety of mailing lists that provide updates on specific topics, such as policy development, security, and outreach.
  • Participate in online forums and webinars: ICANN regularly hosts online forums and webinars to discuss important issues and gather feedback from stakeholders.
  • Attend ICANN meetings (virtual or in-person): ICANN meetings provide opportunities to network with other stakeholders, participate in policy discussions, and learn about the latest developments in internet governance.
  • Follow ICANN on social media: ICANN maintains active social media accounts on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, where it shares news, announcements, and updates on its activities.

By engaging with ICANN and participating in its policy discussions, individuals and organizations can play a vital role in shaping the future of the internet and ensuring that it remains a force for good in the world.

Conclusion: Embracing Change and Shaping the Future of the Internet

The decision to move the ICANN Kuala Lumpur meeting online reflects the organization’s commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of its global community, while also ensuring that the crucial work of shaping internet policy can continue uninterrupted. The experience of holding the Cancun meeting online provided valuable lessons that will inform the planning and execution of future virtual events. As ICANN navigates the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is likely to explore new and innovative approaches to stakeholder engagement, including hybrid models that combine the benefits of in-person and online interactions. By embracing change and adapting to the evolving landscape of internet governance, ICANN is ensuring that it remains a vital and effective organization in the 21st century.