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ICANN84 in Dublin: Transforming Internet Regulation

The upcoming ICANN84 conference is poised to be a landmark event in the evolution of internet governance, scheduled from October 25-30, 2025 at the Convention Centre Dublin, Ireland. This annual general meeting (AGM), hosted by the Internet Neutral Exchange Association (INEX), will welcome participants from all over the globe, representing a broad spectrum of stakeholders including governments, the civil society, the business sector, and the technical community.

At a critical juncture for the global internet, ICANN84 is strategically timed just weeks before the World Summit on the Information Society+20 (WSIS+20), where the UN will reflect on two decades of advancement in global digital collaboration. Moreover, this meeting will coincide with ICANN's preparations for the launch of the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Next Round program, slated to open applications for new domain endings beyond the familiar .com and .org in April 2026.

During the AGM, participants will dive deep into discussions on the future of internet governance, which is especially relevant as participants work towards the final approval of the applicant guidebook for the New gTLD Next Round program. The outcomes of this meeting are expected to set the stage for a new application window next April, making ICANN84 a vital precursor to the future landscape of domain names on the internet.

One of the anticipated highlights of ICANN84 is a robust dialogue concerning the overarching future of internet governance. This conversation will be bolstered by the presence of co-moderators from WSIS+20, who are tasked with leading the review process and achieving consensus among stakeholders. Their participation underscores ICANN84's role as a neutral platform for discussion, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among various interest groups in shaping the future of the internet.

Kurtis Lindqvist, President and CEO of ICANN, noted the significance of this gathering, stating, "ICANN84 arrives at a crucial moment for the future of the Internet, focusing on the governance of the internet, from the WSIS+20 review to the upcoming gTLD round. This meeting is about ensuring the Internet remains safe, interoperable, and accessible for all. It showcases the importance of the multistakeholder model - where governments, businesses, and the technical community work hand in hand to maintain a cohesive and global internet presence."

Eileen Gallagher, Executive Director of INEX, reiterated the impact of discussions at the ICANN84, saying, "As the WSIS+20 process draws to a close, the dialogues at ICANN84 will shape how the internet serves communities worldwide in the years to come. We believe in the power of collaboration and using the internet as a force for good. Dublin is a fitting host for such open and forward-thinking discussions, recognizing the potential of what can be achieved through partnership."

Participants can register for in-person attendance until October 23, 2025, with a virtual attendance option available as well. Further details and registration can be found on the ICANN84 Meeting website.

The primary mission of ICANN is to ensure a stable, secure, and unified global internet. To connect with others online, users must enter a unique address a name or number into their devices, facilitating the ability of computers to locate one another. ICANN plays a crucial role in coordinating and supporting these unique identifiers globally. Established as a non-profit organization in 1998, ICANN maintains a vibrant community of participants from around the world.

INEX, on its part, serves as the internet peering hub for the Irish Isles, functioning as a neutral, not-for-profit association since its inception in 1996. With 113 members currently benefiting from IP peering services, INEX is a cornerstone of the internet ecosystem in Ireland.

In conclusion, with ICANN84 just around the corner, all eyes will be on Dublin, where the future of the internet governance will be hotly debated, and crucial decisions will be made that will resonate globally for years to come.