Leaders Come Together in Hanoi for ICANN's DNS Forum on Multilingual Internet

ICANN's DNS Forum in Hanoi: A Step Towards Multilingual Internet

The fourth Domain Name System (DNS) Forum, organized by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), is set to take place on May 8-9, 2025, in Hanoi, Vietnam. This pivotal event aims to gather regional and international experts to discuss the future of a multilingual Internet.

Hosted at the InterContinental Hanoi Landmark 72, the forum will serve as a vital platform for dialogue among stakeholders regarding the role of linguistic and script diversity in achieving broader accessibility across the web. This initiative is particularly significant as it seeks to bring the online experience closer to millions who may struggle with the current limitations on language and script usage in DNS.

One of the key features of the forum will be the opening plenary session, where panelists will delve into the evolution of the Internet and domain name spaces. They will address existing initiatives aimed at connecting the next billion Internet users and fostering an inclusive digital environment. Notably, discussions will include a retrospective analysis of the WSIS+20 outcomes and their implications for the Asia-Pacific region.

Notable figures such as ICANN Chair Tripti Sinha and President and CEO Kurtis Lindqvist will be part of this enlightening exchange, alongside board members from ICANN and representatives from VNNIC, various businesses, and civil society actors. Samiran Gupta, ICANN's Vice President and Executive Director for APAC, expressed excitement over the event, remarking, "We are thrilled to be in Hanoi, a city rich in history and culture, and look forward to hearing regional voices on critical Internet future topics."

Nguyen Hong Thang, General Director of VNNIC, also highlighted the honor of hosting this significant event. He stated, "VNNIC is proud to be the local host of the APAC DNS Forum, an important gathering for those involved in domain name matters across the Asia-Pacific region. We hope participants will enjoy a fruitful dialogue about the safe and reliable development of domain names with our theme 'Internet for All' at the forefront."

The ICANN has previously hosted DNS forums across various regions, including Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Each event shares the common goal of facilitating collaboration, networking, and the exchange of ideas in the domain name sector. What's unique about the 2025 edition is its timing, coinciding with the 2025 Contracted Parties Summit and the 2025 Universal Acceptance Day, which will also take place in the same venue.

The events preceding the forum include a networking session on May 7. Attendees will enjoy single registration access to all the upcoming sessions, including the DNS Forum, the Contracted Parties Summit, and Universal Acceptance Day. Both in-person and virtual registrations are available through the provided link.

ICANN's mission remains to secure a unified, stable, and safe global Internet. By ensuring that every address, whether a name or a number, is unique, ICANN plays a crucial role in connecting devices and ensuring seamless communication online. Established as a nonprofit public benefit corporation in 1998, ICANN is composed of a diverse community of participants from around the world.