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ICANN83 Policy Forum: Key Highlights and Discussions

The ICANN83 Policy Forum is set to take place from June 9 to 12, 2025, in Prague, Czech Republic, bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders to engage in crucial discussions regarding the governance of the Internet. Organized by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), this pivotal forum will occur against the backdrop of significant global trends impacting the digital realm.

Context and Importance of the Forum

The timing of ICANN83 is particularly critical as the global Internet community prepares for the assessment of outcomes from the World Summit on the Information Society +20 (WSIS+20). This event will evaluate the progress made toward achieving digital development goals and reexamine how the Internet is governed, especially concerning the multistakeholder model, which is a hallmark of ICANN's approach.

Kurtis Lindqvist, ICANN's President and CEO, emphasizes the importance of ICANN83, stating, "In an era when the future of the Internet is debated globally, the ICANN83 is where practical solutions and policy converge." This remark underlines the forum's significance as a platform for stakeholders to advance decisions that will shape how the Internet operates and is accessed worldwide.

Focus on Key Issues

The forum will feature presentations and discussions on several essential policy issues surrounding the Domain Name System (DNS) and unique Internet identifiers. Participants will explore topics such as:

• - Technical Coordination: Ensuring the DNS operates smoothly and securely.
• - DNS Ecosystem Evolution: Adapting to changes and innovations in Internet technology.
• - Universal Acceptance: Strategies to ensure that all domain names and email addresses work universally.
• - DNS Abuse Mitigation: Addressing security threats and promoting safe usage of the DNS.
• - Next Round of gTLD Program: Discussions on the implications of new generic top-level domains.

The forum’s discussions aim to tackle not only technical matters but also broader implications of digital policy decisions that resonate on a global scale. Experts from various sectors—including governance, civil society, private industry, and technical communities—will come together to collaborate and share insights on these pressing topics.

Engagement and Participation

ICANN83 has been designed to allow extensive participation, welcoming both experienced stakeholders and newcomers to the discussions. The format supports workshops, community dialogues, and open engagement, whether participants join in person or remotely. This inclusivity ensures diverse perspectives are represented, fostering a collaborative environment crucial for addressing the complexities of Internet governance.

Local Support and Infrastructure

The event is being organized with the cooperation of CZ.NIC, the operator of the .cz country-code top-level domain. Ondřej Filip, CEO of CZ.NIC, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the ICANN community in Prague, stating, "We are pleased to welcome the ICANN community back to Prague and to support ongoing efforts that ensure the Internet remains stable, secure, and interconnected globally." This local collaboration bolsters the infrastructure essential for facilitating such significant discussions.

Registration and Access

Public meetings of ICANN are free and open to anyone interested in the coordination of unique Internet identifiers. Registration for in-person attendance is available until June 8, 2025, while remote participation options will also be accessible. For more details, attendees can visit the official ICANN83 website and access the meeting agenda.

Conclusion

As the world converges on Prague for the ICANN83 Policy Forum, the potential for impactful discussions and decisions is considerable. The forum not only highlights the critical issues facing the Internet today but also presents an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange ideas and collaborate on solutions that will shape the future of global Internet governance. The outcomes from this meeting may set the tone for Internet policy direction in the years to come, making participation essential for all those invested in the Internet's future.