ICANN82 Community Forum: Strengthening Internet Stability and Security in Seattle

ICANN82 Community Forum: A Global Initiative for a Stable Internet

From March 8 to 13, 2025, Seattle will host the 82nd Public Meeting of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), known as the ICANN82 Community Forum. This gathering serves as an important platform for stakeholders around the globe to engage in vital discussions concerning policies related to Internet naming and numbering systems, essential for ensuring a stable and secure Internet.

Kurtis Lindqvist, the President and CEO of ICANN, emphasizes the significance of this forum by stating, "The ICANN Community Forum offers a unique opportunity to witness the multi-stakeholder governance model in action, promoting collaboration, accountability, and transparency across borders. This model is fundamental to the success and resilience of the global Internet ecosystem."

Emphasis on Collective Decision-Making

The ICANN82 gathering will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from civil society, the private sector, and governmental bodies. This collaborative environment is critical to addressing significant topics such as digital inclusion, the expansion of the Domain Name System (DNS), and maintaining Internet security and stability.

One key highlight of the forum will be the Excellence in Community Award, presented on the first day of the event. This recognition acknowledges community members for their exceptional commitment to collaborative solutions and their steadfast dedication to the multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance.

Importance of Registration

Participation in the ICANN82 Community Forum is free, but registration is mandatory. Registrations will close on March 7, 2025, and spontaneous attendance at the venue will not be permitted. There will also be options for remote participation for those unable to attend in person. For more information on registration and event details, participants are encouraged to visit the official ICANN82 Community Forum website.

The Mission of ICANN

Founded in 1998, ICANN's mission is to ensure the stable and secure operation of unique Internet identifiers. Every time an individual seeks to connect with another person online, they must enter a unique address—either a name or a number. The uniqueness of these identifiers ensures that computers can locate one another efficiently, contributing to a smoothly functioning Internet. This organization plays a critical role in coordinating the support for these unique identifiers worldwide, thereby enhancing global Internet coherence.

As we approach the ICANN82 Community Forum, the call for collaboration and effective policymaking to ensure a strong and stable Internet resonates more than ever. This forum not only highlights the importance of collective responsibility but also sets the stage for discussions that will shape the future of the Internet for years to come.