#USA #Seattle #ICANN #Internet Governance

Strengthening a Stable Internet Together

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is set to host its 82nd public meeting, known as the Community Forum (ICANN82), in Seattle, Washington, from March 8 to 13, 2025. This forum serves as a vital gathering for stakeholders from around the globe to engage in significant discussions regarding policies related to the Internet's domain name system and numbering systems, which form the backbone of a stable and interoperable Internet.

Kurtis Lindqvist, the CEO of ICANN, stated, "The ICANN Community Forum provides a unique opportunity to witness the multistakeholder governance model of the Internet in action. This model is essential for promoting collaboration, accountability, and transparency beyond borders, which are crucial elements for the success and resilience of the global Internet ecosystem."

The Community Forum allows a diverse array of stakeholders, including civil society, private sector representatives, and government officials, to collaborate and share decision-making responsibilities. Among the various topics that will be addressed during ICANN82 are digital inclusion, the expansion of the domain name system, and the ongoing security and stability of the Internet.

Organizing for Excellence

In line with tradition, the ICANN Community Excellence Award will be presented on the first day of the forum to honor outstanding contributions by community members. This award recognizes individuals who have committed themselves to consensus-driven solutions and have significantly contributed to the multistakeholder model of ICANN.

Registration Information

Registration for the event is free and mandatory for all participants, with a deadline set for March 7. On-site registration will not be available, but remote participation options are offered. For additional details and registration instructions, interested parties can visit the ICANN82 Community Forum website.

About ICANN

ICANN's mission focuses on ensuring the stable and secure operation of unique Internet identifier systems. For a user to connect with someone else on the Internet, they need to input an address – a name or number – which must be unique to ensure proper identification between devices. ICANN coordinates these unique identifiers globally. Founded in 1998 as a nonprofit organization recognized for its public benefit, ICANN brings together participants from around the world within its community.

As the forum approaches, the anticipation grows for a productive week of discussions and collaboration aimed at building a stronger, more resilient Internet for everyone. Stakeholders are encouraged to engage in this critical dialogue as we collectively navigate the future of Internet governance.