#USA #Seattle #Internet Governance #ICANN82 Forum #Kurtis Lindqvist

ICANN82 Community Forum: A Platform for Global Internet Collaboration

The upcoming ICANN82 Community Forum, organized by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), promises to be a significant event in the world of internet governance. Set to take place from March 8 to 13, 2025, in Seattle, Washington, this forum will serve as a gathering point for stakeholders worldwide, where crucial discussions will revolve around policies that underpin the internet's naming and numbering systems.

Purpose and Importance of the Forum

ICANN's community forums have always been a pivotal avenue for fostering collaboration among influential stakeholders from various sectors, including civil society, the private sector, and governments. The aim is to ensure that the internet remains stable, secure, and interoperable for all users globally. As emphasized by Kurtis Lindqvist, President and CEO of ICANN, this event allows participants to observe the multistakeholder model of internet governance in action. This model is essential for driving cooperation, accountability, and transparency across borders, which are fundamental for the resilience of the global internet ecosystem.

Key Themes and Discussions

The discussions during the ICANN82 will dive into critical themes such as:

• - Digital Inclusion: Ensuring that all communities have equitable access to the internet.
• - Expansion of the Domain Name System: Discussing potential improvements and developments within the DNS.
• - Internet Security and Stability: Addressing challenges and strategies to enhance the safety of internet infrastructures.

These discussions are crucial not only for the future of internet governance but also for the betterment of global access and use of an essential resource that has become integral to daily life and communication.

Celebrating Community Contributions

As part of the forum's commitment to recognizing outstanding efforts within its community, the Community Excellence Award will be presented on the first day of the event. This award honors ICANN community members who have made significant contributions through consensus-driven solutions and have actively participated in enhancing the multistakeholder model of internet governance.

Registration and Participation

Participation in the ICANN82 Community Forum is open to all interested parties. However, registration is mandatory and free of charge, closing on March 7, 2025. On-site registration will not be available, but remote participation options will provide opportunities for those unable to physically attend. For further details and to register, prospective attendees can visit the official ICANN82 Community Forum website.

About ICANN

Founded in 1998, ICANN operates as a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the stable and secure operation of the internet's unique identification systems. Its role is crucial, as to connect with any other person online, an address—whether a name or a number—needs to be entered into a computer or device. This address must be unique for successful communication between computers. ICANN coordinates the global infrastructure of these identifiers, working globally to enhance internet access.

The ICANN82 Community Forum represents a unique opportunity to engage with thought leaders, policymakers, and influencers in the field of internet governance. As the world continues to rely more heavily on the internet, efforts from forums like ICANN82 will shape a resilient digital future that is accessible and secure for all.