ICANN84 in Dublin: A Pivotal Meeting for the Future of the Internet Governance

ICANN84: A Defining Moment for Internet Governance

The 84th Public Meeting of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), known as ICANN84, will occur in Dublin, Ireland, from October 25 to 30, 2025. This year's meeting is hosted by the Internet Neutral Exchange Association (INEX) and is poised to bring together stakeholders from various sectors, including government representatives, civil society, businesses, and technical communities from all corners of the globe.

A Critical Time for the Internet

The timing of ICANN84 is particularly significant. It takes place just weeks before the United Nations’ review of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20). This review assesses two decades of progress in global digital cooperation, making it a pivotal moment for discussions surrounding Internet governance. Concurrently, ICANN is ramping up preparations for the next round of the New Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) program, set to formally launch the application process in April 2026. This will allow organizations to apply for new domain extensions beyond familiar ones such as .com or .org.

A major focus of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be the appointment of new members to the board, marking a transition period not only for leadership roles but also for reflecting on the organization's successes and charting plans for the upcoming year.

Key Outcomes Expected at ICANN84

One highlight anticipated during ICANN84 is the approval of the final version of the Application Guide for the next round of new gTLDs. This decision will facilitate the opening of the application window in April 2026. Additionally, the meeting will provide a comprehensive platform to discuss the future of Internet governance, linking closely to the upcoming discussions for WSIS+20.

The involvement of co-facilitators appointed by the UN for WSIS+20 is expected to enrich these discussions. As neutral representatives, they will guide the review process and help broker consensus-driven outcomes. Their presence reaffirms ICANN84's role as a crucial multistakeholder forum where the technical community plays a central role in shaping the future of the Internet.

Kurtis Lindqvist, President and CEO of ICANN, stated, "ICANN84 arrives at a critical juncture for Internet governance, particularly with the WSIS+20 review and the forthcoming gTLD round. This meeting aims to forge a secure, interoperable, and open future for the Internet, highlighting the importance of a multistakeholder model that integrates governments, businesses, and technical communities."

Eileen Gallagher, Executive Director of INEX, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the significance of collaboration within the Internet ecosystem. "As we approach the conclusion of the WSIS+20 process, the discussions at ICANN84 are instrumental in defining how the Internet will serve individuals and communities globally for years to come. We're excited to welcome the international Internet community back to Dublin at this critical time for Internet governance,” Gallagher remarked.

Registration and Participation

Participants wishing to attend in person can register until October 23, 2025, while remote attendance options will also be available. Prospective attendees can find further details and registration information on the ICANN84 meeting's official website.

About ICANN

Founded in 1998 as a nonprofit corporation, ICANN’s mission is to ensure a global, unified, stable, and secure Internet. By coordinating unique identifiers that allow devices to connect over the Internet, ICANN plays an essential role in maintaining the operational integrity of the web.

About INEX

Established in 1996, INEX serves as Ireland's Internet interconnection point, facilitating IP interconnections without profit motives. Its membership is open to any organization that can benefit from interconnecting its IP traffic, and currently, 113 members leverage these services.

This upcoming ICANN84 meeting thus stands not only as a forum for pivotal discussions but also as a celebration of the collaborative spirit that has enabled the Internet to evolve into the essential global resource it represents today.