August 2025 - AFRI-Discuss - lists.icann.org

Proposal for ICANN84 AFRALO–AfrICANN Joint Statement Topic
by Abubakari Saddiq Adams Sept. 12, 2025

Sept. 12, 2025

Dear AFRALO Secretariat and Community Members, In preparation for our ICANN84 joint statement, I would like to propose the following topic for consideration: Bridging the Digital Divide & Internet Fragmentation Risks The principle of “One World, One Internet” remains central to ICANN’s mission, yet Africa continues to face challenges of unequal access, affordability, and emerging risks of Internet fragmentation. If not addressed, these issues may deepen the digital divide and limit Africa’s full participation in the global digital economy. Through this joint statement, AFRALO–AfrICANN can: Highlight the urgent need to bridge connectivity and affordability gaps in Africa. Emphasize the role of ICANN policies in ensuring inclusivity and preventing digital exclusion. Call for stronger ICANN engagement with African stakeholders to resist pressures of fragmentation and ensure an open, secure, and interoperable Internet. I believe this focus will allow AFRALO–AfrICANN to reaffirm our commitment to Internet unity while addressing Africa’s unique challenges and priorities within ICANN’s global agenda. Sincerely, Abubakari Saddiq Adams

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REGISTER / Meeting Invitation: APRALO Policy Forum Webinar: "Statement Development: Two Case Studies" on Wednesday, 10 September 2025 at 06:00 UTC
by ICANN At-Large Staff Aug. 28, 2025

Aug. 28, 2025

Dear All, APRALO Policy Forum Webinar: "Statement Development: Two Case Studies" is scheduled on Wednesday, 10 September 2025 at 06:00 UTC for 60 minutes. For other times: https://tinyurl.com/mut7wnuz The agenda and call details can be found at: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/Y4BwGQ Zoom Registration Link: https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/wc4RcQRQSn-bDDrUqsbRoQ (After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.) APRALO Policy Forum Wiki Workspace: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/OOrdBg Thank you. Kind Regards, At-Large Staff ICANN Policy Staff in support of the At-Large Community Website: atlarge.icann.org<https://atlarge.icann.org/>

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[ICANN84 - Statement] - Call for Topics : Joint AFRALO-AfrICANN meeting / Appel à proposition de thèmes pour la Réunion Conjointe AFRALO-AfrICANN
by Hervé Hounzandji Aug. 26, 2025

Aug. 26, 2025

--- En français en bas *Dear Community Members,* Preparations for the *ICANN84 Annual General Meeting (Dublin, 25-30 Oct 2025)* are underway, and we need your expertise to shape our* joint AFRALO-AfrICANN statement*. We would first like to thank *Prof. Aziz Hilali* and *Mr. Seth Adjei Gyimah* for their leadership as penholders for our successful ICANN82 and ICANN83 statements. To continue this momentum, we are soliciting *topic proposals* for our ICANN84 joint meeting. *What key ICANN issues should we focus on?* *Please share your ideas by Monday 15 September 2025 at : afri-discuss(a)icann.org <afri-discuss(a)icann.org> * You can find inspiration from our past work here: https://community.icann.org/display/AFRALO/Joint+AFRALO-AfrICANN+Statements… We look forward to hearing from you and building an impact statement together. Sincerely, -- Herve Setondji HOUNZANDJI AFRALO Secretariat (On behalf of AFRALO Leadership Team) ------- *Chers membres de la communauté,* Les préparatifs de la *réunion générale annuelle ICANN84 (Dublin, 25-30 octobre 2025)* sont en cours, et nous avons besoin de votre expertise pour façonner notre *déclaration conjointe AFRALO-AfrICANN*. Nous tenons tout d'abord à remercier le *professeur Aziz Hilali* et *M. Seth Adjei Gyimah* pour leur leadership en tant que rédacteurs en chef de nos déclarations réussies lors des ICANN82 et ICANN83. Pour poursuivre sur cette lancée, nous sollicitons vos *propositions de thèmes* pour notre réunion conjointe de l'ICANN84. *Quelles sont les questions clés de l'ICANN sur lesquelles nous devrions nous concentrer ?* *Merci de partager vos idées avant le Lundi 15 septembre 2025 à l'adresse : afri-discuss(a)icann.org <afri-discuss(a)icann.org>* Vous pouvez trouver une source d'inspiration dans nos travaux antérieurs ici : https://community.icann.org/display/AFRALO/Joint+AFRALO-AfrICANN+Statements… Dans l'attente de vous lire, nous sommes impatients de construire ensemble une déclaration impactante. Cordialement, -- Hervé Sètondji HOUNZANDJI Secrétaire AFRALO (Au nom de l'équipe des Leaders d'AFRALO)

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FINAL REMINDER: Call for Members - 2025-2026 BMSPC and BCEC Members for Board Seat Seat 15 Selection Process
by Heidi Ullrich Aug. 24, 2025

Aug. 24, 2025

Dear All, Many thanks to those who have submitted their EOIs for the BCEC and BMSPC for the Board Seat 15 Selection Process. The deadline for applying to be members of these groups is 23:59 UTC on Sunday, 24 August 2025. If you are interested, please send a note to At-Large staff at staff(a)atlarge.icann.org<mailto:staff@atlarge.icann.org> specifying which committee(s) the application is for and attach an Expression of Interest (EoI) explaining your interest and citing any applicable experience/knowledge. Kind regards, Heidi From: Heidi Ullrich <Heidi.Ullrich(a)icann.org> Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 10:19 AM To: "afri-discuss(a)icann.org" <afri-discuss(a)icann.org> Cc: Jonathan Zuck <JZuck(a)innovatorsnetwork.org>, Alan Greenberg <greenberg.alan(a)gmail.com>, Olivier MJ Crepin-Leblond <ocl(a)gih.com>, ICANN Staff <staff(a)atlarge.icann.org> Subject: REMINDER: Call for Members - 2025-2026 BMSPC and BCEC Members for Board Seat Seat 15 Selection Process Dear All, To prepare for the selection of the Seat 15 Board Member selected by At-Large to be seated at the October 2026 Annual General Meeting, Jonathan Zuck, the Chair of the ALAC, has asked staff to make an immediate call for members of the two groups which will be responsible for moving the process forward. According to the ALAC Rules of Procedure (2025<https://tinyurl.com/ALAC-RoP-2025-06>) the two groups are the 2025-2026 Board Member Selection Process Committee (BMSPC) and the 2025-2026 Board Candidate Evaluation Committee (BCEC). Please see ALAC Rules of Procedure Section D.19 - Procedure for Making the Selection to fill Seat 15 on the ICANN Board. The deadline for applying to be members of these groups is 23:59 UTC on Sunday, 24 August 2025. If you are interested, please send a note to At-Large staff at staff(a)atlarge.icann.org<mailto:staff@atlarge.icann.org> specifying which committee(s) the application is for and attach an Expression of Interest (EoI) explaining your interest and citing any applicable experience/knowledge. Kind regards, Heidi From: Heidi Ullrich <Heidi.Ullrich(a)icann.org> Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 4:05 PM To: "afri-discuss(a)icann.org" <afri-discuss(a)icann.org> Cc: Jonathan Zuck <JZuck(a)innovatorsnetwork.org>, Alan Greenberg <greenberg.alan(a)gmail.com>, Olivier MJ Crepin-Leblond <ocl(a)gih.com>, ICANN Staff <staff(a)atlarge.icann.org> Subject: Call for Members - 2025-2026 BMSPC and BCEC Members for Board Seat Seat 15 Selection Process Dear All, To prepare for the selection of the Seat 15 Board Member selected by At-Large to be seated at the October 2026 Annual General Meeting, Jonathan Zuck, the Chair of the ALAC, has asked staff to make an immediate call for members of the two groups which will be responsible for moving the process forward. According to the ALAC Rules of Procedure (2025<https://tinyurl.com/ALAC-RoP-2025-06>) the two groups are the 2025-2026 Board Member Selection Process Committee (BMSPC) and the 2025-2026 Board Candidate Evaluation Committee (BCEC). Please see ALAC Rules of Procedure Section D.19 - Procedure for Making the Selection to fill Seat 15 on the ICANN Board. The deadline for applying to be members of these groups is 23:59 UTC on Sunday, 24 August 2025. If you are interested, please send a note to At-Large staff at staff(a)atlarge.icann.org<mailto:staff@atlarge.icann.org> specifying which committee(s) the application is for and attach an Expression of Interest (EoI) explaining your interest and citing any applicable experience/knowledge. Please note that your personal data submitted with your EoI may be shared with the RALO leadership, RALO ALS representatives, and/or ALAC Members/Leadership, as appropriate, as part of the evaluation and selection process, and that, if selected, your name and regional affiliation will be published on the BCEC Workspace<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/atlarge/pages/398131201/B…> or the BMSPC Workspace<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/atlarge/pages/398163969/B…> as appropriate. The processing of your personal data for these purposes will be carried out in accordance with the ICANN Privacy Policy and the website Terms of Service. More information is available on the At-Large Board Member 2025-2026 Selection Workspace<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/atlarge/pages/398131201/B…>. The RALO selections may be done by any means thought appropriate by the RALO leadership. The RALO leadership is requested to send a list of their RALO's supported candidates and alternates for each group to the Chair of the ALAC and staff by 23:59 UTC Friday, 29 August 2025. The ALAC will name the final membership soon after. The details of the two groups are: 1) Board Member Selection Process Committee (BMSPC) According to Article 19.2 of the ALAC Rules of Procedure: "The ALAC shall name a Board Member Selection Process Committee (BMSPC) which shall oversee the entire selection process including the election culminating the process but excluding those responsibilities specifically retained by the ALAC or given to the Board Candidate Evaluation Committee. The BMSPC shall be led by a chair selected by the ALAC and one Member from each region selected by the RALO and ratified by the ALAC. For each region, one Alternate member will be selected by the RALO and ratified by the ALAC who can replace a Member from the same region who for whatever reason is not able to fully participate and such replacement will be at the sole discretion of the BMSPC Chair in accordance with BMSPC guidelines." The group is open to ALAC Members, At-Large community members and to RALO Leaders. However, the membership should include members of the community with significant experience from previous Board Director selected by At-Large process. English will be the working language of this group. The workload of the BMSPC is not expected to be very heavy. The group must be regionally balanced, with one representative from each of the five RALOs. Each RALO will also select an Alternate member in the event one of the original members must be replaced. Please note that no member of the 2025-2026 BMSPC may submit an EoI for the position of the Board Director selected by At-Large. The first meeting of the BMSPC will be scheduled for early September. 2) Board Candidate Evaluation Committee (BCEC) The ALAC Rules of Procedures state the following on the composition and task of the BCEC: "19.3 The ALAC shall name a Board Candidate Evaluation Committee (BCEC) to compile an initial slate of candidates for election to Seat 15. A new BCEC consisting of two Members selected by each of the RALOs plus a chair selected by the ALAC will be convened for each Board seat selection process. Each RALO shall also select an Alternate who can replace a member from the same region who for whatever reason is not able to fully participate and such replacement will be at the sole discretion of the BCEC Chair in accordance with BCEC guidelines." "19.4 The task of the BCEC is to identify applicants who would each make an excellent Board Director.“ “19.4.1 Applicant selected by the BCEC must meet the criteria specified in the ICANN Bylaws Article VI, Section 3 (http://www.icann.org/en/about/governance/bylaws#VI-3 [icann.org]<http://www.icann.org/en/about/governance/bylaws#VI-3%2520%5Bicann.org%5D>). These criteria include but are not limited to being: a) accomplished persons of integrity, objectivity, and intelligence, with reputations for sound judgment and open minds, and a demonstrated capacity for thoughtful group decision-making; and b) persons with an understanding of ICANN's mission and the potential impact of ICANN decisions on the global Internet community, and committed to the success of ICANN. Moreover, the Director selected by the At-Large Community must understand the mission of At-Large and the needs of the global community of Internet end users." "19.5.1 No member of the electorate (Paragraph 19.10) may simultaneously serve as a member of the BCEC." According to 19.5.1, members of the electorate (i.e., members of the ALAC and RALO Chairs who will be serving in 2025-2026) may not be BCEC members. The group must be regionally balanced, with two representatives from each of the five RALOs. Each RALO will also select an Alternate member in the event one of the original members must be replaced. Additionally, no member of the 2025-2026 BCEC may submit an EoI for the position of the Board Director selected by At-Large. Please note that experience on previous BCECs, on the ICANN Nominating Committee or comparable experience is an asset. The RALO selection methodology must ensure that only suitably qualified candidates are put forward to the ALAC by the RALO Chair. English will be the working language of this group. The first meeting of the BCEC will be scheduled for early September. RALO selections will be subject to ALAC ratification, ensuring that all criteria and requirements are met. Regards, ICANN Policy Staff in support of the At-Large Community At-Large Staff ICANN Policy Staff in support of the At-Large Community Website: atlarge.icann.org<https://atlarge.icann.org/>

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REMINDER: Call for Members - 2025-2026 BMSPC and BCEC Members for Board Seat Seat 15 Selection Process
by Heidi Ullrich Aug. 21, 2025

Aug. 21, 2025

Dear All, To prepare for the selection of the Seat 15 Board Member selected by At-Large to be seated at the October 2026 Annual General Meeting, Jonathan Zuck, the Chair of the ALAC, has asked staff to make an immediate call for members of the two groups which will be responsible for moving the process forward. According to the ALAC Rules of Procedure (2025<https://tinyurl.com/ALAC-RoP-2025-06>) the two groups are the 2025-2026 Board Member Selection Process Committee (BMSPC) and the 2025-2026 Board Candidate Evaluation Committee (BCEC). Please see ALAC Rules of Procedure Section D.19 - Procedure for Making the Selection to fill Seat 15 on the ICANN Board. The deadline for applying to be members of these groups is 23:59 UTC on Sunday, 24 August 2025. If you are interested, please send a note to At-Large staff at staff(a)atlarge.icann.org<mailto:staff@atlarge.icann.org> specifying which committee(s) the application is for and attach an Expression of Interest (EoI) explaining your interest and citing any applicable experience/knowledge. Kind regards, Heidi From: Heidi Ullrich <Heidi.Ullrich(a)icann.org> Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 4:05 PM To: "afri-discuss(a)icann.org" <afri-discuss(a)icann.org> Cc: Jonathan Zuck <JZuck(a)innovatorsnetwork.org>, Alan Greenberg <greenberg.alan(a)gmail.com>, Olivier MJ Crepin-Leblond <ocl(a)gih.com>, ICANN Staff <staff(a)atlarge.icann.org> Subject: Call for Members - 2025-2026 BMSPC and BCEC Members for Board Seat Seat 15 Selection Process Dear All, To prepare for the selection of the Seat 15 Board Member selected by At-Large to be seated at the October 2026 Annual General Meeting, Jonathan Zuck, the Chair of the ALAC, has asked staff to make an immediate call for members of the two groups which will be responsible for moving the process forward. According to the ALAC Rules of Procedure (2025<https://tinyurl.com/ALAC-RoP-2025-06>) the two groups are the 2025-2026 Board Member Selection Process Committee (BMSPC) and the 2025-2026 Board Candidate Evaluation Committee (BCEC). Please see ALAC Rules of Procedure Section D.19 - Procedure for Making the Selection to fill Seat 15 on the ICANN Board. The deadline for applying to be members of these groups is 23:59 UTC on Sunday, 24 August 2025. If you are interested, please send a note to At-Large staff at staff(a)atlarge.icann.org<mailto:staff@atlarge.icann.org> specifying which committee(s) the application is for and attach an Expression of Interest (EoI) explaining your interest and citing any applicable experience/knowledge. Please note that your personal data submitted with your EoI may be shared with the RALO leadership, RALO ALS representatives, and/or ALAC Members/Leadership, as appropriate, as part of the evaluation and selection process, and that, if selected, your name and regional affiliation will be published on the BCEC Workspace<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/atlarge/pages/398131201/B…> or the BMSPC Workspace<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/atlarge/pages/398163969/B…> as appropriate. The processing of your personal data for these purposes will be carried out in accordance with the ICANN Privacy Policy and the website Terms of Service. More information is available on the At-Large Board Member 2025-2026 Selection Workspace<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/atlarge/pages/398131201/B…>. The RALO selections may be done by any means thought appropriate by the RALO leadership. The RALO leadership is requested to send a list of their RALO's supported candidates and alternates for each group to the Chair of the ALAC and staff by 23:59 UTC Friday, 29 August 2025. The ALAC will name the final membership soon after. The details of the two groups are: 1) Board Member Selection Process Committee (BMSPC) According to Article 19.2 of the ALAC Rules of Procedure: "The ALAC shall name a Board Member Selection Process Committee (BMSPC) which shall oversee the entire selection process including the election culminating the process but excluding those responsibilities specifically retained by the ALAC or given to the Board Candidate Evaluation Committee. The BMSPC shall be led by a chair selected by the ALAC and one Member from each region selected by the RALO and ratified by the ALAC. For each region, one Alternate member will be selected by the RALO and ratified by the ALAC who can replace a Member from the same region who for whatever reason is not able to fully participate and such replacement will be at the sole discretion of the BMSPC Chair in accordance with BMSPC guidelines." The group is open to ALAC Members, At-Large community members and to RALO Leaders. However, the membership should include members of the community with significant experience from previous Board Director selected by At-Large process. English will be the working language of this group. The workload of the BMSPC is not expected to be very heavy. The group must be regionally balanced, with one representative from each of the five RALOs. Each RALO will also select an Alternate member in the event one of the original members must be replaced. Please note that no member of the 2025-2026 BMSPC may submit an EoI for the position of the Board Director selected by At-Large. The first meeting of the BMSPC will be scheduled for early September. 2) Board Candidate Evaluation Committee (BCEC) The ALAC Rules of Procedures state the following on the composition and task of the BCEC: "19.3 The ALAC shall name a Board Candidate Evaluation Committee (BCEC) to compile an initial slate of candidates for election to Seat 15. A new BCEC consisting of two Members selected by each of the RALOs plus a chair selected by the ALAC will be convened for each Board seat selection process. Each RALO shall also select an Alternate who can replace a member from the same region who for whatever reason is not able to fully participate and such replacement will be at the sole discretion of the BCEC Chair in accordance with BCEC guidelines." "19.4 The task of the BCEC is to identify applicants who would each make an excellent Board Director.“ “19.4.1 Applicant selected by the BCEC must meet the criteria specified in the ICANN Bylaws Article VI, Section 3 (http://www.icann.org/en/about/governance/bylaws#VI-3 [icann.org]<http://www.icann.org/en/about/governance/bylaws#VI-3%2520%5Bicann.org%5D>). These criteria include but are not limited to being: a) accomplished persons of integrity, objectivity, and intelligence, with reputations for sound judgment and open minds, and a demonstrated capacity for thoughtful group decision-making; and b) persons with an understanding of ICANN's mission and the potential impact of ICANN decisions on the global Internet community, and committed to the success of ICANN. Moreover, the Director selected by the At-Large Community must understand the mission of At-Large and the needs of the global community of Internet end users." "19.5.1 No member of the electorate (Paragraph 19.10) may simultaneously serve as a member of the BCEC." According to 19.5.1, members of the electorate (i.e., members of the ALAC and RALO Chairs who will be serving in 2025-2026) may not be BCEC members. The group must be regionally balanced, with two representatives from each of the five RALOs. Each RALO will also select an Alternate member in the event one of the original members must be replaced. Additionally, no member of the 2025-2026 BCEC may submit an EoI for the position of the Board Director selected by At-Large. Please note that experience on previous BCECs, on the ICANN Nominating Committee or comparable experience is an asset. The RALO selection methodology must ensure that only suitably qualified candidates are put forward to the ALAC by the RALO Chair. English will be the working language of this group. The first meeting of the BCEC will be scheduled for early September. RALO selections will be subject to ALAC ratification, ensuring that all criteria and requirements are met. Regards, ICANN Policy Staff in support of the At-Large Community At-Large Staff ICANN Policy Staff in support of the At-Large Community Website: atlarge.icann.org<https://atlarge.icann.org/>

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Meeting invitation: AFRALO Monthly Call on Wednesday, 20 August 2025 at 18:30 UTC
by ICANN At-Large Staff Aug. 20, 2025

Aug. 20, 2025

Dear All, The next AFRALO Monthly Call has been scheduled to Wednesday, 20 August 2025 at 18:30 UTC for 90 mins, For other times: https://tinyurl.com/3zp2s7bk The agenda (to be updated) and call details can be found at: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AYCjG<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AYBzEQ> Zoom Room: https://icann.zoom.us/j/99554504094?pwd=1bCqOlMTBW159YWbdGm2cjWqbbKUTt.1 Password: AFRA20AUG* Real time transcription (RTT) available at (subject to availability): https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=ICANN If you require a dial-out please contact At-Large staff at: staff(a)atlarge.icann.org<mailto:staff@atlarge.icann.org> Thank you. Kind Regards, At-Large Staff ICANN Policy Staff in support of the At-Large Community www.icann.org<http://www.icann.org/>

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ICANN83 Readout happening this Wednesday during AFRALO monthly
by Hadia El Miniawi Aug. 18, 2025

Aug. 18, 2025

Dear colleagues and friends, This is to note that ICANN83 readout will take place this Wednesday during AFRALO monthly call. ICANN83 readout presenters: Olabimpe Adeloro - ICANN83 Sessions to be covered:TBD Mawuko Kudzo Kpatah - ICANN83 Sessions to be covered::TBD Houda CHIHI - ICANN83 Sessions related to DNS Security Aaron Promise Mbah - a presentation on the activities of the NextGen and Fellows at ICANN83 Gbemisola Esho - ICANN83 Sessions related to IG and Cybersecurity Dear presenters, if you wish you can share a slide or two to be linked to the agenda. Kindest regardsHadia ElminiawiAFRALO Chair

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Launch of The Internet Ecosystem Book
by Nikesh B. Simmandree Aug. 18, 2025

Aug. 18, 2025

Dear Community, I am thrilled to announce the launch of my book, The Internet Ecosystem — a comprehensive exploration of the history, architecture, governance, and future of the Internet. This book distills decades of technological evolution — from ARPANET and packet switching, to AI, Web3, quantum networks, and beyond — into a clear, engaging narrative accessible to both technical and non-technical readers What the Book Covers * The Past: How Cold War research, ARPANET, and packet switching gave birth to the Internet we know today. * The Present: The intricate roles of ISPs, backbone providers, cloud infrastructure, AI, cybersecurity, and global governance shaping our daily online experiences. * The Future: Insights into 5G/6G, blockchain, immersive technologies, quantum security, and the Internet in 2050. With 49 detailed chapters, the book provides a definitive yet approachable reference for students, professionals, policymakers, and curious readers alike. My mission with The Internet Ecosystem is to make the Internet’s complexity understandable — showing not only how the Internet works, but also why it matters and has become one of the most transformative human inventions — while sparking dialogue on how we build a secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital future. In the 21st century, understanding the Internet is not optional — it’s essential. Whether you’re a business leader, policymaker, educator, student, or everyday Internet user, this book provides the context and clarity you need to navigate the opportunities and challenges of our connected world. Get Your Copy The Internet Ecosystem is now available: https://payhip.com/b/hfvYg Thank you, Best Regards, Nikesh B. Simmandree +230-5-907-3413 nikeshbs(a)outlook.com This message and its attachments are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and are strictly confidential. If you have received this in error, please delete it from any devices after having informed the sender.

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Launch of The Internet Ecosystem Book
by Nikesh B. Simmandree Aug. 18, 2025

Aug. 18, 2025

Dear Community, I am thrilled to announce the launch of my book, The Internet Ecosystem — a comprehensive exploration of the history, architecture, governance, and future of the Internet. This book distills decades of technological evolution — from ARPANET and packet switching, to AI, Web3, quantum networks, and beyond — into a clear, engaging narrative accessible to both technical and non-technical readers What the Book Covers * The Past: How Cold War research, ARPANET, and packet switching gave birth to the Internet we know today. * The Present: The intricate roles of ISPs, backbone providers, cloud infrastructure, AI, cybersecurity, and global governance shaping our daily online experiences. * The Future: Insights into 5G/6G, blockchain, immersive technologies, quantum security, and the Internet in 2050. With 49 detailed chapters, the book provides a definitive yet approachable reference for students, professionals, policymakers, and curious readers alike. My mission with The Internet Ecosystem is to make the Internet’s complexity understandable — showing not only how the Internet works, but also why it matters and has become one of the most transformative human inventions — while sparking dialogue on how we build a secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital future. In the 21st century, understanding the Internet is not optional — it’s essential. Whether you’re a business leader, policymaker, educator, student, or everyday Internet user, this book provides the context and clarity you need to navigate the opportunities and challenges of our connected world. Get Your Copy The Internet Ecosystem is now available: https://payhip.com/b/hfvYg Thank you, Best Regards, Nikesh B. Simmandree +230-5-907-3413 nikeshbs(a)outlook.com This message and its attachments are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and are strictly confidential. If you have received this in error, please delete it from any devices after having informed the sender.

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Call for Members - 2025-2026 BMSPC and BCEC Members for Board Seat Seat 15 Selection Process
by Heidi Ullrich Aug. 14, 2025

Aug. 14, 2025

Dear All, To prepare for the selection of the Seat 15 Board Member selected by At-Large to be seated at the October 2026 Annual General Meeting, Jonathan Zuck, the Chair of the ALAC, has asked staff to make an immediate call for members of the two groups which will be responsible for moving the process forward. According to the ALAC Rules of Procedure (2025<https://tinyurl.com/ALAC-RoP-2025-06>) the two groups are the 2025-2026 Board Member Selection Process Committee (BMSPC) and the 2025-2026 Board Candidate Evaluation Committee (BCEC). Please see ALAC Rules of Procedure Section D.19 - Procedure for Making the Selection to fill Seat 15 on the ICANN Board. The deadline for applying to be members of these groups is 23:59 UTC on Sunday, 24 August 2025. If you are interested, please send a note to At-Large staff at staff(a)atlarge.icann.org<mailto:staff@atlarge.icann.org> specifying which committee(s) the application is for and attach an Expression of Interest (EoI) explaining your interest and citing any applicable experience/knowledge. Please note that your personal data submitted with your EoI may be shared with the RALO leadership, RALO ALS representatives, and/or ALAC Members/Leadership, as appropriate, as part of the evaluation and selection process, and that, if selected, your name and regional affiliation will be published on the BCEC Workspace<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/atlarge/pages/398131201/B…> or the BMSPC Workspace<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/atlarge/pages/398163969/B…> as appropriate. The processing of your personal data for these purposes will be carried out in accordance with the ICANN Privacy Policy and the website Terms of Service. More information is available on the At-Large Board Member 2025-2026 Selection Workspace<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/atlarge/pages/398131201/B…>. The RALO selections may be done by any means thought appropriate by the RALO leadership. The RALO leadership is requested to send a list of their RALO's supported candidates and alternates for each group to the Chair of the ALAC and staff by 23:59 UTC Friday, 29 August 2025. The ALAC will name the final membership soon after. The details of the two groups are: 1) Board Member Selection Process Committee (BMSPC) According to Article 19.2 of the ALAC Rules of Procedure: "The ALAC shall name a Board Member Selection Process Committee (BMSPC) which shall oversee the entire selection process including the election culminating the process but excluding those responsibilities specifically retained by the ALAC or given to the Board Candidate Evaluation Committee. The BMSPC shall be led by a chair selected by the ALAC and one Member from each region selected by the RALO and ratified by the ALAC. For each region, one Alternate member will be selected by the RALO and ratified by the ALAC who can replace a Member from the same region who for whatever reason is not able to fully participate and such replacement will be at the sole discretion of the BMSPC Chair in accordance with BMSPC guidelines." The group is open to ALAC Members, At-Large community members and to RALO Leaders. However, the membership should include members of the community with significant experience from previous Board Director selected by At-Large process. English will be the working language of this group. The workload of the BMSPC is not expected to be very heavy. The group must be regionally balanced, with one representative from each of the five RALOs. Each RALO will also select an Alternate member in the event one of the original members must be replaced. Please note that no member of the 2025-2026 BMSPC may submit an EoI for the position of the Board Director selected by At-Large. The first meeting of the BMSPC will be scheduled for early September. 2) Board Candidate Evaluation Committee (BCEC) The ALAC Rules of Procedures state the following on the composition and task of the BCEC: "19.3 The ALAC shall name a Board Candidate Evaluation Committee (BCEC) to compile an initial slate of candidates for election to Seat 15. A new BCEC consisting of two Members selected by each of the RALOs plus a chair selected by the ALAC will be convened for each Board seat selection process. Each RALO shall also select an Alternate who can replace a member from the same region who for whatever reason is not able to fully participate and such replacement will be at the sole discretion of the BCEC Chair in accordance with BCEC guidelines." "19.4 The task of the BCEC is to identify applicants who would each make an excellent Board Director.“ “19.4.1 Applicant selected by the BCEC must meet the criteria specified in the ICANN Bylaws Article VI, Section 3 (http://www.icann.org/en/about/governance/bylaws#VI-3 [icann.org]<http://www.icann.org/en/about/governance/bylaws#VI-3%2520%5Bicann.org%5D>). These criteria include but are not limited to being: a) accomplished persons of integrity, objectivity, and intelligence, with reputations for sound judgment and open minds, and a demonstrated capacity for thoughtful group decision-making; and b) persons with an understanding of ICANN's mission and the potential impact of ICANN decisions on the global Internet community, and committed to the success of ICANN. Moreover, the Director selected by the At-Large Community must understand the mission of At-Large and the needs of the global community of Internet end users." "19.5.1 No member of the electorate (Paragraph 19.10) may simultaneously serve as a member of the BCEC." According to 19.5.1, members of the electorate (i.e., members of the ALAC and RALO Chairs who will be serving in 2025-2026) may not be BCEC members. The group must be regionally balanced, with two representatives from each of the five RALOs. Each RALO will also select an Alternate member in the event one of the original members must be replaced. Additionally, no member of the 2025-2026 BCEC may submit an EoI for the position of the Board Director selected by At-Large. Please note that experience on previous BCECs, on the ICANN Nominating Committee or comparable experience is an asset. The RALO selection methodology must ensure that only suitably qualified candidates are put forward to the ALAC by the RALO Chair. English will be the working language of this group. The first meeting of the BCEC will be scheduled for early September. RALO selections will be subject to ALAC ratification, ensuring that all criteria and requirements are met. Regards, ICANN Policy Staff in support of the At-Large Community At-Large Staff ICANN Policy Staff in support of the At-Large Community Website: atlarge.icann.org<https://atlarge.icann.org/>

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