January 2026 - AFRI-Discuss

Invitation: NCUC Quarterly Webinar on DNS Abuse Mitigation – Perspectives for Africa
by Wisdom Donkor Jan. 20, 2026

Jan. 20, 2026

Dear Members of the African Regional At-Large Organization (AFRALO), I hope this message finds you well. On behalf of the Non-Commercial Users Constituency (NCUC), I am pleased to extend an open invitation to members of *AFRALO and the wider African At-Large community* to participate in our upcoming *NCUC Quarterly Webinar*, titled “From* Policy to Practice: How DNS Abuse Mitigation Impacts Civil Society and End Users.”* *Webinar Details* 📅 *Date:* Wednesday, 11 February 2026 🕒 *Time:* 15:00 UTC ⏱ *Duration:* 80 minutes 👉 *Zoom registration link:* https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/R_xUKLZGSzOTOaNknOEhSw 🕰 *Check your time zone:* https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=NCUC+Quarterly+We… This webinar will examine the real-world impacts of DNS abuse mitigation measures on civil society and end users, with particular attention to how these measures affect users and organizations in developing regions, including Africa. The discussion will explore implementation practices, due process considerations, transparency, and unintended consequences, while highlighting regional experiences and perspectives. The session is *open to all*, and we warmly encourage AFRALO members, ALSes, and African Internet governance stakeholders to attend and actively engage in the discussion. We would also appreciate your support in sharing this invitation within AFRALO networks and related platforms. Please find attached the *draft concept note* for additional background and details about the session. Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your time and continued engagement. We are excited to see you participate. Kind regards, *Wisdom Donkor* (CASP+, CISM, CEH Certified,) NCUC Chair P.O. Box CT 2439, Cantonments, Accra | www.aodirf.org / www. <http://www.afrigeocon.org>agdic.info Tel: +233 20 812 8851 Skype: wisdom_dk | Facebook: kwasi wisdom | Twitter: @wisdom_dk _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ICANN GNSO Council Member | ICANN transfer policy review working group Member | Council Committee for Overseeing and Implementing Continuous Improvement (CCOICI) | UN IGF MAG Member | IGF Support Fund Association Executive Committee Member, World Bank Independent Consultant | AU AFIGF Member | Ghana OGP Advisory Committee member | GSS SDGs Advisory Committee Member ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Specialization: E-government Network Infrastructure and E-application, Internet Governance, Open Data policies platforms & Community Development, Cyber Security, Geospatial Technologies, Open Source Technologies, Domain Name Systems, Human Resource Planning and Development, Software Engineering, Event Planning & Management,

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En mémoire de Muriel ALAPINI et pour l’avenir de Ylane / In memory of Muriel ALAPINI and for Ylane’s future.
by Hervé Hounzandji Jan. 19, 2026

Jan. 19, 2026

Chères et chers membres de la famille AFRALO, C’est avec une profonde tristesse que nous avons appris la disparition de notre sœur et camarade Muriel Alapini. Au-delà de l’hommage que nous lui rendons, une réalité profondément éprouvante s’impose à nous : sa fille, Ylane, âgée de 14 ans, aujourd’hui orpheline de père et de mère. Elle est élève en deuxième année de lycée dans un établissement professionnel des arts, où elle se spécialise en musique. C’est dans cet esprit que nous avons mis en place une cagnotte solidaire. Les fonds collectés ont pour vocation de soutenir l’avenir et les besoins essentiels de sa fille, en l’accompagnant de manière concrète afin de lui permettre de traverser cette période avec davantage de sérénité et de poursuivre, puis d'achever sa scolarité dans des conditions dignes et stables. Chaque contribution, quel qu’en soit le montant, est un geste de soutien, d’amour et de continuité de l’engagement humain qui nous unit. Si vous ne pouvez pas contribuer financièrement, un message de soutien ou le partage de cette cagnotte est tout aussi précieux. Merci à toutes et tous pour votre solidarité, votre bienveillance et votre présence dans ce moment de deuil. En mémoire de notre sœur, et pour l’avenir de Ylane. Pour des contributions en FCFA : https://direct.kkiapay.me/13611/en-memoire-de-muriel-alapini-iIbIrXa8h Pour toutes autres devises : https://www.leetchi.com/fr/c/en-memoire-de-muriel-alapini-et-pour-lavenir-d… --- Dear AFRALO family members It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of our sister and colleague, Muriel Alapini. Beyond the tribute we wish to pay her, a very painful reality now faces us: her daughter, Ylane, aged 14, is now orphaned of both her father and mother. She is a second-year high school student in a vocational arts school, where she is specializing in music. With this in mind, we have set up a solidarity fund. The money collected is intended to support her daughter’s future and essential needs, by providing practical help so that she can go through this difficult period with greater peace of mind and continue, and eventually complete, her education in stable and dignified conditions. Every contribution, whatever the amount, is a gesture of support, love, and continuity of the human commitment that unites us. If you are unable to contribute financially, a message of support or sharing this fund is just as valuable. Thank you all for your solidarity, kindness, and presence during this time of mourning. In memory of our sister, and for Ylane’s future. For contributions in FCFA : https://direct.kkiapay.me/13611/en-memoire-de-muriel-alapini-iIbIrXa8h For all other currencies : https://www.leetchi.com/fr/c/en-memoire-de-muriel-alapini-et-pour-lavenir-d… -- Hervé HOUNZANDJI

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At-Large Slate of Candidates for Seat 15 of the ICANN Board
by Heidi Ullrich Jan. 18, 2026

Jan. 18, 2026

Dear All, On behalf of the At-Large Board Candidate Evaluation Committee (BCEC), and in accordance with the agreed schedule for the At-Large Board Member Selection Timeline, we are pleased to announce the slate of candidates for consideration in filling Seat #15 of the ICANN Board. These candidates have passed the initial BCEC evaluation and were approved on its call of Thursday, 15 January 2026. The BCEC met 15 times and undertook a comprehensive review of all submitted Expressions of Interest, applying a weighted scoring methodology that incorporated both core mandatory criteria and qualitative assessments. Each applicant participated in a 45‑minute interview covering topical, situational, and personal dimensions. All candidates deemed suitable for the slate successfully completed the ICANN Due Diligence Process. The candidates, listed in alphabetical order by surname: * Sébastien Bachollet * Justine Chew * Maureen Hilyard * Rafael (Lito) Ibarra Candidate Expressions of Interest can be found at https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ABMS/pages/760020998/2025…. The Board Member Selection Process Committee (BMSPC) will shortly announce the next steps, including an opportunity for the community to submit questions to the candidates and participate in a live interactive session with them. A note of thanks to the BCEC for their significant efforts in selecting the At-Large slate of Seat 15 candidates. Kind regards, Heidi Heidi Ullrich, PhD VP, Policy Development & At-Large Relations Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Mobile: +1 310 437 3956 Fax: +1 310 823 8649 Website: atlarge.icann.org<https://atlarge.icann.org/>

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***UPDATED MEETING INVITATION** - AFRALO Monthly call now on Wednesday, 14 January 2026 at 18:30 UTC
by ICANN At-Large Staff Jan. 17, 2026

Jan. 17, 2026

Dear All, The next AFRALO Monthly Call has been scheduled to Wednesday, 14 January 2026 at 18:30 UTC for 90 mins, For other times: <https://tinyurl.com/24hdemjd> <https://tinyurl.com/4hmr5k52> <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AYCkK> HERE<https://tinyurl.com/mry5jz6s> The agenda (to be updated) and call details can be found at: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AYCkK Zoom Room: Zoom room: https://icann.zoom.us/j/97597110121?pwd=I4qGByDSlAUbcYaGEA0cFyaOKLQEmS.1 Password: AFRA14JAN* 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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*REGISTRATION* APRALO Policy Forum Webinar: “Participating in ICANN Public Comment Proceedings” on Thursday, 22 January 2026 at 06:00 UTC
by ICANN At-Large Staff Jan. 15, 2026

Jan. 15, 2026

[cid:image001.png@01DC8622.58ED29A0] Dear All, APRALO Policy Forum Webinar: “Participating in ICANN Public Comment Proceedings” is scheduled on Thursday, 22 January 2026 at 06:00 UTC for 60 minutes. The At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) participates in ICANN policy-making – including on governance issues – predominantly by engaging At-Large community members in a consensus-building process to establish positions addressing individual end-user interests that need to be communicated by the ALAC. The ALAC’s participation in ICANN policy-making is not limited to, but typically happens through submitting, to a Public Comment Proceeding, an ALAC Statement that is developed through a bottom-up process. You are invited to participate in the APRALO Policy Forum webinar with Justine Chew on Thursday, 22 January 2026 at 06:00 UTC for 60 minutes, to gain an understanding of the approach for considering the need for an ALAC statement and the delivery of such statements where a need has been established. This webinar will build on the ‘Informed Consensus<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/SQB6JQ>’ concept discussed during the At-Large Briefings on Informed Consensus: An Approach to At-Large Position Development conducted in early December 2025. Recommended pre-activity self-learning resources * ICANN Learn 154 At-Large: Welcome to Our World<https://learn.icann.org/#/online-courses/39247c96-1aa5-4d88-b16e-38887a056a…> * ICANN Learn 701 Writing for Policy and Public Comment<https://learn.icann.org/#/online-courses/0e01a925-9a66-46bd-9e6e-466e5494ab…> * ICANN Learn 714 Effective Writing Skills<https://learn.icann.org/#/online-courses/a133652c-18a6-4828-8b22-c1f4081ec7…> * At-Large Briefing Session #1: Informed Consensus: An Approach to At-Large Position Development, 2 Dec 2025<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/SQB6JQ> * At-Large Briefing Session #2: Informed Consensus: An Approach to At-Large Position Development, 4 Dec 2025<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AYCYJQ> Don't forget to pre-register your participation! And if you have any, please let us have your questions on this topic by posting them as comments to this wiki page below; or if you prefer, submit them by emailing staff at staff(a)atlarge.icann.org<mailto:staff@atlarge.icann.org> For other times: https://tinyurl.com/mrdfepbr The agenda and call details can be found at: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/YoD6L Zoom Registration Link: https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/UkrtPmeeT0Ccjgn0Dyxttg (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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REMINDER | ALAC-GAC Regulatory Developments Briefing Series on Thursday, 15 January 2026 at 16:00 UTC
by Gisella Gruber Jan. 14, 2026

Jan. 14, 2026

Please join us and spread the word! REGISTER for ZOOM: https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/L7fYONGXRqODoK0MRiSxOg <https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/L7fYONGXRqODoK0MRiSxOg> Interpretation (integrated via zoom): English, Español, Français Dear All, *Wishing all a very Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year 2026* On behalf of the ALAC & GAC Leadership, we are pleased to announce our seventh Regulatory Developments Briefing Series, on the WSIS+20 UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting Outcomes, scheduled on Thursday, 15 January 2026 at 16:00 UTC. Other times: https://tinyurl.com/9f35bj6m Agenda: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AgBAL Please register for the webinar via this link: Zoom Registration Link: https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/L7fYONGXRqODoK0MRiSxOg <https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/L7fYONGXRqODoK0MRiSxOg> These briefing sessions will be held monthly and provide a valuable platform to discuss key regulatory and geopolitical developments and foster collaboration across regions 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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Meeting Invitation | ALAC-GAC Regulatory Developments Briefing Series on Thursday, 15 January 2026 at 16:00 UTC
by ICANN At-Large Staff Jan. 11, 2026

Jan. 11, 2026

Please join us and spread the word! REGISTER for ZOOM: https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/L7fYONGXRqODoK0MRiSxOg <https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/L7fYONGXRqODoK0MRiSxOg> Interpretation (integrated via zoom): English, Español, Français Dear All, *Wishing all a very Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year 2026* On behalf of the ALAC & GAC Leadership, we are pleased to announce our seventh Regulatory Developments Briefing Series, on the WSIS+20 UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting Outcomes, scheduled on Thursday, 15 January 2026 at 16:00 UTC. Other times: https://tinyurl.com/9f35bj6m Agenda: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AgBAL Please register for the webinar via this link: Zoom Registration Link: https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/L7fYONGXRqODoK0MRiSxOg <https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/L7fYONGXRqODoK0MRiSxOg> These briefing sessions will be held monthly and provide a valuable platform to discuss key regulatory and geopolitical developments and foster collaboration across regions 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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