Dear all, The Nairobi ICANN meeting is now over. What remains from this event ? * A huge success for AFRALO : o Our Showcase has been very successful, so successful that EURALO (Europe) decided to organize a similar showcase in Brussels. o It was opened by Rod Beckstrom, ICANN President and CEO who praised AFRALO and ALAC. He also did so during the Board/At-Large lunch; he highlighted again the work done by AFRALO and ALAC, mentioning namely Fatimata. o Our ALSes factsheets and AFRALO Brochure have been displayed on the ICANN booth during the whole 5 days of the Nairobi meeting. o AFRALO members had appreciated contribution in the debate held in the various meetings of the week. Some of them are working in the different working groups related to specific topics. o Our contacts with participants and especially the Board Directors made them convinced and committed to help us. * Another success for the community, and especially those from the developing countries: o The Board decided to wave aside the SOI (Expression Of Intention) decided in Seoul for the new gTLD applications. The SOI was compulsory and costs 55 000 US$. It clearly penalizes the developing countries applications and the geographical and cultural community based ones. o The Board has also decided to provide support to applicants requiring assistance in applying for and operating new gTLDs. Fatimata, Didier and I, we are very satisfied. The substantial support of Cheryl, ALAC President, and At-Large staff (Heidi, Matthias and Gisella) was for great help. I can't forget to thank them for their willingness and their availability. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Tijani BEN JEMAA Executive Director Mediterranean Federation of Internet Associations Phone : + 216 71 875 761 Mobile : + 216 98 330 114 Fax : + 216 70 860 861 ------------------------------------------------------------------