December 2025 - ALAC-Announce

(Registration) Invitation - Fireside Chat with Justine Chew, ALAC Liaison to the GNSO
by ICANN At-Large Staff Dec. 10, 2025

Dec. 10, 2025

Please join us and spread the word! Unase a nosotros y comparta con su comunidad! Rejoignez-nous et partagez parmi votre communauté! Dear All, The ALAC periodically appoint individuals to represent the interests of the ALAC and the At-Large Community, to act on behalf of the ALAC or to meet other specific obligations, to various bodies within or outside of ICANN. Among such ALAC Appointees are our formal liaisons to the GAC, the SSAC, the GNSO, and the ccNSO. While equally strategic to the ALAC, these 4 Liaisons carry varying responsibilities, often demanding differing knowledge, skills and time commitments, and even the right temperament, to be successful in their respective roles. Whether you just want to better understand the scope of work for these 4 ALAC Liaisons, or are aspiring for selection as an ALAC Liaison in the future, please join us for a series of planned Fireside Chats which will continue into 2026. To kick off the series, two At-Large Fireside Chats with the ALAC Liaison to the GNSO, Justine Chew, have been scheduled, to accommodate the various time-zones: * Tuesday, 16 December 2025 at 19:00 UTC for 60 minutes * Agenda page with details: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/GADFJw * Zoom registration: https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/SP7knIu0QUm7xY6AmQz3Aw <https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/SP7knIu0QUm7xY6AmQz3Aw> * Thursday, 18 December 2025 at 13:00 UTC for 60 minutes * Agenda page with details: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/QYDNJw * Zoom registration: https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/9N35VNN5RuuWc7wFXYH5EQ <https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/9N35VNN5RuuWc7wFXYH5EQ> These Fireside Chats form part of the FY2026 At-Large Capacity Development Initiatives<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Hnv5EnPAOu99Narg13yTc1kOjozDArg_m6g_KQy…>. 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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ICANN Community Digest - ONE WEEK FROM TOMORROW: Registration Data Request Service (RDRS) Policy Alignment Analysis
by ICANN At-Large Staff Dec. 8, 2025

Dec. 8, 2025

[https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/on.jsp?ca=3d7ecb78-78d3-4ee9-b205-97f16422650c…] Monday, 08 December 2025 ICANN Community Digest [https://files.constantcontact.com/304b3fd3501/31f30ab5-1445-45c3-aef7-c0ea4…] Click here to learn more about the New gTLD Program [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> Applicant Support Program [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> Registry Service Provider Evaluation Program [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> The ICANN organization Policy Development Support function publishes this twice-weekly digest to help ICANN community groups track requests and follow updates. Do you have any ideas for improving the ICANN Community Digest? Write to us at policyinfo(a)icann.org!<mailto:policyinfo@icann.org> Table of Contents ICANN85 · Register now · NEW: Sign up for the session slot for "Get To Know ICANN Community" Onboarding Program for Newcomers, including ICANN85 Fellowship and NextGen@ICANN Programs Participants · NEW: ICANN85 Community Childcare Grants Program: Apply Now Information Sharing · NEW: Policy Development Accelerator Open to Additional Participants Webinars · Register to Attend: Informational Webinar on ICANN's and PTI’s Draft FY27 Plans Next Round · ICANN Materials Provide Prospective New gTLD Applicants Clarity on Key Topics · Next Round Champions Toolkit Available in the Six ICANN Languages · Call for ASP Mentors 🚨 Action Items 🚨 · ICANN Initiates RFP for Asset Management and Custodial Services · ICANN Community Excellence Award: Now Accepting Nominations · Call for Applications: NextGen@ICANN86 · ICANN Request for Proposal: Evaluator Panels for String Similarity and Variant Strings for the new gTLD Program: 2026 Round · Invitation to Provide Input for the 2026 ICANN Nominating Committee Cycle · Call for Nominations for ICANN Fellowship Program Mentors · ICANN Request for Proposal: New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Background Screening Services · ICANNWiki Seeking Volunteers Public Comment · CLOSES TODAY: ICANN Public Meeting Proposed Dates for 2029–2033 · ONE WEEK FROM TOMORROW: Registration Data Request Service (RDRS) Policy Alignment Analysis · Timeline for Urgent Requests for Lawful Disclosure of Nonpublic Registration Data · Name Collision IPv6 Research Study · Proposed GNSO Process for ICANN Board to Reverse Adoption of GNSO Policy Recs · String Similarity Evaluation Guidelines for New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Events · These events occur in December 2025. ICANN85 Register now [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> NEW: Sign up for the session slot for "Get To Know ICANN Community" Onboarding Program for Newcomers, including ICANN85 Fellowship and NextGen@ICANN Programs Participants Want to introduce your group’s work to ICANN85 Community Forum newcomers, including Fellowship and NextGen@ICANN Programs Participants? Sign up for a 30 minute session on 7-8 March, 2026. These outreach sessions are part of the ""Get To Know ICANN Community"" Onboarding Program for Newcomers and are an opportunity for every SO/AC to share information with the ICANN Meeting newcomers and highlight the important work that your group does within ICANN. The link to sign up for available slots is as follows: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TAxTUrE0ZkODdrend9OClQ5I_1r5Rs_BHSQ… [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…>. For any additional questions, please contact ICANN Fellowship Program Manager, Siranush Vardanyan at siranush.vardanyan(a)icann.org<mailto:siranush.vardanyan@icann.org>. The deadline to sign up for a slot is December 22, 2025 NEW: ICANN85 Community Childcare Grants Program: Apply Now The program facilitates the in-person participation of community members with children who are 12 years old or younger at ICANN Public Meetings and eligible ICANN events. DEADLINE: Friday, 16 January 2026, at 23:59 UTC Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> Information Sharing NEW: Policy Development Accelerator Open to Additional Participants Staff have decided to open up Term 2 of the Policy Development Accelerator to outside participants. This is an exception from our normal practice in response to several requests. Term 2 involves participating in four workshops focusing on developing soft skills and leadership skills that are useful for policy development and day-to-day life. Participants with a 75% percent attendance rate will receive a pdf certificate at the end of the course. Enrollments will be fielded through ICANN Join that requires you to first login to ICANN Account. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> If you have not used ICANN Join before, please follow the ICANN Join: New User Instructions [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> to enroll yourself to the Policy Development Accelerator. The enrollment window closes 19 December 2025. Please reach out to devan.reed(a)icann.org [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> if you have any questions. Read more about the Accelerator. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> Webinars Register to Attend: Informational Webinar on ICANN's and PTI’s Draft FY27 Plans The webinar will provide an overview of the draft plans for ICANN and Public Technical Identifiers (PTI) which will be posted for separate, concurrent Public Comments. The webinar will be presented at two different times, and community members can register for one or both of the sessions: 18 December 2025 at 15:30 UTC 14 January 2026 at 00:00 UTC Read more and register. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> Next Round ICANN Materials Provide Prospective New gTLD Applicants Clarity on Key Topics ICANN org is developing supplemental, complementary materials to aid prospective generic top-level domain (gTLD) applicants in understanding the Next Round application requirements, and how to navigate the application and evaluation processes. Blog [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…>. Key Topic Overview Documents. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> Next Round Champions Toolkit Available in the Six ICANN Languages ICANN is working with the community to identify potential Applicant Support Program (ASP) applicants – especially in regions that are currently under-represented in ICANN. If you are interested in helping to raise awareness among your own contacts or communities, please use the materials in the Next Round Champions Toolkit [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…>. To stay up to date on the New gTLD Program: Next Round and ASP, join the mailing list: nextroundinfo(a)icann.org. ASP leads, targets, and ideas can be sent to engagement.newgTLDprogram(a)icann.org<mailto:engagement.newgTLDprogram@icann.org>. Call for ASP Mentors ICANN is seeking volunteer mentors who would like to offer their expertise to supported applicants as part of the ASP in the new gTLD Program: Next Round [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…>. ICANN is looking for mentors who can share insights and experience across ICANN Languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish) to support diverse gTLD applicants. Mentors may play a role in: advising applicants on navigating the gTLD application process and DNS industry; identifying resources; providing guidance; sharing experiences as appropriate; and helping supported applicants navigate the ICANN community and Public Meetings. If you or someone in your network might be interested, please refer to the mentor registration announcement [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> for more information. Questions about the ASP or becoming a supported applicant Mentor can be sent to globalsupport(a)icann.org<mailto:globalsupport@icann.org>. Action Items ICANN Initiates RFP for Asset Management and Custodial Services Firms may respond to this RFP to provide asset management services only, custody services only, or both asset management and custody services. DEADLINE: 23:59 UTC on 31 December 2025 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> ICANN Community Excellence Award: Now Accepting Nominations The Community Excellence Award recognizes ICANN community members who have deeply invested in consensus-based solutions and contributed substantively to the ICANN multistakeholder model. DEADLINE: 8 January 2026 at 23:59 UTC Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> Call for Applications: NextGen@ICANN86 ICANN wants to hear from university students living and studying in the European region who are interested in the future of the Internet and participating in the Public Meeting. DEADLINE: 9 January 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> ICANN Request for Proposal: New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Background Screening Services Its purpose is to safeguard registrants and the public interest by ensuring that corporations, organizations, and institutions are in good standing and eligible to operate a gTLD. DEADLINE: 23:59 UTC on 16 January 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> ICANN Request for Proposal: Evaluator Panels for String Similarity and Variant Strings for the new gTLD Program: 2026 Round The selected provider(s) will also be required to collaborate with ICANN on the development of evaluation guides for the work conducted by the panels, ensuring that the evaluation processes are transparent, consistent, and repeatable across all gTLD applications. DEADLINE: 23:59 UTC on 16 January 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> Invitation to Provide Input for the 2026 ICANN Nominating Committee Cycle Specifically, it seeks feedback on the guidance and candidate job descriptions provided by the receiving bodies, as well as additional qualities, skills, or considerations that should be prioritized in candidate selection. DEADLINE: 21 January 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> Call for Nominations for ICANN Fellowship Program Mentors Interested SOs/ACs should select their respective Fellowship Program mentor representative to serve for the ICANN87–ICANN89 meetings, and notify ICANN Fellowship Program Manager Siranush Vardanyan via email at siranush.vardanyan(a)icann.org<mailto:siranush.vardanyan@icann.org> no later than 10 February, 2026. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> ICANNWiki Seeking Volunteers ICANNWiki is seeking volunteers to assist with creating and editing articles and content for the site. Do you want to help? Getting started is as simple as requesting an account [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…>. Then, make sure to read the short content guide [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> to get a feel for what belongs in the wiki. Also, feel free to take a look at some data [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…>source suggestions [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> on where to find reliable data. Happy editing! Public Comment CLOSES TODAY: ICANN Public Meeting Proposed Dates for 2029–2033 [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> Submissions Opening Date: Monday, 13 October 2025 Submissions Closing Date: Monday, 8 December 2025 ONE WEEK FROM TOMORROW: Registration Data Request Service (RDRS) Policy Alignment Analysis [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> Submissions Opening Date: Thursday, 30 October 2025 Submissions Closing Date: Tuesday, 15 December 2025 Timeline for Urgent Requests for Lawful Disclosure of Nonpublic Registration Data [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> Submissions Opening Date: Wednesday, 22 October 2025 Submissions Closing Date: Monday, 15 December 2025 Name Collision IPv6 Research Study [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> Submissions Opening Date: Monday, 20 October 2025 Submissions Closing Date: Monday, 22 December 2025 Proposed GNSO Process for ICANN Board to Reverse Adoption of GNSO Policy Recs [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> Submissions Opening Date: Thursday, 20 November 2025 Submissions Closing Date: Thursday, 22 January 2026 String Similarity Evaluation Guidelines for New gTLD Program: 2026 Round [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> Submissions Opening Date: Wednesday, 26 November 2025 Submissions Closing Date: Thursday, 22 January 2026 See upcoming proceedings [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…>. See other public consultations [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…>. Events These events occur in December 2025. To learn more, please visit our community engagement calendar [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…>. · Connected Caribbean Summit (Grenada) · Informational webinar for RDCNOG · Africa Engagement Forum 2025 · Saudi Arabia Technical Engagement Week 2025 Volume 7, Issue 88 | Archive [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…> | Next Issue: Thursday, 11 December 2025 STAY INFORMED: Subscribe here [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019qF9hGw…>

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(Please read) Policy Development Accelerator | Term 2
by ICANN At-Large Staff Dec. 1, 2025

Dec. 1, 2025

On behalf of the Policy Development Accelerator team Dear all, Staff have decided to open up Term 2 of the Policy Development Accelerator to outside participants. This is an exception from our normal practice in response to several requests. Term 2 involves participating in four workshops focusing on developing soft skills and leadership skills that are useful for policy development and day-to-day life. Participants with a 75% percent attendance rate will receive a pdf certificate at the end of the course. The previous Term 2 Syllabus and Recordings can be found here: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/pIAwDQ The calls will take place at 13:00 UTC. The proposed dates are: * 08 January * 22 January * 05 February * 19 February Read what a past participant had to say about the program: https://www.icann.org/en/blogs/details/the-icann-policy-development-acceler… Sign up now to learn more about ICANN policy development. Enrollments will be fielded through ICANN Join that requires you to first login to ICANN Account<https://account.icann.org/login>. If you have not used ICANN Join before, please follow the ICANN Join: New User Instructions<https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2025/draft/icann-join-new…> to enroll yourself to the Policy Development Accelerator. The enrollment window closes 19 December 2025. Please reach out to devan.reed(a)icann.org<mailto:devan.reed@icann.org> if you have any questions. Kind regards, Devan and the Policy Development Accelerator team

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