Dear colleagues,

I hope this message finds you well. Unfortunately, due to conflicting professional commitments, I am unable to join today’s call. I am therefore submitting my liaison report in writing, in lieu of presenting it during the meeting. My sincere apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. The report has also been posted on the GAC Liaison page https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/atlarge/pages/99710696/GAC+Liaison+Reports for ease of reference. I remain fully available to discuss any points or follow up by email.

GAC Liaison Report – November 2025

Following ICANN84, the GAC continues to focus on several areas closely aligned with ALAC priorities. These include the effectiveness of the Applicant Support Program (ASP), global responses to DNS abuse, the treatment of Latin script diacritics in the Next Round, and preparations for major international processes such as WSIS+20.

Applicant Support Program (ASP)
The GAC remains concerned about the very low number of completed ASP applications and the uneven regional distribution of applicants. This limited uptake risks undermining the Next Round’s goal of broad and equitable participation. The GAC continues to encourage ICANN org to facilitate communication between applicants and relevant government representatives and supports a post-program review to identify barriers and improve future efforts. Collaboration with ALAC remains welcome, particularly regarding outreach in underserved regions.

DNS Abuse
The GAC maintains its focus on DNS abuse and notes ongoing gaps in data, reporting, and enforcement practices. While governments welcomed the recent contractual amendments, further improvements are still expected. The GAC supports the DNS Abuse PDP and continues to encourage coordination with advisory committees, including ALAC.

Latin Script Diacritics
The GAC remains attentive to the work on Latin script diacritics. Although the work will not conclude in time for inclusion in the Applicant Guidebook, the GAC supports ensuring that its outcomes can still be incorporated during application evaluation. The GAC emphasizes the importance of linguistic inclusion while avoiding delays to the Next Round.

WSIS+20 and International Digital Policy Processes
The GAC is actively preparing for the WSIS+20 Review. The outcomes of the December meetings may shape future expectations for global digital cooperation and the wider governance environment. The GAC will continue to monitor these developments and welcomes coordination with ALAC where priorities overlap.

GAC–ALAC Regulatory Updates (2026 Planning)
Following discussions with the Government Engagement (GE) Team, no December session will take place. Two sessions are planned for early 2026:
– 15 January 2026 (WSIS+20 Recap)
– 12 February 2026 (UN process on a future permanent mechanism on ICT security)

Further topic suggestions from colleagues are welcome.

Thank you again for your understanding regarding my absence today. I look forward to continuing our work together and am happy to respond to any questions or comments by email.