Dear all, I am pleased to provide you with a report on the bilateral engagement between the GAC and the ALAC, emphasizing the significant focus on developing the joint communication regarding the Applicant Support Program, following the ALAC-GAC meeting at the ICANN79 Community Forum in San Juan, Puerto Rico. 1. Background and Context: The joint communication aims to consolidate the input and perspectives of both ALAC and GAC on the ASP, reflecting the discussions and agreements reached during our bilateral meeting at ICANN79. 2. Content Development: Since our meeting in San Juan, the working group composed of representatives from both ALAC and GAC has diligently worked on drafting the joint communication. They have incorporated key points and recommendations outlined in the draft statement you provided, which articulates our collective stance on the ASP. The drafting work is being excellently spearheaded by Justine Chew, ALAC VC, on behalf of the At-Large Community. 3. Alignment with Community Feedback: The content of the joint communication has been informed by various sources, including recent GAC communiques, public comments, and contributions from working group members. We have strived to ensure that the communication accurately reflects the diverse perspectives and priorities of the ICANN community. 4. Key Themes and Recommendations: The joint communication emphasizes several core principles and recommendations, including: - Alleviating the financial burden on ASP applicants to the maximum extent possible. - Prioritizing outreach to applicants from underserved regions. - Applying a holistic approach to support ASP applicants throughout the application lifecycle. - Supporting the longer-term success of ASP-qualified applicants beyond the application phase. 5. Incorporating ALAC and GAC Feedback: The draft communication has undergone iterative review and revision by both ALAC and GAC representatives to ensure consensus and coherence. Feedback provided by working group members has been carefully considered and integrated into the final draft. 6. Annexes and Supporting Documentation: The joint communication will be supplemented by annexes, including the ICANN79 GAC Communique and the ALAC Proposal on the implementation of Subsequent Procedures Recommendation 17.2. These annexes provide additional context and background information to support our recommendations. 7. Next Steps: The finalized joint communication will be presented for discussion and approval during our upcoming bilateral meeting in Kigali, Rwanda. We anticipate productive input for the ICANN Board members and stakeholders to further refine our recommendations and ensure their alignment with ICANN's objectives. A draft agenda for the bilateral session in Kigali is included below for your kind consideration: Proposed Agenda for ALAC-GAC Joint Bilateral Session in Kigali Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 Time: 07:00 - 08:15 UTC (75 minutes) 1. 07:00 - 07:10 UTC Introduction and welcome by GAC/ALAC Chairs - Jonathan Zuck, ALAC Chair - Nico Caballo, GAC Chair 2. Presentation of Joint Position Paper - (07:10 - 07:25 UTC) Presentation of joint position paper by ALAC representative - (07:25 - 07:40 UTC) Presentation of joint position paper by GAC representative 3. Moderated Q&A Session - (07:40 - 08:00 UTC) 4. Closing remarks and next steps (08:00 - 08:15 UTC) Please allow me to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the collaborative spirit and dedication demonstrated by both ALAC and GAC members throughout this process. Our joint communication reflects our shared commitment to advancing the ASP and fostering diversity and inclusivity within the domain name ecosystem. Thank you for your attention to this report. Your feedback and any additional input are highly valued. Please feel free to share your thoughts or suggestions. -- Kind regards, Joanna Kulesza ------------------- Joanna Kulesza, PhD Professor of International Law Lodz Cyber Hub / University of Lodz Law School / Poland www.cyber.uni.lodz.pl (EURALO ALS 341) ALAC / EURALO / ALAC Liaison to the GAC