>>> Provide your input! The ICANN Nominating Committee (“NomCom”) invites SO/AC(s) to share their insights and input for the 2026 cycle. Please note that we are planning on publishing this communication as an announcement on ICANN.org as well.

The NomCom plays a vital role in introducing new perspectives into ICANN’s leadership by maintaining a selection process that balances broad community engagement with independent decision-making, free from internal politics and stakeholder dominance. This process helps ensure that the ICANN Board and other leadership bodies remain dynamic, inclusive, and representative of diverse expertise aligned with the global public interest.

In support of this mission, the NomCom invites the community to provide input on the 2026 cycle. Specifically, we seek 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. You can review these documents at the links below.

For the 2026 cycle, the NomCom will be selecting candidates for the following leadership positions:

• ICANN Board (2 seats)
  
  
• PTI Board
  
  
• At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) – Europe and North America
  
  
• Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) Council – Non-voting seat
  
  
• Country Code Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO) Council

Community input is welcomed for every stage of the NomCom process—from outreach and recruitment, through application development, live interviews, candidate evaluation, to final selection.

Please note that all submissions will be published. The NomCom retains sole discretion regarding the incorporation of community input into its process.

Submission Guidelines
When submitting input, please include:

• A summary of your suggestion(s) (bullet points or narrative)
  
  
• Whether your input relates to a specific position, the NomCom process overall, or both
  
  
• Supporting rationale or examples (e.g., relevant experience or process improvements)
  
  
• Your name, affiliation (if any), and stakeholder group/constituency

Please send your input to: nomcom-communityinput@icann.org

To ensure timely consideration, we request submissions by 21 January 2026.

A Message from the Nominating Committee Leadership

Spread the word!  The NomCom 2026 Application window has been accelerated to start December 18, 2025 and will run through February 18, 2026.  Please share this news with potential candidates for our seven open positions.

Thank you for helping shape the future of ICANN’s multistakeholder leadership. Your participation ensures the NomCom remains open, responsive, and inclusive in serving the global Internet community.

Kind regards,

Thomas Barrett – NomCom Chair
James Gannon – NomCom Chair-Elect
Amir Qayyum – NomCom Associate Chair

Reference Materials

• Guidance & Job Descriptions for the 2026 Cycle: https://www.icann.org/nomcom2026

Note: The 2026 Board job description is not published yet, but is expected before the response deadline shown above. In the interim, please refer to the 2026 Board Guidance published at the link above.

• Guidance & Job Descriptions for the 2025 Cycle: https://www.icann.org/nomcom2025