[https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/ICANN_SG7_Im...] [http://files.constantcontact.com/d2ded047401/bbc93560-ee78-4d3a-bd7e-a58205ffe0e1.png]<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1JbZFQvKCqP9snVBSRLfCkjqtKlw6egkzSRWHRVUDH6WJhB1eEo0nN4_XGQD3qOsI0b-jue9NPVy1l7iWiRUQSyQbdRH6SDAY0bfsJGYZBMGRbAMTHLG8RZzsW0HAfn4ePBs4axEUxTssPp3SDXvZQb3SrHO4F9g=&c=EpZcvkYJScYPEq_PoZbQqgmkMhm1SGpYK8Uuv_oGfypvtMpzeFDAHg==&ch=bw8hJOqttiCFsSTIARClJ-6QYZVgH_Sgcjm9i8VJaZihY3W1922KnQ==> [https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/janajuginovicAticannorg_APEC_Button2.png]<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1JbZFQvKCqEKcf62s5ASPmV9L7yGLBfFW-xXVZ7kQ40BxY_oTgTQ6Rd7u1oBTDz7SsHNWbGYHw85PBoRokPmY33mJ9RJvtM6CTICYW_oZyTZZIapln6FppV82bIYxNUc=&c=EpZcvkYJScYPEq_PoZbQqgmkMhm1SGpYK8Uuv_oGfypvtMpzeFDAHg==&ch=bw8hJOqttiCFsSTIARClJ-6QYZVgH_Sgcjm9i8VJaZihY3W1922KnQ==> [https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/janajuginovicAticannorg_APEC_Button3.png]<mailto:apachub@icann.org> [https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/ICANN_SG6_Im...] NTIA Announces Intent to Allow IANA Functions Contract to Expire 1 October In a letter to ICANN<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> on 16 August 2016 regarding the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions contract with ICANN, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) stated: "NTIA has thoroughly reviewed the report. Based on that review, barring any significant impediment, NTIA intends to allow the IANA functions contract to expire as of October 1." The letter was sent as a result of NTIA's review of ICANN's IANA Stewardship Transition Proposal Implementation Planning Status Report<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...>, which was submitted<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> to the administration on 12 August. In that report, ICANN informed NTIA that it has completed or will complete all the necessary tasks in advance of 30 September 2016 to allow the IANA functions contract to expire. ICANN is pleased with NTIA's statement and is focused on the few remaining tasks to be completed by the end of the month. Read more...<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> [https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/ICANN_SG6_Im...] [http://files.constantcontact.com/d2ded047401/2a9ed764-a7e7-49e7-b99b-84326d4...] APIGA participants and trainers give a Korean "heart" sign to show their appreciation for the five-day APIGA program. Leaders of Tomorrow at the Inaugural Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy "The Asia Pacific Internet Governance Academy (APIGA) has been extremely enlightening. I thought APIGA was just going to be a series of lectures, but was pleasantly surprised at the opportunity to interject and share perspectives with like-minded people. I'm feeling more confident in talking about issues related to the future of Internet, and am happy that I now have a say in this." - Vishaarad Sharan, participant from Fiji Youth leaders from the Asia-Pacific region attended the inaugural APIGA, which was a great platform for youths like Sharan to become familiar with Internet governance discussions and get involved in ICANN's work. Organized by ICANN and the Korea Internet and Security Agency (KISA), the five-day capacity-building program was held in Seoul's Yonsei University from 8-12 August 2016. The program was also supported by regional organizations such as the Asia Pacific Network Information Center (APNIC), the Internet Society (ISOC), DotAsia and members of the Asia-Pacific Internet community. Although APIGA was the first of its kind, the organizers had an encouraging start. The 45 APIGA participants - carefully selected from over 120 applicants - engaged in group work and active discussions, and impressed the lecturers with their tenacity and enthusiasm. Inspired by what they learned, some have plans to conduct outreach sessions at home. Others expressed an interest in getting involved in ICANN and other regional meetings. With such promising signs, the organizers will continue to engage the APIGA alumni, and look forward to organizing a similar academy next year. Read more about the academy in this blog<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> by Kelvin Wong. [http://files.constantcontact.com/d2ded047401/c36176e2-dbfa-4763-b898-29f41ec...] Reducing the Barrier to Developing Asia's Digital Economy In 2014, ICANN commissioned a report<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> by the Boston Consulting Group to determine how much the global, interoperable Internet contributes to economic and business success. In August 2016, ICANN commissioned a region-specific review for developing Asia, specifically 16 South, East and Southeast Asian countries. Key points from the report "Connecting the Unconnected in Developing Asia" include: * One in four of all new Internet users globally between now and 2020 will come from countries in developing Asia besides China and India. * Many of these unconnected citizens are underprivileged, and many live in rural areas. * Urgent action is required in four areas: improving access to Internet infrastructure, making services significantly more affordable, raising adoption rates through more relevant local digital content and services, and enhancing digital literacy skills. * Decision makers should take a holistic, multistakeholder approach to addressing the challenges, and recognize that speed and urgency are paramount. To find out more, read the full article<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> (or condensed version<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...>) by David Dean, Member of the Future of the Internet Initiative of the World Economic Forum and Senior Advisor to the Boston Consulting Group. [http://files.constantcontact.com/d2ded047401/e7472beb-885e-40df-95df-780d2f4...] ICANN staff and Korean registrars come together at the ICANN-KISA Korea Registrar Outreach Workshop. The workshop centered around the WHOIS Accuracy program and the domain name transfer policy. Reaching Out to Registrars in Korea On 31 August and 1 September, ICANN staff and Korean registrars engaged in the ICANN-KISA Korea Registrar Outreach Workshop in Seoul, Korea. ICANN Asia Pacific hub's Contractual Compliance, Global Domains Division and Korea teams were present at the workshop. The workshop focused on explaining the WHOIS Accuracy program specification<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> and domain name transfer policy<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> to the 35 Korean registrars present at the workshop. Based on the registrars' questions, they were particularly interested in the transfer policy, which takes effect on 1 December 2016. The ICANN teams also had one-on-one visits with 5 Korean registrars on the sidelines of the event. [http://files.constantcontact.com/d2ded047401/3cc5fb62-bf0a-4fdc-93a3-d736965...] Champika Wijayatunga presents the timeline for the KSK rollover at SANOG 28. Rolling the Keys at SANOG28 ICANN's Samiran Gupta (Head of India) and Champika Wijayatunga (Security, Stability and Resiliency Engagement Regional Manager) were recently in Mumbai, India, for the South Asia Network Operators Group Conference (SANOG 28)<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...>. The event ran from 1-9 August 2016 and consisted of a two-day conference, a two-day tutorial session and a five-day technical workshop. Wijayatunga was the chair of the first plenary session on network operations. In the second session, he spoke about the key signing key (KSK) rollover<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...>. As this was a relatively new topic to some, Wijayatunga highlighted the importance of rolling the KSK, explaining that an up-to-date KSK ensures that domain names signed with Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) would continue to validate after the key rollover. He also conducted tutorial sessions and a five-day post-conference workshop on the DNS and DNSSEC. Before the start of SANOG 28, Gupta discussed ICANN's role and current issues in a meeting with Indian Internet service providers. [http://files.constantcontact.com/d2ded047401/564c5a60-f1e6-4919-a26f-304e36a...] Champika Wijayatunga visits Sri Lanka to speak at the 34th National IT Conference. Building a Secure, Stable and Resilient Internet in Sri Lanka Champika Wijayatunga - Security, Stability and Resiliency Engagement Regional Manager - was in Sri Lanka from 8-10 August 2016 for the 34th National IT Conference<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...>. He was a speaker in the Safety and Security Track, where he spoke about cybersecurity and the handling of abuses of the Internet's identifier systems. Over 200 event organizers and participants came from the government, technical and finance sectors. After the conference, Wijayatunga met with other stakeholders, including computer emergency response teams (CERTs), law enforcement and government agencies. [http://files.constantcontact.com/d2ded047401/a948c554-4760-4027-9ff1-0106928...] Anand Raje (left), ICANN Fellow and ISOC Kolkata Chapter member, and Samiran Gupta (right) visit the network operation center hosting the L-Root instance in India. Learning About the First L-Root Instance in India On 13 August 2016, close to 25 engineering students, academics and law enforcement officers visited the network operation center in Kolkata that hosts the first L-Root instance in India. Visitors learned about the workings of the L-Root instance and saw the traffic graphs and data on the resolution of queries. The visit was part of an Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) capacity-building workshop, organized by the Internet Society (ISOC) Kolkata Chapter. Samiran Gupta, ICANN's Head of India, gave an overview on how the Internet works, introduced ICANN and talked about recent developments. Read the press release<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> about the first L-Root instance. [https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/ICANN_SG6_Im...] Updates on ICANN57 Hyderabad [http://files.constantcontact.com/d2ded047401/9a5d51a0-f2fd-4099-b32f-949062a...] [http://files.constantcontact.com/d2ded047401/41dbb567-9886-4f14-8ee9-c4cd7c9...] Register Now! The ICANN57 Public Meeting will take place from 3 to 9 November in Hyderabad, India. This third meeting of the year will be ICANN's Annual General Meeting. To find out what to expect of this meeting format, read this blog<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...>. And if you haven't already done so, register now<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1JbZFQvKCqG85yPS1Oc2LcYwKA6ADz7nEckFnvyQcmB1EHB6zRvH3b5ZWyQ9zYovkosvuLaeH3gEx2PV356D4r3F02lc2nqQT3YZIdaRE4NjUe4Op-Xtsn8FLvP9Suv7D2w0jgF6yBT3FL766E9x9ZD7T4ffr3W1xfdhehktgiBMqrKLODEEF&c=EpZcvkYJScYPEq_PoZbQqgmkMhm1SGpYK8Uuv_oGfypvtMpzeFDAHg==&ch=bw8hJOqttiCFsSTIARClJ-6QYZVgH_Sgcjm9i8VJaZihY3W1922KnQ==>! And remember to check our ICANN57 home page<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> frequently for updates. Important! Visa Requirements for ICANN57 If you are a foreign national traveling to attend ICANN57, you must obtain a conference visa, even if you already have a valid business visa. Nick Tomasso, ICANN's VP of Meetings, recently posted a blog about the visa application process<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...>. This blog is available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. Be sure to bookmark the ICANN57 Travel and Visa<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> and the India Visa Application Guide<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...>. ICANN will update the travel page with any news or clarifications about the visa requirements and process. If you have any questions, email the ICANN visa helpdesk: icann57visasupport@icann.org<mailto:icann57visasupport@icann.org>. ICANN 2016 Nominating Committee Announces Selections The ICANN 2016 Nominating Committee is pleased to announce its selections for seven leadership positions within ICANN. ICANN Board of Directors * Maarten Botterman<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...>, Europe * Cherine Chalaby<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...>, Africa * Khaled Koubaa<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...>, Africa At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) * Andrey Kolesnikov<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...>, Europe * Javier Rua-Jovet<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...>, North America Council of the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) * Erika Mann<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...>, Europe Council of the Country Codes Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO) * Jian Zhang<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...>, Asia/Australia/Pacific Islands Read more...<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> [http://files.constantcontact.com/d2ded047401/4d9c9109-353f-4f3b-8e51-265dd81...] SSR2-RT Deadline Extended to 15 September The 15 September deadline to apply for ICANN's Second Security, Stability and Resiliency of the DNS Review Team (SSR2-RT) is approaching. ICANN is seeking a geographically diverse team of security experts. The team will look at operational stability and resiliency issues relating to the coordination of the Internet's system of unique identifiers. The SSR2 Review Team will assemble candidates with a range of expertise: * Understanding Internet unique identifiers, including: Domain Name System, Internet Protocol (IP) numbering, autonomous system (AS) numbers, protocol parameters * Identifying and mitigating abuse within those sectors * Understanding operation of the DNS root name system * Understanding malware and abuse vectors and mitigations * Conducting risk assessment and management * Understanding corporate incident response Apply now! <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> ICANN Hires Top Security Expert Mark Jardina, an expert in global security and health and safety, has joined ICANN as VP of Security Operations. ICANN is building on existing plans developed in partnership with Control Risks<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> and International SOS<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...>. Jardina will oversee physical security operations. Among his responsibilities are travel advisories (for ICANN meetings, Board meetings and other business-related travel), onsite security at ICANN Public Meetings and events, and security for ICANN offices around the world. Read the full announcement.<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> [http://files.constantcontact.com/d2ded047401/78165445-5341-4643-9a62-dbf03cd...] ICANN Announces NextGen@ICANN57 Participants ICANN has selected 15 applicants<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> from various universities in the Asia Pacific region to participate at ICANN57 Hyderabad. These individuals are engaged in a broad range of studies: policy, business, technical, security, law and communications. Additionally, 5 previous NextGenners will serve as ambassadors for these newcomers to ICANN. An independent selection committee assessed the applications. It selected candidates based on their current studies and interest in Internet governance, the future of the Internet and other topics covered at ICANN meetings. The selected individuals commit to engage with the ICANN community at the meeting, and give a short presentation relating the work of ICANN to their studies. Read more about the NextGen@ICANN<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> program. Missed the Quarterly Stakeholder Call? On 16 August 2016, ICANN held its quarterly stakeholder call for the fourth quarter of the 2016 fiscal year. If you couldn't attend live, you can access the presentation materials and recordings: * Download the presentation materials (in English)<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...>. * View the Adobe Connect presentation (in English)<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...>. * Listen to the recording<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Portuguese or Spanish. [https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/ICANN_SG6_Im...] [http://files.constantcontact.com/d2ded047401/edf22cea-e8db-4bbf-8060-2434d01...] Maureen Hilyard At-Large Advisory Committee Representative Maureen Hilyard is currently working as a development program consultant in the Cook Islands. She has been a representative of the At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) since 2013. She serves as the ALAC liaison to the Country Code Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO) and is also on the ALAC leadership team. Hilyard learned of ICANN through her work with the At-Large Structures (ALSes). She became involved with ICANN as an ICANN Fellow in ICANN39 and ICANN43. Following that, she joined several working groups and committees with the Asian, Australasian and Pacific Islands Regional At-Large Organization (APRALO) and ALAC. Hilyard was previously the Board Chair of the Pacific Islands Chapter of the Internet Society (PICISOC). She is now in the Cook Islands Internet Action Group (CIIAG). Both groups are ALSes in APRALO. Hilyard strongly encourages all who are interested in ICANN to join the ICANN Meeting Fellowship program to become involved in ICANN's work. [https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/ICANN_SG6_Im...] APRALO Introduces Mentoring Program for ALSes The leadership team of the Asian, Australasian and Pacific Islands Regional At-Large Organization (APRALO) recently launched a mentoring program<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> for At-Large Structures (ALSes) in the region. During a 9-month period, 11 mentees will be matched with mentors and receive coaching and support to develop the knowledge and skills required to work effectively with the community. To evaluate the effectiveness of the program, mentees will update APRALO regularly on their progress. GNSO Council Adopts Response to GAC Communiqué The Council of the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) formally adopted its response to the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) Helsinki Communiqué and transmitted its conclusions<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> to the ICANN Board. The purpose of these reviews is to provide feedback to the ICANN Board as it considers issues referenced in the GAC Communiqué which the GNSO identifies as relevant to generic top-level domains. Read the GNSO review<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> of the GAC Helsinki Communiqué. GAC Prepares for ICANN57 The leadership of the GAC has been actively working to create an agenda for ICANN57. The GAC plans to hold dedicated sessions to meet with the Generic Names Supporting Organization, the At-Large Advisory Committee, the Country Code Names Supporting Organization and the ICANN Board. It will also hold focused discussions on priority topics, including New Generic Top-Level Domains Subsequent Procedures, Work Stream 2 of the Cross-Community Working Group on Enhancing ICANN Accountability and various internal matters. Each GAC working group will each have a one-hour session to advance its work and update the GAC. Also, at the invitation of India, the host country, the GAC will engage in local outreach and capacity-building activities on the first and last days of ICANN57. ccNSO Members to Elect Councilors and Nominate Candidate for ICANN Board Seat 11 From September to December 2016, Country Code Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO) members will elect one Councilor from each respective ICANN region. In the event that two or more candidates from the same region are nominated and accept their nomination, an election will be conducted among the members from that region. In addition, there will be a special election in the African region to fill a vacancy on the ccNSO Council. Moreover, ccNSO members will also nominate - and if two or more candidates are nominated, elect - a candidate for ICANN Board Seat 11. The term begins at the Annual General Meeting in 2017. Only ccNSO members, via their primary contacts, are eligible to vote. Framework of Interpretation Implementation Advisory The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) received a request not to contact the administrative and technical contacts listed in the IANA database with issues of delegation or revocation or retirement of a country code top-level domain (ccTLD). Instead, these more serious changes to the IANA database warrant a separate procedure and contact person. ICANN staff members working on the implementation of the Framework of Interpretation (FOI) have raised some questions on how to implement this request. Based on conversations and input received, the FOI Implementation Advisory Team, consisting of Becky Burr and Keith Davidson, recently advised IANA staff as follows: * There has been no consistency in the feedback received from the very small pool of ccNSO Councilors. Opening up the consultation to seek more, additional opinions will be no avail. * IANA should introduce a field to record the instruction from the ccTLD with respect to the approval contact in case of more serious changes to the IANA database. Each ccTLD manager should be asked to give individual instructions. [http://files.constantcontact.com/d2ded047401/ea69fda0-a34d-4fb0-b102-7fdd3f3...] [http://files.constantcontact.com/d2ded047401/28414aa8-e569-432b-bf76-26530fe7fd5a.jpg]Satish Babu Becomes Interim Chair of APRALO On 1 September 2016, Satish Babu became interim Chair of Asian, Australasian and Pacific Islands Regional At-Large Organization (APRALO)<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...>, replacing Siranush Vardanyan. Vardanyan has joined ICANN as Fellowship Coordinator in the Development and Public Responsibility Department. [http://files.constantcontact.com/d2ded047401/73a0de6a-9d20-4954-bf1c-afcbab7...] Siranush Vardanyan steps down as Chair of APRALO to join the ICANN organization. A Message from Siranush Vardanyan, Former Chair of APRALO As of September 2016, I will be stepping down as Chair of APRALO to join ICANN as a Fellowship Coordinator. I am pleased to welcome Satish Babu - currently the Vice Chair of APRALO - to be the interim Chair during the transition period. APRALO is the most geographically diverse of the five RALOs. Almost half of the world's Internet end users, speaking more than 70 languages, live in this region. During my three years as Chair, the number of At-Large Structures (ALSes) from the region has grown to 45. We also strengthened our role in the region by fostering a closer relationship with organizations such as the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) and the Asia Pacific Top-Level Domain Name Association (APTLD). In addition, we collaborated with the ICANN Asia Pacific hub to organize regular capacity-building webinars for APRALO ALSes and to participate in joint outreach events such as Asia Pacific Regional Internet Conference on Operational Technologies (APRICOT). The aim of these activities was to encourage more end users to get involved with ICANN. [http://files.constantcontact.com/d2ded047401/a4d01387-0136-465c-b28d-b0cf0b0...] Members of APRALO I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to all APRALO members for your trust in me; the members of the APRALO leadership team, who gave me tremendous support during my term; and the ICANN APAC hub staff for their wonderful cooperation and support. I will continue to follow APRALO's news and updates, and I look forward to seeing more collaboration between the APAC hub and APRALO in the future. - Siranush Vardanyan [http://files.constantcontact.com/d2ded047401/b945a7c5-c329-4ffe-8a18-06c3b89...] ICANN Announces Incorporation of PTI On 12 August 2016, ICANN announced that the incorporation documents for the "Post-Transition IANA" organization were filed and received by the California Secretary of State under the name Public Technical Identifiers (which will now be referred to as PTI). With this filing and receipt, PTI is now formed as a nonprofit public benefit corporation and controlled affiliate of ICANN. The PTI incorporation documents were drafted to reflect the recommendations of the IANA Stewardship Transition Coordination Group (ICG) proposal, as provided to the ICANN Board and transmitted to NTIA on 10 March 2016. PTI was formed to perform the naming-related IANA functions under contract with ICANN. However, for purposes of coherence of the IANA functions and overall operational logistics, the ICG proposal also requires that the performance of the IANA numbering and protocol parameter functions be subcontracted to PTI. Although PTI now exists as a legal entity, it is not yet performing any work. PTI will not perform any services under the IANA functions contract with NTIA. PTI will only start performing the IANA functions upon the successful completion of the transition. Read more...<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> [http://files.constantcontact.com/d2ded047401/8b8ec6c2-a5f7-4756-aace-5205aa8...] [http://files.constantcontact.com/d2ded047401/417a5a43-ef71-4371-9dfe-acb439663c17.jpg]India Has the Most IDN ccTLD Strings Successfully Evaluated India now has the largest number of Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) country code top-level domain (ccTLD) strings successfully evaluated, with a total of 15 IDN ccTLD strings<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> in 15 languages and 10 scripts. This news follows the announcement<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> on 15 August 2016 that 4 additional proposed IDN ccTLD strings had been successfully evaluated under the IDN ccTLD Fast Track Process<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...>. There are 22 constitutional languages in India, 122 major languages and more than 1,576 mother tongues. Mother tongues are labels that people give to the languages they grew up speaking; they can be dialects or variations of other languages. Most of the mother tongues use 1 of 13 written scripts, but there are 53 additional minor writing systems. With such linguistic diversity within India, the IDN ccTLD strings are promoting the multilingual Internet for the non-English-speaking communities in India. [http://files.constantcontact.com/d2ded047401/672fc0c5-7dc9-4b84-bbeb-a79c608...] Fifty New gTLDs Were Delegated in August Here are some of them: 大众汽车, "Volkswagen", /dazhongqiche/ mcdonalds mcd open hot pay dish aigo auspost diy <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1JbZFQvKCqDrwOa_ZT3R8cZk85rG9WerPhxYB5nwYSVA57ipxuG4IszhXDpLICESX6KMUWGfUqYd1mlM3YPEi19mcL2-pYtfnLwdSYhtYpr0gxIRHLE9Rwipeau2S7m2b-mR6uIw3rPLITQ9e8IGxTxEDnzV2CmqzeaXlTLAyBkWhFzPrJPX4fmx1CnwoWCQ=&c=EpZcvkYJScYPEq_PoZbQqgmkMhm1SGpYK8Uuv_oGfypvtMpzeFDAHg==&ch=bw8hJOqttiCFsSTIARClJ-6QYZVgH_Sgcjm9i8VJaZihY3W1922KnQ==>[http://files.constantcontact.com/d2ded047401/0f14c0f8-7c62-4f1e-a65a-3eeb202afb3b.png]<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1JbZFQvKCqDrwOa_ZT3R8cZk85rG9WerPhxYB5nwYSVA57ipxuG4IszhXDpLICESX6KMUWGfUqYd1mlM3YPEi19mcL2-pYtfnLwdSYhtYpr0gxIRHLE9Rwipeau2S7m2b-mR6uIw3rPLITQ9e8IGxTxEDnzV2CmqzeaXlTLAyBkWhFzPrJPX4fmx1CnwoWCQ=&c=EpZcvkYJScYPEq_PoZbQqgmkMhm1SGpYK8Uuv_oGfypvtMpzeFDAHg==&ch=bw8hJOqttiCFsSTIARClJ-6QYZVgH_Sgcjm9i8VJaZihY3W1922KnQ==><http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1JbZFQvKCqDrwOa_ZT3R8cZk85rG9WerPhxYB5nwYSVA57ipxuG4IszhXDpLICESX6KMUWGfUqYd1mlM3YPEi19mcL2-pYtfnLwdSYhtYpr0gxIRHLE9Rwipeau2S7m2b-mR6uIw3rPLITQ9e8IGxTxEDnzV2CmqzeaXlTLAyBkWhFzPrJPX4fmx1CnwoWCQ=&c=EpZcvkYJScYPEq_PoZbQqgmkMhm1SGpYK8Uuv_oGfypvtMpzeFDAHg==&ch=bw8hJOqttiCFsSTIARClJ-6QYZVgH_Sgcjm9i8VJaZihY3W1922KnQ==> [http://img.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/ICANN_SG6_Image3...] Join us at these upcoming events in the APAC region: * Asia Pacific School of Internet Governance<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> | 11-15 September | Bangkok, Thailand * DOMAINFest Asia<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> | 19-22 September | Hong Kong * APAC Space Web Conference<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> | 27 September | 11:00 Singapore Time (SGT) / 03:00 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) * Youth Congress on Information Technology<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> | 27-29 September | Manila, Philippines * CyFy 2016<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> (The India Conference on Cyber Security and Internet Governance) | 28-30 September | New Delhi, India * APNIC 42<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> | 28 September-5 October | Colombo, Sri Lanka * Australian Internet Governance Forum<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> | 11-12 October | Melbourne, Australia * ICANN57<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...> | 3-9 November | Hyderabad, India Learn more about how ICANN will be participating in regional events near you<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014mFloGG8bRy-udtrBk9ODrX7tFNH-47BZwR-kFTQANo1J...>. 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