Fellowship Program to Enhance Global Participation in ICANN

MARINA DEL REY, Calif.: People from across the world will have more opportunities to attend ICANN's 29th Public Meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico thanks to the trial global fellowships program launched today.

"We want to foster increased participation from developing and least developed nations at our public meetings ­ and this fellowship program will do just that," said Paul Levins, ICANN's Executive Officer and Vice President Corporate Affairs.

Priority will be given to current residents of developing and least developed nations who are interested in participating in the ICANN government advisory committee, the country code names supporting organization, and the generic names supporting organization. The fellowship will assist in covering airfare, hotel and a stipend. Recipients will be expected to actively participate in and contribute to ICANN processes. As always, registration for ICANN’s meetings is free for anyone wanting to attend.

"The program will play a key role in meeting part of ICANN's operational plan ­ which has been through extensive public discussions and consultations ­ to create a program to encourage and find participation by interested parties in developing countries," Levins said.

After the San Juan meeting, which takes place 25–30 June, ICANN will get feedback on the program from participants and the public, and identify areas where there might be improvements.

"As a global organization ICANN is working hard to reach out and work with people from every part of the world, and especially individuals and organizations from developing countries," Levins added. "Making sure we have participation from people who normally couldn’t attend means ICANN’s work in the administration of the Domain Name and Internet Protocol addressing systems is more accountable and transparent."