May 2026 - Ccnso-council - lists.icann.org

Help us celebrate Bart (Please Do Not Reply)
by Joke Braeken May 13, 2026

May 13, 2026

!! Please do not reply to the mailing lists. Bart has been temporarily removed from the mailing lists for this message, and will be re-added shortly. Hello All, Here is a reminder regarding the request for pictures, and to let you know there was an issue with the settings of the bart-tribute mailing list. If you have photos with Bart, please send them to: bart-tribute(a)icann.org<mailto:bart-tribute@icann.org> by Friday 22 May. We will display them in the ccNSO room at ICANN86, during the Wednesday afternoon (10 June) coffee break. Pictures and emails sent to bart-tribute(a)icann.org<mailto:bart-tribute@icann.org> prior to 13 May were unfortunately not delivered correctly. Sincere apologies! If you sent something to that address prior to today, could you please be so kind to re-send? Thank you very much. Best regards, Joke Braeken joke.braeken(a)icann.org<mailto:joke.braeken@icann.org> From: "ccnso-members(a)icann.org" <ccnso-members(a)icann.org> Reply-To: Alejandra Reynoso Barral <alejandra.reynoso(a)gmail.com> Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2026 at 10:42 To: "ccnso-members(a)icann.org" <ccnso-members(a)icann.org>, ccnso-council <ccnso-council(a)icann.org>, cctldcommunity <cctldcommunity(a)cctld-managers.org> Subject: [ccnso-members] Help us celebrate Bart (Please Do Not Reply) Dear All, ** Please note: Let’s not spoil the surprise! Bart has been temporarily removed from the mailing lists for this message, and will be re-added shortly. Please do not reply to the mailing lists. ** As many of you may know, Bart has announced that he will retire in October this year, making the Seville meeting his last ICANN meeting. To celebrate his many contributions, we are planning a few surprise activities during the meeting, and we would love your help in making this a memorable moment for him. How You Can Contribute Share Photos | If you have photos with Bart, please send them to: bart-tribute(a)icann.org<mailto:bart-tribute@icann.org> by Friday 22 May. These will be used to create a special tribute compilation, which we aim to display at ICANN86, on Wednesday afternoon (10 June) in the ccNSO room. Bring Coffee Beans | Bart is a true coffee lover, and we are putting together a global collection of coffee beans as a gift from the community. If you will be attending the Seville meeting, please consider bringing a small bag of coffee beans from your country (preferably whole beans, so they stay fresh longer). Katrina Sataki and I will collect the coffee on Monday and Tuesday and present it to Bart on behalf of the community on Tuesday. Join us in the ccNSO room | On Tuesday, 9 June 2026 | 17:30-18:00 local (UTC +2), Chris Disspain and Alejandra Reynoso will have a fireside chat with Bart to reflect on his ccNSO-journey, celebrating key milestones, exploring lessons learned along the way, and hearing his thoughts as he prepares for retirement. On Wednesday afternoon, we will display the tribute compilation of pictures as another surprise for Bart. Questions? Please contact: bart-tribute(a)icann.org<mailto:bart-tribute@icann.org> IMPORTANT Please do not share with Bart or reply to the mailing lists about these plans, we would like to keep it a surprise. Thank you for helping us celebrate Bart in a truly special way. Best regards, Alejandra, Claudia & Joke ******************************************* Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody's watching. Sing like nobody's listening. And live like it's Heaven on Earth. *******************************************

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Fwd: [Soac-chairs-vice-chairs] Review of Reviews l Refined outline
by Alejandra Reynoso Barral May 12, 2026

May 12, 2026

Dear Councillors The comments have been sent. Best regards, Alejandra ******************************************* Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody's watching. Sing like nobody's listening. And live like it's Heaven on Earth. ******************************************* ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Alejandra Reynoso Barral <alejandra.reynoso(a)gmail.com> Date: Tue, May 12, 2026 at 11:58 AM Subject: Re: [Soac-chairs-vice-chairs] Review of Reviews l Refined outline To: avri doria <avri(a)doria.org>, Chris Disspain <chris.disspain(a)identity.digital>, Manal Ismail <manal(a)tra.gov.eg> Cc: soac-chairs-vice-chairs(a)icann.org <soac-chairs-vice-chairs(a)icann.org>, Alice Jansen via Supportstaffreviewsccg <supportstaffreviewsccg(a)icann.org>, Mary Wong <mary.wong(a)icann.org>, Susie Johnson <susie.johnson(a)icann.org> Dear Avri, Chris and Manal The ccNSO Council appreciates the opportunity to comment on the Refined Outline prepared by the Review of Reviews Cross Community Group (Reviews CCG), in preparation of the forthcoming Draft Report. We expect that the CCG will abide by the timeline as presented during the 5 May 2026 webinars. Please find the ccNSO Council observations enclosed. On behalf of the ccNSO Council, Alejandra Reynoso, ccNSO Council Chair ******************************************* Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody's watching. Sing like nobody's listening. And live like it's Heaven on Earth. ******************************************* On Sat, Apr 18, 2026 at 5:22 PM Alice Jansen via Soac-chairs-vice-chairs < soac-chairs-vice-chairs(a)icann.org> wrote: > *Sent on behalf of the Review of Reviews Cross Community Group Co-Chairs* > > > > Dear SO/AC Leaders, > > > > On behalf of the Review of Reviews Cross-Community Working Group (CCWG), > we are pleased to share with you a refined outline that builds upon the > input received during ICANN85, as well as the continued collaborative > efforts to develop a refreshed reviews system. > > > > This outline is the result of active engagement with both members and > observers who have participated in the discussions. Their contributions > have been instrumental in shaping the current document. > > > > While we recognize that the outline lacks certain details, our intention > in sharing it at this stage is to present the foundational “backbone” of > the proposal and to seek your views on whether it provides a suitable basis > for the development of the forthcoming Draft Report. > > > > An announcement will be circulated shortly regarding two interactive > webinars that will take place on Tuesday, 5 May at 06:00 UTC and 18:00 > UTC, each with a duration of 60 minutes and language services. These > sessions will provide an opportunity for further clarification or > discussion but we welcome any questions you may have in the meantime. > > > > We kindly request that Nominating Groups share any considerations they may > have through the public, archived communication channel at *inputonreviews(a)icann.org > <inputonreviews(a)icann.org>*. We would greatly appreciate receiving your > feedback as soon as feasible to enable the CCG to reflect your > perspectives in a timely manner, as appropriate, as we elaborate our > draft, and no later than 12 May 2026. We aim to release our Draft Report > prior to Prep Week and will be hosting a dedicated session at ICANN86 to > gather further community input. > > > > Thank you in advance for your engagement and continued support. We look > forward to your valuable input to ensure the proposed system is fit for > purpose, viable for all stakeholders, and addresses known challenges as > articulated in our charter. > > > > Review of Reviews Co-Chairs > > > > Avri Doria, Chris Disspain, Manal Ismail > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Soac-chairs-vice-chairs mailing list -- soac-chairs-vice-chairs(a)icann.org > To unsubscribe send an email to soac-chairs-vice-chairs-leave(a)icann.org >

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NEW: ICANN Board Adopts FY27–31 Operating Plan and FY27 Operating Plan and Budget
by ICANN Community Digest May 11, 2026

May 11, 2026

Email from ICANN Monday, 11 May 2026 ICANN Community Digest Click here to learn more about the New gTLD Program 2026 Round Applicant Guidebook 2026 Round Vendor Sourcing Timeline The ICANN organization Policy Development Support function publishes this twice-weekly digest to help ICANN community groups track requests and follow updates. Do you have any ideas for improving the ICANN Community Digest? Write to us at policyinfo(a)icann.org! Table of Contents ICANN86 Prep Week Information Sharing NEW: ICANN Board Adopts FY27–31 Operating Plan and FY27 Operating Plan and Budget NEW: Approved Resolutions | Regular Meeting of the ICANN Board | 3 May 2026 NEW: Call for Expressions of Interest: ICANN 2027 NomCom Chair and Chair-Elect NEW: ICANN Publishes U.S. Tax Returns for Fiscal Year Ending 30 June 2025 NEW: ICANN Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Financial and Operational Evaluation Helping the Ombuds Office Learn and Improve 2026 Round New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Opens Today ICANN Opens Second Application Period for the 2026 Round RSP Evaluation Program ICANN 2026 Round Application System User Guide, Support Model Available CLOSES TODAY: ICANN Extends Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 2026 Round Independent Objectors Webinars TOMORROW: ICANN to Host Question-and-Answer Sessions for New gTLD Applicants Webinar Series on 2026 Round Objections and Appeals Processes 🚨 Action Items 🚨 ICANN Issues Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Auction ICANN Board Seeks Input on Additional Funds for 2026 Round Applicant Support Program ICANN Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Financial and Operational Evaluation ICANNWiki Seeking Volunteers Public Comment Events These events occur in May 2026. ICANN86 Prep Week Information Sharing NEW: ICANN Board Adopts FY27–31 Operating Plan and FY27 Operating Plan and Budget The FY27–31 Operating and Financial Plan and FY27 Operating Plan and Budget were the result of 11 months of collaboration among the ICANN organization and the Board, the community, and the Public Technical Identifiers Board. Read more. NEW: Approved Resolutions | Regular Meeting of the ICANN Board | 3 May 2026 Please find the Approved Resolutions from the 3 May 2026 Regular Meeting of the ICANN Board here. NEW: Call for Expressions of Interest: ICANN 2027 NomCom Chair and Chair-Elect The Chair position blends time management and negotiation skills with the practical aspects of conducting a worldwide search for individuals to fill various ICANN leadership positions. Deadline: 29 May 2026 Read more. NEW: ICANN Publishes U.S. Tax Returns for Fiscal Year Ending 30 June 2025 The publication of ICANN's financial and tax information is part of ICANN's fundamental commitment to accountability and transparency. The community and the public are invited to review these tax returns and send any questions to planning(a)icann.org. Read more. NEW: ICANN Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Financial and Operational Evaluation Prospective providers are invited to submit proposals for ICANN to evaluate capabilities and expertise. This RFP is public and any potential provider may respond. Deadline: 12 June 2026 Read more. Helping the Ombuds Office Learn and Improve Understanding client experience is key and community members who have used the Ombuds Office have valuable information. Read more and request a survey. 2026 Round New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Opens Today New gTLDs have demonstrated their benefits in building brand trust, creating vibrant local digital ecosystems, and providing more intuitive navigation for users. 2026 Round Launch Page Press Release Announcement ICANN Opens Second Application Period for the 2026 Round RSP Evaluation Program The second application period for the RSP Evaluation Program runs from 30 April to 12 August 2026. Read more. ICANN 2026 Round Application System User Guide, Support Model Available ICANN has made several resources available to help prospective applicants familiarize themselves with ICANN's TLD Application Management System (TAMS). This online system will be used by all applicants, evaluation panelists, and ICANN staff to submit, manage, and process new gTLD applications. These resources are available to help prospective applicants prepare for the application completion and submission process through TAMS: System user guide Frequently Asked Questions Demo videos Q&A webinar recordings Read more. CLOSES TODAY: ICANN Extends Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 2026 Round Independent Objectors The Independent Objectors will file Community and Limited Public Interest objections and appeals and participate in mediation, where appropriate. Deadline: Monday 11 May Read more. Webinars TOMORROW: ICANN to Host Question-and-Answer Sessions for New gTLD Applicants Dates: 12 May, 16:00 UTC | 26 May, 16:00 UTC Read more and register. Webinar Series on 2026 Round Objections and Appeals Processes Introduction: 19 May, 14:00 UTC | 26 May, 06:00 UTC WIPO, Dispute Resolution Service Provider: 20 May, 14:00 UTC | 27 May, 06:00 UTC International Chamber of Commerce, Dispute Resolution Service Provider: 21 May, 14:00 UTC | 28 May, 06:00 UTC Read more and register. Action Items ICANN Issues Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Auction The selected provider will implement the ascending-clock, second-price auction method and must have the capability to accommodate a high volume of auctions, including both direct and indirect contention sets. Deadline: 2 June 2026 Read more. ICANN Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Financial and Operational Evaluation The Financial and Operational Evaluation occurs during the applicant evaluation phase of the New gTLD Program, expected to begin in Q3 2027. Deadline: 12 June 2026 Read more. ICANNWiki Seeking Volunteers ICANNWiki is seeking volunteers to assist with creating and editing articles and content for the site. Do you want to help? Getting started is as simple as requesting an account. Then, make sure to read the short content guide to get a feel for what belongs in the wiki. Also, feel free to take a look at some data source suggestions on where to find reliable data. Happy editing! Public Comment See upcoming proceedings. See other public consultations. Events These events occur in May 2026. To learn more, please visit our community engagement calendar. West Africa IGF 2026 Abrint Global Congress 2026 At-Large Webinar: At-Large Webinar: At-Large Meets ICANN Contractual Compliance and NetBeacon Institute Africa–Europe AI Governance Roundtable | Africa Forward Summit DNS-OARC 46 RIPE 92 DNSSEC workshop in Yamoussokro, Cote d'Ivoire 2026 Round Objections and Appeals Processes - ICANN hosts 1 of 2 Africa Tech Policy Summit Volume 8, Issue 33 | Archive | Next Issue: Thursday, 14 May 2026 STAY INFORMED: Subscribe here ICANN | 12025 Waterfront Drive Suite 300 | Los Angeles, CA 90094-2536 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

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Draft comments on RoR CCG Refined Outline
by Alejandra Reynoso Barral May 8, 2026

May 8, 2026

Dear Councillors As mentioned during our previous Council meeting, the Review of Reviews CCG has requested input on the Refined Outline <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lMtd50jD6IhqW-Z4lPv14no4VTtj_fYx/view?usp=…>, circulated to the mailing list, as a basis for developing their forthcoming Draft Report. To prepare our response, a drafting team was assembled and has developed the proposed message and accompanying document below. Please review them and let me know by Monday, 11 May, if you have any objections. The deadline for submitting our comments to the CCG is Tuesday, 12 May. Best regards, Alejandra ---- EMAIL BODY: *Dear Avri, Chris and Manal* *The ccNSO Council appreciates the opportunity to comment on the Refined Outline prepared by the Review of Reviews Cross Community Group (Reviews CCG), in preparation of the forthcoming Draft Report. We expect that the CCG will abide by the timeline as presented during the 5 May 2026 webinars.Please find the ccNSO Council observations enclosed.On behalf of the ccNSO Council,Alejandra Reynoso, ccNSO Council Chair* ******************************************* Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody's watching. Sing like nobody's listening. And live like it's Heaven on Earth. *******************************************

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NEW: Question-and-Answer Sessions for New gTLD Applicants
by ICANN Community Digest May 7, 2026

May 7, 2026

Email from ICANN Thursday, 07 May 2026 ICANN Community Digest Click here to learn more about the New gTLD Program 2026 Round Applicant Guidebook 2026 Round Vendor Sourcing Timeline The ICANN organization Policy Development Support function publishes this twice-weekly digest to help ICANN community groups track requests and follow updates. Do you have any ideas for improving the ICANN Community Digest? Write to us at policyinfo(a)icann.org! Table of Contents ICANN86 Prep Week Information Sharing NEW: ICANN Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Financial and Operational Evaluation NEW: Helping the Ombuds Office Learn and Improve NEW: What to Know About the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 2026 Round NEW: Question-and-Answer Sessions for New gTLD Applicants New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Opens Today ICANN Opens Second Application Period for the 2026 Round RSP Evaluation Program ICANN 2026 Round Application System User Guide, Support Model Available CLOSES MONDAY: ICANN Extends Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 2026 Round Independent Objectors Webinars TUESDAY: ICANN to Host Question-and-Answer Sessions for New gTLD Applicants Webinar Series on 2026 Round Objections and Appeals Processes 🚨 Action Items 🚨 CLOSES TOMORROW: ICANN Request for Proposal: Global Payroll Services ICANN Issues Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Auction ICANN Board Seeks Input on Additional Funds for 2026 Round Applicant Support Program ICANNWiki Seeking Volunteers Public Comment Events These events occur in May 2026. ICANN86 Prep Week Information Sharing NEW: ICANN Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Financial and Operational Evaluation The Financial and Operational Evaluation occurs during the applicant evaluation phase of the New gTLD Program, expected to begin in Q3 2027. Deadline: 12 June 2026 Read more. NEW: Helping the Ombuds Office Learn and Improve Understanding client experience is key and community members who have used the Ombuds Office have valuable information. Read more and request a survey. NEW: What to Know About the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary resolutions direct the ITU's general policies, strategies, and work on specific issues that are important to the organization and its members. Read more. 2026 Round NEW: Question-and-Answer Sessions for New gTLD Applicants Pre-submitted questions for the upcoming TAMS Q&A on 12 May webinar are due by 6 May. Attendees are invited to submit questions using this submission form. Read more. New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Opens Today New gTLDs have demonstrated their benefits in building brand trust, creating vibrant local digital ecosystems, and providing more intuitive navigation for users. 2026 Round Launch Page Press Release Announcement ICANN Opens Second Application Period for the 2026 Round RSP Evaluation Program The second application period for the RSP Evaluation Program runs from 30 April to 12 August 2026. Read more. ICANN 2026 Round Application System User Guide, Support Model Available ICANN has made several resources available to help prospective applicants familiarize themselves with ICANN's TLD Application Management System (TAMS). This online system will be used by all applicants, evaluation panelists, and ICANN staff to submit, manage, and process new gTLD applications. These resources are available to help prospective applicants prepare for the application completion and submission process through TAMS: System user guide Frequently Asked Questions Demo videos Q&A webinar recordings Read more. CLOSES MONDAY: ICANN Extends Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 2026 Round Independent Objectors The Independent Objectors will file Community and Limited Public Interest objections and appeals and participate in mediation, where appropriate. Deadline: Monday 11 May Read more. Webinars TUESDAY: ICANN to Host Question-and-Answer Sessions for New gTLD Applicants Dates: 12 May, 16:00 UTC | 26 May, 16:00 UTC Read more and register. Webinar Series on 2026 Round Objections and Appeals Processes Introduction: 19 May, 14:00 UTC | 26 May, 06:00 UTC WIPO, Dispute Resolution Service Provider: 20 May, 14:00 UTC | 27 May, 06:00 UTC International Chamber of Commerce, Dispute Resolution Service Provider: 21 May, 14:00 UTC | 28 May, 06:00 UTC Read more and register. Action Items CLOSES TOMORROW: ICANN Request for Proposal: Global Payroll Services ICANN's preference would be to contract with one provider that can support all in-scope countries; however, under certain considerations ICANN may be open to selecting multiple providers as part of this initiative. Deadline: 8 May 2026 Read more. ICANN Issues Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Auction The selected provider will implement the ascending-clock, second-price auction method and must have the capability to accommodate a high volume of auctions, including both direct and indirect contention sets. Deadline: 2 June 2026 Read more. ICANNWiki Seeking Volunteers ICANNWiki is seeking volunteers to assist with creating and editing articles and content for the site. Do you want to help? Getting started is as simple as requesting an account. Then, make sure to read the short content guide to get a feel for what belongs in the wiki. Also, feel free to take a look at some data source suggestions on where to find reliable data. Happy editing! Public Comment See upcoming proceedings. See other public consultations. Events These events occur in May 2026. To learn more, please visit our community engagement calendar. Centr Jamboree APRALO Policy Forum - EURALO Joint Webinar: Understanding the Role of Trusted Notifiers in DNS Abuse West Africa IGF 2026 Abrint Global Congress 2026 At-Large Webinar: At-Large Webinar: At-Large Meets ICANN Contractual Compliance and NetBeacon Institute Africa–Europe AI Governance Roundtable | Africa Forward Summit DNS-OARC 46 Volume 8, Issue 32 | Archive | Next Issue: Monday, 11 May 2026 STAY INFORMED: Subscribe here ICANN | 12025 Waterfront Drive Suite 300 | Los Angeles, CA 90094-2536 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

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For your Review | Minutes Council Meeting #228
by Claudia Ruiz May 7, 2026

May 7, 2026

Dear Council members, Please find attached, for your review, the draft minutes of the ccNSO Council Meeting #228, held on Thursday, 16 April 2026 at 12:00 UTC. If you have any comments or concerns, please share them via the mailing list. Thank you. Kind regards, Claudia Ruiz

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Change of location, not of vocation
by Jordan Carter May 6, 2026

May 6, 2026

Dear ccNSO Council colleagues A short note to formally let you know that this week, I started a new job. I've moved from Melbourne to the UK, to take up a new role as Head of Public Affairs with Nominet, the .UK ccTLD manager we are all familiar with. The role deals with domestic stakeholders and Internet governance, and also with the ICANN and IGF communities. So I will remain a participant at ICANN and in the ccNSO. For a long time I have wanted a time in my career to live and work in Europe, so this is a happy change for me. That said, I said a fond farewell to the team at auDA - I will miss them and my time in Melbourne. Joke and the Secretariat are testing with the AP region if they will accept me finishing my term on the Council; I hope that they will! Both auDA and Nominet are supportive of me carrying on the work with the Council if the AP members accept this. So.. hopefully.. business as usual working with you all. My new email for work purposes is jordan.carter(a)nominet.uk. My work number is +447586525763 If you have any questions, please let me know. Cheers! Jordan -- Jordan Carter London, UK

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Help us celebrate Bart (Please Do Not Reply)
by Alejandra Reynoso Barral May 5, 2026

May 5, 2026

Dear All, ** Please note: Let’s not spoil the surprise! Bart has been temporarily removed from the mailing lists for this message, and will be re-added shortly. Please do not reply to the mailing lists. ** As many of you may know, Bart has announced that he will retire in October this year, making the Seville meeting his last ICANN meeting. To celebrate his many contributions, we are planning a few surprise activities during the meeting, and we would love your help in making this a memorable moment for him. How You Can Contribute Share Photos If you have photos with Bart, please send them to: bart-tribute(a)icann.org by Friday 22 May. These will be used to create a special tribute compilation, which we aim to display at ICANN86, on Wednesday afternoon (10 June) in the ccNSO room. Bring Coffee Beans Bart is a true coffee lover, and we are putting together a global collection of coffee beans as a gift from the community. If you will be attending the Seville meeting, please consider bringing a small bag of coffee beans from your country (preferably whole beans, so they stay fresh longer). Katrina Sataki and I will collect the coffee on Monday and Tuesday and present it to Bart on behalf of the community on Tuesday. Join us in the ccNSO room On Tuesday, 9 June 2026 | 17:30-18:00 local (UTC +2), Chris Disspain and Alejandra Reynoso will have a fireside chat with Bart to reflect on his ccNSO-journey, celebrating key milestones, exploring lessons learned along the way, and hearing his thoughts as he prepares for retirement. On Wednesday afternoon, we will display the tribute compilation of pictures as another surprise for Bart. Questions? Please contact: bart-tribute(a)icann.org IMPORTANT Please do not share with Bart or reply to the mailing lists about these plans, we would like to keep it a surprise. Thank you for helping us celebrate Bart in a truly special way. Best regards, Alejandra, Claudia & Joke ******************************************* Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody's watching. Sing like nobody's listening. And live like it's Heaven on Earth. *******************************************

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TOMORROW: Review of Reviews CCG 5 May Webinars and Refined Proposal Outline
by ICANN Community Digest May 4, 2026

May 4, 2026

Email from ICANN Monday, 30 May 2026 ICANN Community Digest Click here to learn more about the New gTLD Program 2026 Round Applicant Guidebook 2026 Round Vendor Sourcing Timeline The ICANN organization Policy Development Support function publishes this twice-weekly digest to help ICANN community groups track requests and follow updates. Do you have any ideas for improving the ICANN Community Digest? Write to us at policyinfo(a)icann.org! Table of Contents ICANN86 Prep Week Information Sharing NEW: Inside the Room: Our Upcoming KSK Ceremony 2026 Round New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Opens Today ICANN Opens Second Application Period for the 2026 Round RSP Evaluation Program ICANN 2026 Round Application System User Guide, Support Model Available ONE WEEK FROM TODAY: ICANN Extends Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 2026 Round Independent Objectors Webinars TOMORROW: Review of Reviews CCG 5 May Webinars and Refined Proposal Outline ICANN to Host Question-and-Answer Sessions for New gTLD Applicants Webinar Series on 2026 Round Objections and Appeals Processes 🚨 Action Items 🚨 CLOSES FRIDAY: ICANN Request for Proposal: Global Payroll Services ICANN Issues Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Auction ICANN Board Seeks Input on Additional Funds for 2026 Round Applicant Support Program ICANNWiki Seeking Volunteers Public Comment CLOSES TODAY: Draft Evaluation Guides for Community Priority Evaluation (CPE) Events These events occur in May 2026. ICANN86 Prep Week Information Sharing NEW: Inside the Room: Our Upcoming KSK Ceremony KSK ceremonies are typically held four times a year in highly secure facilities. They follow strict, transparent procedures that have been refined over time and are publicly documented. Read more. 2026 Round New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Opens Today New gTLDs have demonstrated their benefits in building brand trust, creating vibrant local digital ecosystems, and providing more intuitive navigation for users. 2026 Round Launch Page Press Release Announcement ICANN Opens Second Application Period for the 2026 Round RSP Evaluation Program The second application period for the RSP Evaluation Program runs from 30 April to 12 August 2026. Read more. ICANN 2026 Round Application System User Guide, Support Model Available ICANN has made several resources available to help prospective applicants familiarize themselves with ICANN's TLD Application Management System (TAMS). This online system will be used by all applicants, evaluation panelists, and ICANN staff to submit, manage, and process new gTLD applications. These resources are available to help prospective applicants prepare for the application completion and submission process through TAMS: System user guide Frequently Asked Questions Demo videos Q&A webinar recordings Read more. ONE WEEK FROM TODAY: ICANN Extends Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 2026 Round Independent Objectors The Independent Objectors will file Community and Limited Public Interest objections and appeals and participate in mediation, where appropriate. Deadline: Monday 11 May Read more. Webinars TOMORROW: Review of Reviews CCG 5 May Webinars and Refined Proposal Outline The Reviews CCG will present a refined outline of what a refreshed ICANN reviews system could look like and respond to questions from the Nominating Groups and interested stakeholders as it develops the draft report ahead of the Public Comment period. Dates: Tuesday, 5 May 2026 – 06:00–07:00 UTC Tuesday, 5 May 2026 – 18:00–19:00 UTC Read the Refined Proposal to prepare. Announcement. Facebook | LinkedIn | X ICANN to Host Question-and-Answer Sessions for New gTLD Applicants Dates: 12 May, 16:00 UTC | 26 May, 16:00 UTC Read more and register. Webinar Series on 2026 Round Objections and Appeals Processes Introduction: 19 May, 14:00 UTC | 26 May, 06:00 UTC WIPO, Dispute Resolution Service Provider: 20 May, 14:00 UTC | 27 May, 06:00 UTC International Chamber of Commerce, Dispute Resolution Service Provider: 21 May, 14:00 UTC | 28 May, 06:00 UTC Read more and register. Action Items CLOSES FRIDAY: ICANN Request for Proposal: Global Payroll Services ICANN's preference would be to contract with one provider that can support all in-scope countries; however, under certain considerations ICANN may be open to selecting multiple providers as part of this initiative. Deadline: 8 May 2026 Read more. ICANN Issues Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Auction The selected provider will implement the ascending-clock, second-price auction method and must have the capability to accommodate a high volume of auctions, including both direct and indirect contention sets. Deadline: 2 June 2026 Read more. ICANNWiki Seeking Volunteers ICANNWiki is seeking volunteers to assist with creating and editing articles and content for the site. Do you want to help? Getting started is as simple as requesting an account. Then, make sure to read the short content guide to get a feel for what belongs in the wiki. Also, feel free to take a look at some data source suggestions on where to find reliable data. Happy editing! Public Comment CLOSES TODAY: Draft Evaluation Guides for Community Priority Evaluation (CPE) Open for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 24 March 2026 Closed for Submissions Date: Monday, 04 May 2026 See upcoming proceedings. See other public consultations. Events These events occur in May 2026. To learn more, please visit our community engagement calendar. INTA 2026 Annual Meeting (International Trademark Association) 2026 Peak Incident Response Technical Colloquium UK Stakeholder discussion -- Shaping the global Internet after WSIS+20: governance through cooperation Centr Jamboree APRALO Policy Forum - EURALO Joint Webinar: Understanding the Role of Trusted Notifiers in DNS Abuse West Africa IGF 2026 Volume 8, Issue 31 | Archive | Next Issue: Thursday, 07 May 2026 STAY INFORMED: Subscribe here ICANN | 12025 Waterfront Drive Suite 300 | Los Angeles, CA 90094-2536 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

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