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NEW: ICANN Publishes Initial List of Evaluated RSPs for 2026 Round
by ICANN Community Digest Feb. 2, 2026

Feb. 2, 2026

Email from ICANN Monday, 02 February 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 ICANN85 Register now Prep Week Schedule Information Sharing NEW: ICANN Publishes Initial List of Evaluated RSPs for 2026 Round NEW: Publication: DNS Root Server Equivalence Study NEW: ICANN Seeks Input on Name Collision Procedure Documentation 2026 Round ICANN Materials Provide Prospective New gTLD Applicants Clarity on Key Topics Next Round Champions Toolkit Available in the Six ICANN Languages Call for ASP Mentors 🚨 Action Items 🚨 NEXT WEEK: ICANN Request for Information: Event Sponsorship Management NEXT WEEK: ICANN Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Evaluation Quality Control ICANN Request for Proposal: Evaluator Panels for String Similarity and Variant Strings for the new gTLD Program: 2026 Round Apply Now for ICANN and PTI Leadership Positions ICANNWiki Seeking Volunteers Public Comment NEW: Name Collision Procedure Documentation NEXT WEEK: ICANN Office of Ombuds Framework and Process NEXT WEEK: ICANN FY27–31 Operating & Financial Plan, ICANN/IANA FY27 Op Plans & Budgets NEXT WEEK: Draft PTI FY27 Operating Plan and Budget Latin Script Diacritics PDP Initial Report Events These events occur in February 2026. ICANN85 Register now Prep Week Schedule Information Sharing NEW: ICANN Publishes Initial List of Evaluated RSPs for 2026 Round The list includes organizations that have cleared both technical screening and technical testing, as well as those that have cleared technical screening but are still in the process of clearing technical testing. Read more. NEW: Publication: DNS Root Server Equivalence Study The primary purpose of our research is to determine whether the rankings seen by a single root server can be used to accurately represent all sets of root servers, or whether more root servers need to be included to get a meaningful sample. Read more. NEW: ICANN Seeks Input on Name Collision Procedure Documentation Each applied-for string, including variant strings, in the 2026 Round will be subject to name collision assessments to identify strings that present a high risk of causing harmful name collisions. Announcement. Public Comment. 2026 Round ICANN Materials Provide Prospective New gTLD Applicants Clarity on Key Topics ICANN org is developing supplemental, complementary materials to aid prospective generic top-level domain (gTLD) applicants in understanding the Next Round application requirements, and how to navigate the application and evaluation processes. Blog. Key Topic Overview Documents. Next Round Champions Toolkit Available in the Six ICANN Languages ICANN is working with the community to identify potential Applicant Support Program (ASP) applicants – especially in regions that are currently under-represented in ICANN. If you are interested in helping to raise awareness among your own contacts or communities, please use the materials in the Next Round Champions Toolkit. To stay up to date on the New gTLD Program: Next Round and ASP, join the mailing list: nextroundinfo(a)icann.org. ASP leads, targets, and ideas can be sent to engagement.newgTLDprogram(a)icann.org. Call for ASP Mentors ICANN is seeking volunteer mentors who would like to offer their expertise to supported applicants as part of the ASP in the new gTLD Program: Next Round. ICANN is looking for mentors who can share insights and experience across ICANN Languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish) to support diverse gTLD applicants. Mentors may play a role in: advising applicants on navigating the gTLD application process and DNS industry; identifying resources; providing guidance; sharing experiences as appropriate; and helping supported applicants navigate the ICANN community and Public Meetings. If you or someone in your network might be interested, please refer to the mentor registration announcement for more information. Questions about the ASP or becoming a supported applicant Mentor can be sent to globalsupport(a)icann.org. Action Items NEXT WEEK: Call for Nominations for ICANN Fellowship Program Mentors Interested SOs/ACs should select their respective Fellowship Program mentor representative to serve for the ICANN87–ICANN89 meetings, and notify ICANN Fellowship Program Manager Siranush Vardanyan via email at siranush.vardanyan(a)icann.org no later than 10 February, 2026. Read more. NEXT WEEK: ICANN Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Evaluation Quality Control As was the case in the 2012 Round of the New gTLD Program, administration of the QC process will be outsourced to a third party to preserve independence with the objective of ensuring that the evaluation processes are transparent, consistent, and repeatable across all applications. DEADLINE: 10 February 2026 Read more. ICANN Request for Proposal: Evaluator Panels for String Similarity and Variant Strings for the new gTLD Program: 2026 Round The selected provider(s) will also be required to collaborate with ICANN on the development of evaluation guides for the work conducted by the panels, ensuring that the evaluation processes are transparent, consistent, and repeatable across all gTLD applications. DEADLINE: Wednesday 18 February, 23:59 UTC Read more. Apply Now for ICANN and PTI Leadership Positions The selected individuals will have a unique opportunity to work with accomplished colleagues from around the globe to help shape the policy development and technical coordination of the Internet's unique identifiers. DEADLINE: 18 February 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 NEW: Name Collision Procedure Documentation Open for Submissions Date: Thursday, 29 January 2026 Closed for Submissions Date: Monday, 16 March 2026 NEXT WEEK: ICANN Office of Ombuds Framework and Process Open for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 23 December 2025 Closed for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 10 February 2025 NEXT WEEK: ICANN FY27–31 Operating & Financial Plan, ICANN/IANA FY27 Op Plans & Budgets Open for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 16 December 2025 Closed for Submissions Date: Thursday, 12 February 2025 NEXT WEEK: Draft PTI FY27 Operating Plan and Budget Open for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 16 December 2025 Closed for Submissions Date: Thursday, 12 February 2025 Latin Script Diacritics PDP Initial Report Open for Submissions Date: Monday, 12 January 2026 Closed for Submissions Date: Monday, 23 February 2026 See upcoming proceedings. See other public consultations. Events These events occur in February 2026. To learn more, please visit our community engagement calendar. Data, Power, and Authoritarianism NANOG 96 APTLD89 Amman Meeting with Reykjavik University Students Afternoon on Internet Security DNSSEC Training at Iceland University APRICOT 2026 / APNIC61 Domain Pulse Volume 8, Issue 09 | Archive | Next Issue: Thursday, 05 February 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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NEW: ICANN Announces Dates for Public Meetings 2029–2033
by ICANN Community Digest Jan. 29, 2026

Jan. 29, 2026

Email from ICANN Thursday 29 January 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 ICANN85 Register now NEW: ICANN85 Prep Week Schedule Now Available Information Sharing NEW: Approved Resolutions | Regular Meeting of the ICANN Board | 25 January 2026 NEW: ICANN Announces Dates for Public Meetings 2029–2033 NEW: ICANN’s Middle East Engagement in FY26: Midyear Progress Report NEW: Upcoming Publication of 2026 Round List of Evaluated Registry Service Providers NEW: Happy New Year 2026: Ombuds Office Updates on Survey and Public Comment NEW: Press Release: ICANN Nominating Committee Seeks Accomplished Business Leaders for ICANN Board of Directors NEW: Press Release: ICANN Launches Caribbean Premiere of ICANN Near You in Guyana 2026 Round ICANN Materials Provide Prospective New gTLD Applicants Clarity on Key Topics Next Round Champions Toolkit Available in the Six ICANN Languages Call for ASP Mentors 🚨 Action Items 🚨 ICANN Request for Information: Event Sponsorship Management ICANN Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Evaluation Quality Control ICANN Request for Proposal: Evaluator Panels for String Similarity and Variant Strings for the new gTLD Program: 2026 Round Apply Now for ICANN and PTI Leadership Positions ICANNWiki Seeking Volunteers Public Comment ICANN Office of Ombuds Framework and Process ICANN FY27–31 Operating & Financial Plan, ICANN/IANA FY27 Op Plans & Budgets Draft PTI FY27 Operating Plan and Budget Latin Script Diacritics PDP Initial Report Events These events occur in January and February 2026. ICANN85 Register now NEW: ICANN85 Prep Week Schedule Now Available The schedule consists of 12 sessions to prepare the ICANN community for the ICANN85 Community Forum taking place 7–12 March 2026 in Mumbai, India. ICANN85 Prep Week will be held Monday, 23 February to Wednesday, 25 February 2026. Read more. Information Sharing NEW: Approved Resolutions | Regular Meeting of the ICANN Board | 25 January 2026 Please find the Approved Resolutions of the 25 January 2026 Regular Meeting of the ICANN Board here. NEW: ICANN Announces Dates for Public Meetings 2029–2033 The five-year schedule reflects the 2014 Meeting Strategy Working Group recommendations for the timing and duration of ICANN Public Meetings Read more. NEW: ICANN’s Middle East Engagement in FY26: Midyear Progress Report During the reporting period, the ICANN Global Stakeholder Engagement Middle East team conducted 81 engagement activities across 14 countries. Read more. NEW: Upcoming Publication of 2026 Round List of Evaluated Registry Service Providers The list, which will be published on 30 January, will include organizations that have cleared evaluation and organizations that have cleared some, but not all, of the technical evaluations. This comprehensive list will provide the most up-to-date information on the status of RSP applicants for these services as of 28 January 2026, end of day UTC. Read more. NEW: Happy New Year 2026: Ombuds Office Updates on Survey and Public Comment Community input is essential to ensure the Ombuds Office serves and meets the needs of the community as is called for in the ICANN Bylaws. Read more. NEW: Press Release: ICANN Nominating Committee Seeks Accomplished Business Leaders for ICANN Board of Directors The ICANN Board of Directors provides strategic oversight, policy direction, and fiduciary governance for this global nonprofit organization, which has an annual operating budget of approximately $150 million and more than 450 staff members worldwide. Read more. NEW: Press Release: ICANN Launches Caribbean Premiere of ICANN Near You in Guyana The event will take place from 3 to 5 February 2026 in Georgetown, Guyana. The inaugural event offers an accessible and responsive approach to addressing region-specific technical and Internet governance needs. Read more. 2026 Round ICANN Materials Provide Prospective New gTLD Applicants Clarity on Key Topics ICANN org is developing supplemental, complementary materials to aid prospective generic top-level domain (gTLD) applicants in understanding the Next Round application requirements, and how to navigate the application and evaluation processes. Blog. Key Topic Overview Documents. Next Round Champions Toolkit Available in the Six ICANN Languages ICANN is working with the community to identify potential Applicant Support Program (ASP) applicants – especially in regions that are currently under-represented in ICANN. If you are interested in helping to raise awareness among your own contacts or communities, please use the materials in the Next Round Champions Toolkit. To stay up to date on the New gTLD Program: Next Round and ASP, join the mailing list: nextroundinfo(a)icann.org. ASP leads, targets, and ideas can be sent to engagement.newgTLDprogram(a)icann.org. Call for ASP Mentors ICANN is seeking volunteer mentors who would like to offer their expertise to supported applicants as part of the ASP in the new gTLD Program: Next Round. ICANN is looking for mentors who can share insights and experience across ICANN Languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish) to support diverse gTLD applicants. Mentors may play a role in: advising applicants on navigating the gTLD application process and DNS industry; identifying resources; providing guidance; sharing experiences as appropriate; and helping supported applicants navigate the ICANN community and Public Meetings. If you or someone in your network might be interested, please refer to the mentor registration announcement for more information. Questions about the ASP or becoming a supported applicant Mentor can be sent to globalsupport(a)icann.org. Action Items Call for Nominations for ICANN Fellowship Program Mentors Interested SOs/ACs should select their respective Fellowship Program mentor representative to serve for the ICANN87–ICANN89 meetings, and notify ICANN Fellowship Program Manager Siranush Vardanyan via email at siranush.vardanyan(a)icann.org no later than 10 February, 2026. Read more. ICANN Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Evaluation Quality Control As was the case in the 2012 Round of the New gTLD Program, administration of the QC process will be outsourced to a third party to preserve independence with the objective of ensuring that the evaluation processes are transparent, consistent, and repeatable across all applications. DEADLINE: 10 February 2026 Read more. ICANN Request for Proposal: Evaluator Panels for String Similarity and Variant Strings for the new gTLD Program: 2026 Round The selected provider(s) will also be required to collaborate with ICANN on the development of evaluation guides for the work conducted by the panels, ensuring that the evaluation processes are transparent, consistent, and repeatable across all gTLD applications. DEADLINE: Wednesday 18 February, 23:59 UTC Read more. Apply Now for ICANN and PTI Leadership Positions The selected individuals will have a unique opportunity to work with accomplished colleagues from around the globe to help shape the policy development and technical coordination of the Internet's unique identifiers. DEADLINE: 18 February 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 ICANN Office of Ombuds Framework and Process Open for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 23 December 2025 Closed for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 10 February 2025 ICANN FY27–31 Operating & Financial Plan, ICANN/IANA FY27 Op Plans & Budgets Open for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 16 December 2025 Closed for Submissions Date: Thursday, 12 February 2025 Draft PTI FY27 Operating Plan and Budget Open for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 16 December 2025 Closed for Submissions Date: Thursday, 12 February 2025 Latin Script Diacritics PDP Initial Report Open for Submissions Date: Monday, 12 January 2026 Closed for Submissions Date: Monday, 23 February 2026 See upcoming proceedings. See other public consultations. Events These events occur in January and February 2026. To learn more, please visit our community engagement calendar. Data, Power, and Authoritarianism NANOG 96 APTLD89 Amman Meeting with Reykjavik University Students Afternoon on Internet Security DNSSEC Training at Iceland University APRICOT 2026 / APNIC61 Domain Pulse Volume 8, Issue 08 | Archive | Next Issue: Monday, 02 February 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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TOMORROW: Upcoming Informational Webinars for 2026 Round Applicants
by ICANN Community Digest Jan. 26, 2026

Jan. 26, 2026

Email from ICANN Monday, 26 January 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 ICANN85 Register now Webinars TOMORROW: Upcoming Informational Webinars for 2026 Round Applicants 2026 Round ICANN Materials Provide Prospective New gTLD Applicants Clarity on Key Topics Next Round Champions Toolkit Available in the Six ICANN Languages Call for ASP Mentors 🚨 Action Items 🚨 ICANN Request for Information: Event Sponsorship Management ICANN Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Evaluation Quality Control ICANN Request for Proposal: Evaluator Panels for String Similarity and Variant Strings for the new gTLD Program: 2026 Round Apply Now for ICANN and PTI Leadership Positions ICANNWiki Seeking Volunteers Public Comment CLOSES TOMORROW: Proposed Next Round Base gTLD Registry Agreement - Spec 14 (Variant TLDs) CLOSES TOMORROW: Proposed Updates to the Trademark Clearinghouse Requirements ICANN Office of Ombuds Framework and Process ICANN FY27–31 Operating & Financial Plan, ICANN/IANA FY27 Op Plans & Budgets Draft PTI FY27 Operating Plan and Budget Latin Script Diacritics PDP Initial Report Events These events occur in January and February 2026. ICANN85 Register now Webinars TOMORROW: Upcoming Informational Webinars for 2026 Round Applicants This month, ICANN will hold two informational webinars in advance of the opening of the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: 2026 Round. Both sessions will be recorded and include time for questions and answers. The two webinars are meant to build foundational knowledge of the program. Potential applicants, community members, and other interested parties are welcome to attend. 27 January, 16:00 UTC | Webinar #2 - 2026 Round New gTLD Applicant Journey Overview Read more and Register. 2026 Round ICANN Materials Provide Prospective New gTLD Applicants Clarity on Key Topics ICANN org is developing supplemental, complementary materials to aid prospective generic top-level domain (gTLD) applicants in understanding the Next Round application requirements, and how to navigate the application and evaluation processes. Blog. Key Topic Overview Documents. Next Round Champions Toolkit Available in the Six ICANN Languages ICANN is working with the community to identify potential Applicant Support Program (ASP) applicants – especially in regions that are currently under-represented in ICANN. If you are interested in helping to raise awareness among your own contacts or communities, please use the materials in the Next Round Champions Toolkit. To stay up to date on the New gTLD Program: Next Round and ASP, join the mailing list: nextroundinfo(a)icann.org. ASP leads, targets, and ideas can be sent to engagement.newgTLDprogram(a)icann.org. Call for ASP Mentors ICANN is seeking volunteer mentors who would like to offer their expertise to supported applicants as part of the ASP in the new gTLD Program: Next Round. ICANN is looking for mentors who can share insights and experience across ICANN Languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish) to support diverse gTLD applicants. Mentors may play a role in: advising applicants on navigating the gTLD application process and DNS industry; identifying resources; providing guidance; sharing experiences as appropriate; and helping supported applicants navigate the ICANN community and Public Meetings. If you or someone in your network might be interested, please refer to the mentor registration announcement for more information. Questions about the ASP or becoming a supported applicant Mentor can be sent to globalsupport(a)icann.org. Action Items Call for Nominations for ICANN Fellowship Program Mentors Interested SOs/ACs should select their respective Fellowship Program mentor representative to serve for the ICANN87–ICANN89 meetings, and notify ICANN Fellowship Program Manager Siranush Vardanyan via email at siranush.vardanyan(a)icann.org no later than 10 February, 2026. Read more. ICANN Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Evaluation Quality Control As was the case in the 2012 Round of the New gTLD Program, administration of the QC process will be outsourced to a third party to preserve independence with the objective of ensuring that the evaluation processes are transparent, consistent, and repeatable across all applications. DEADLINE: 10 February 2026 Read more. ICANN Request for Proposal: Evaluator Panels for String Similarity and Variant Strings for the new gTLD Program: 2026 Round The selected provider(s) will also be required to collaborate with ICANN on the development of evaluation guides for the work conducted by the panels, ensuring that the evaluation processes are transparent, consistent, and repeatable across all gTLD applications. DEADLINE: Wednesday 18 February, 23:59 UTC Read more. Apply Now for ICANN and PTI Leadership Positions The selected individuals will have a unique opportunity to work with accomplished colleagues from around the globe to help shape the policy development and technical coordination of the Internet's unique identifiers. DEADLINE: 18 February 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 TOMORROW: Proposed Next Round Base gTLD Registry Agreement - Spec 14 (Variant TLDs) Submissions Opening Date: Wednesday, 10 December 2025 Submissions Closing Date: Tuesday, 27 January 2026 CLOSES TOMORROW: Proposed Updates to the Trademark Clearinghouse Requirements Open for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 18 December 2025 Closed for Submissions Date: Thursday, 27 January 2026 ICANN Office of Ombuds Framework and Process Open for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 23 December 2025 Closed for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 10 February 2025 ICANN FY27–31 Operating & Financial Plan, ICANN/IANA FY27 Op Plans & Budgets Open for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 16 December 2025 Closed for Submissions Date: Thursday, 12 February 2025 Draft PTI FY27 Operating Plan and Budget Open for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 16 December 2025 Closed for Submissions Date: Thursday, 12 February 2025 Latin Script Diacritics PDP Initial Report Open for Submissions Date: Monday, 12 January 2026 Closed for Submissions Date: Monday, 23 February 2026 See upcoming proceedings. See other public consultations. Events These events occur in January and February 2026. To learn more, please visit our community engagement calendar. 2026 Round New gTLD Applicant Journey Overview - Webinar #2 ICANN Webinar Series for EMEA: Charting the Path Ahead for ICANN's DNS Abuse Mitigation Efforts Tech Policy in 2026: A 2nd Session Preview Data, Power, and Authoritarianism NANOG 96 APTLD89 Amman Meeting with Reykjavik University Students Volume 8, Issue 07 | Archive | Next Issue: Thursday, 29 January 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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ccNSO Council seeks volunteers to represent the ccNSO within the GNSO PDP on Associated Domain Check (DNS Abuse Mitigation PDP 1)
by Joke Braeken Jan. 26, 2026

Jan. 26, 2026

Dear All, The ccNSO Council seeks volunteers to represent the ccNSO within the GNSO PDP on Associated Domain Check (DNS Abuse Mitigation PDP 1), namely: * Up to two Members * Up to one Participant * Up to one Alternate This call for volunteers will close on Thursday, 5 February 2026 (noon UTC). Rationale Following consultation with the DNS Abuse Standing Committee (DASC), the ccNSO Council held extensive discussions during its 224th and 225th meetings on the benefits and drawbacks of ccNSO participation in the GNSO DNS Abuse Mitigation PDPs. On 22 January, the Council resolved to task the DASC with selecting up to two members, as well as up to one participant and one alternate. gTLD consensus policies do not apply to ccTLDs, and the ccNSO has traditionally not formally participated in GNSO PDPs. However, participation in PDP 1 would enable the ccNSO to share ccTLD expertise in DNS abuse mitigation, support the multistakeholder model, and potentially contribute to reducing DNS abuse across the broader ecosystem. Participation was also seen as an opportunity to inform the wider community about the differences between ccTLDs and gTLDs. Given that ccTLDs experience significantly lower levels of abuse, they can offer valuable insights into the practices and approaches that have contributed to these outcomes. Read more For further information regarding the role and eligibility, the time commitment, how to apply, the next steps, as well as information about the GNSO DNS Abuse Mitigation PDPs, go to : https://www.icann.org/en/ccnso/news-and-announcements/documents/call-for-vo… Best regards, Joke Braeken joke.braeken(a)icann.org<mailto:joke.braeken@icann.org>

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360 Review
by Bart Boswinkel Jan. 23, 2026

Jan. 23, 2026

Dear all, Per Council meeting yesterday, you are all requested to complete the 360 review. This round the following Councillors are subject of the review · NomCom - Wafa and Jajit · ccNSO members appointed Councillors - Biyi, Jordan, Pablo, Nigel and Everton Start of the Survey is today, 23 January and it will conclude 13 February. Today you will receive the links to the surveys on your private email account. Please complete the survey per your fellow Councillor!. Experience to date has shown that you all appreciate receiving feecback, but are less committed to completing the survey timely. During the process I’ll send you reminders. Kind regards, Bart

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NEW: Chair’s Blog: January Board Workshop Preview
by ICANN Community Digest Jan. 22, 2026

Jan. 22, 2026

Email from ICANN Thursday, 22 January 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 ICANN85 Register now Information Sharing NEW: Chair’s Blog: January Board Workshop Preview NEW: ICANN Board Public Engagement With APAC Webinars TUESDAY: Upcoming Informational Webinars for 2026 Round Applicants 2026 Round ICANN Materials Provide Prospective New gTLD Applicants Clarity on Key Topics Next Round Champions Toolkit Available in the Six ICANN Languages Call for ASP Mentors 🚨 Action Items 🚨 CLOSES TODAY: ICANN Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Safeguard Assessment CLOSES TOMORROW: Call for Nominations for ICANN Fellowship Program Mentors ICANN Request for Information: Event Sponsorship Management ICANN Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Evaluation Quality Control ICANN Request for Proposal: Evaluator Panels for String Similarity and Variant Strings for the new gTLD Program: 2026 Round Apply Now for ICANN and PTI Leadership Positions ICANNWiki Seeking Volunteers Public Comment NEW: Public Comment Summary Report: Registration Data Request Service (RDRS) Policy Alignment Analysis CLOSES TODAY: Proposed GNSO Process for ICANN Board to Reverse Adoption of GNSO Policy Recs CLOSES TODAY: String Similarity Evaluation Guidelines for New gTLD Program: 2026 Round CLOSES TUESDAY: Proposed Next Round Base gTLD Registry Agreement - Spec 14 (Variant TLDs) CLOSES TUESDAY: Proposed Updates to the Trademark Clearinghouse Requirements ICANN Office of Ombuds Framework and Process ICANN FY27–31 Operating & Financial Plan, ICANN/IANA FY27 Op Plans & Budgets Draft PTI FY27 Operating Plan and Budget Latin Script Diacritics PDP Initial Report Events These events occur in January 2026. ICANN85 Register now Information Sharing NEW: Chair’s Blog: January Board Workshop Preview The workshop also will include a Regular Board Meeting, and the agenda is available on the Board Activities and Meetings page. Following the workshop, I will provide an overview of the key takeaways. I look forward to working together this year to deliver our shared mission of ensuring a secure, stable, and unified global Internet. Read more. Board Activities and Meetings page. NEW: ICANN Board Public Engagement With APAC 23 January 2025 | 14:30–15:30 Singapore Time (6:30–7:30 UTC) Details can be found in the Chair's blog. Webinars TUESDAY: Upcoming Informational Webinars for 2026 Round Applicants This month, ICANN will hold two informational webinars in advance of the opening of the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: 2026 Round. Both sessions will be recorded and include time for questions and answers. The two webinars are meant to build foundational knowledge of the program. Potential applicants, community members, and other interested parties are welcome to attend. 27 January, 16:00 UTC | Webinar #2 - 2026 Round New gTLD Applicant Journey Overview Read more and Register. 2026 Round ICANN Materials Provide Prospective New gTLD Applicants Clarity on Key Topics ICANN org is developing supplemental, complementary materials to aid prospective generic top-level domain (gTLD) applicants in understanding the Next Round application requirements, and how to navigate the application and evaluation processes. Blog. Key Topic Overview Documents. Next Round Champions Toolkit Available in the Six ICANN Languages ICANN is working with the community to identify potential Applicant Support Program (ASP) applicants – especially in regions that are currently under-represented in ICANN. If you are interested in helping to raise awareness among your own contacts or communities, please use the materials in the Next Round Champions Toolkit. To stay up to date on the New gTLD Program: Next Round and ASP, join the mailing list: nextroundinfo(a)icann.org. ASP leads, targets, and ideas can be sent to engagement.newgTLDprogram(a)icann.org. Call for ASP Mentors ICANN is seeking volunteer mentors who would like to offer their expertise to supported applicants as part of the ASP in the new gTLD Program: Next Round. ICANN is looking for mentors who can share insights and experience across ICANN Languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish) to support diverse gTLD applicants. Mentors may play a role in: advising applicants on navigating the gTLD application process and DNS industry; identifying resources; providing guidance; sharing experiences as appropriate; and helping supported applicants navigate the ICANN community and Public Meetings. If you or someone in your network might be interested, please refer to the mentor registration announcement for more information. Questions about the ASP or becoming a supported applicant Mentor can be sent to globalsupport(a)icann.org. Action Items CLOSES TODAY: ICANN Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Safeguard Assessment The safeguard assessment provider will determine whether an applied-for string fits into one of the risk-based groups that will require specific safeguard public interest commitments (PICs) as contractual obligations in the 2026 Round registry agreement. DEADLINE: 22 January 2026 Read more. CLOSES TOMORROW: ICANN Request for Information: Event Sponsorship Management Potential providers may respond to this RFI to indicate their interest in this initiative, and to showcase their capabilities for the full end-to-end sponsorship management services within the sponsorship lifecycle. DEADLINE: 23 January 2026 Read more. Call for Nominations for ICANN Fellowship Program Mentors Interested SOs/ACs should select their respective Fellowship Program mentor representative to serve for the ICANN87–ICANN89 meetings, and notify ICANN Fellowship Program Manager Siranush Vardanyan via email at siranush.vardanyan(a)icann.org no later than 10 February, 2026. Read more. ICANN Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Evaluation Quality Control As was the case in the 2012 Round of the New gTLD Program, administration of the QC process will be outsourced to a third party to preserve independence with the objective of ensuring that the evaluation processes are transparent, consistent, and repeatable across all applications. DEADLINE: 10 February 2026 Read more. ICANN Request for Proposal: Evaluator Panels for String Similarity and Variant Strings for the new gTLD Program: 2026 Round The selected provider(s) will also be required to collaborate with ICANN on the development of evaluation guides for the work conducted by the panels, ensuring that the evaluation processes are transparent, consistent, and repeatable across all gTLD applications. DEADLINE: Wednesday 18 February, 23:59 UTC Read more. Apply Now for ICANN and PTI Leadership Positions The selected individuals will have a unique opportunity to work with accomplished colleagues from around the globe to help shape the policy development and technical coordination of the Internet's unique identifiers. DEADLINE: 18 February 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 NEW: Public Comment Summary Report: Registration Data Request Service (RDRS) Policy Alignment Analysis CLOSES TODAY: Proposed GNSO Process for ICANN Board to Reverse Adoption of GNSO Policy Recs Submissions Opening Date: Thursday, 20 November 2025 Submissions Closing Date: Thursday, 22 January 2026 CLOSES TODAY: String Similarity Evaluation Guidelines for New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Submissions Opening Date: Wednesday, 26 November 2025 Submissions Closing Date: Thursday, 22 January 2026 CLOSES TUESDAY: Proposed Next Round Base gTLD Registry Agreement - Spec 14 (Variant TLDs) Submissions Opening Date: Wednesday, 10 December 2025 Submissions Closing Date: Tuesday, 27 January 2026 CLOSES TUESDAY: Proposed Updates to the Trademark Clearinghouse Requirements Open for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 18 December 2025 Closed for Submissions Date: Thursday, 27 January 2026 ICANN Office of Ombuds Framework and Process Open for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 23 December 2025 Closed for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 10 February 2025 ICANN FY27–31 Operating & Financial Plan, ICANN/IANA FY27 Op Plans & Budgets Open for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 16 December 2025 Closed for Submissions Date: Thursday, 12 February 2025 Draft PTI FY27 Operating Plan and Budget Open for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 16 December 2025 Closed for Submissions Date: Thursday, 12 February 2025 Latin Script Diacritics PDP Initial Report Open for Submissions Date: Monday, 12 January 2026 Closed for Submissions Date: Monday, 23 February 2026 See upcoming proceedings. See other public consultations. Events These events occur in January 2026. To learn more, please visit our community engagement calendar. PTC'26 (MN)NUG Introduction to the New gTLD Program: 2026 Round - Webinar #1 Internet Governance: Your Seat at the Table (part II) 2026 Round New gTLD Applicant Journey Overview - Webinar #2 ICANN Webinar Series for EMEA: Charting the Path Ahead for ICANN's DNS Abuse Mitigation Efforts Volume 8, Issue 06 | Archive | Next Issue: Monday, 26 January 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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NOTES | ccNSO Council meeting 225 | Thursday, 22 January 2026 | 12:00 UTC
by Joke Braeken Jan. 22, 2026

Jan. 22, 2026

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW… NOTES ccNSO Council meeting 225 Thursday, 22 January 2026 | 12:00 UTC Table of contents Background and supporting documents 1<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 2<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> 1. Welcome 2<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> 2. Participation ccNSO in GNSO PDP DNS Abuse 2<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> 3. Relevant Correspondence 6<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> 4. Minutes & Action Items 6<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> 5. Intermeeting Council Decisions (since meeting 224, December 2025) 7<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> 6. Intermeeting Decisions Triage Committee since Council meeting 224 7<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> UPDATES 7<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> 7. Update ECA & CSC (written updates) 7<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> 8. Update Working Groups (written updates) 7<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> 9. Update Liaisons (written updates) 8<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> 10. Progress Board Consideration ccPDP4-IDN & Implementation ccPDP3 8<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> 11. Progress CCG Review of Reviews 8<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> 12. Progress “How we meet” CCG 8<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> 13. Update Chair, Vice-chairs, Councillors, Regional Organisations, Secretariat 8<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS & DECISIONS 9<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> 14. Councillor 360 review 9<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> 15. Review IGLC Adoption terms of reference & Call for volunteers 9<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> 16. Appointment members, or Chairs/ Vice-chairs to committees or working groups, if any 10<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> 17. Adoption Selection Report: special elections African region 11<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> SUBSTANTIVE MATTERS & DECISIONS 12<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> 18. Planning for ICANN85 12<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> 19. Any Other Business (AOB) 13<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> 20. Next Council Meetings 13<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> 21. Adjourn 13<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1snh0pcvR2lF3Abg8189RSKLVhSoRwMNnVAZQRDW…> Background and supporting documents * Council workspace for this meeting: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/NwC2K * ccNSO correspondence: statements and responses: https://ccnso.icann.org/en/about/statements.htm ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 1. Welcome Welcome by Alejandra. Happy New Year Please add “Council” to you zoom ID Welcome by Nick, he will participating in the second item on the agenda Anybody any AOB? none a. SOI updates Consult the ccNSO SOI Guideline<https://ccnso.icann.org/en/about/ccnso-internal-procedure-general-soi-coi-2…> Complete the SOI template<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfRpehiCw2ty2PYRiaPG0K3lZSKk9LrLPQ…> Check the ccNSO Statements of Interest<https://community.icann.org/x/doAFEg> Any updates? None b. Meeting quorum Bart: apologies from Jennifer (LAC), Molehe (AF) and Ali (AF) You are quorate 2. Participation ccNSO in GNSO PDP DNS Abuse Alejandra: This is a follow up of our discussion at the end of December 2025. Since then, the GNSO Council has adopted the charter of the PDPWG and we were asked to nominate members or a participant and if necessary an alternate. If we participate we are expected to put names forward early February 2026. So we have to decide on a few topics today: 1. Whether to participate in the GNSO PDP 2. Participate with members or participants 3. How to select members. We will discuss and take the temperature of the room on each of these topics one-by-one before going to the resolution. Based on discussion in December last year, I have the sense that the Council leans towards participation. We discussed the benefits and counter arguments, and my take away was that in general the meeting was positive towards participation, while noting the risks. To recap: The benefits of participation included * Sharing ccTLD expertise in DNS abuse mitigation, supporting the multistakeholder model, and potentially contributing to reduced DNS abuse across the ecosystem. * Participation was also seen as an opportunity to educate the broader community about differences between ccTLDs and gTLDs. * ccTLDs have much lower levels of abuse and, therefore, can contribute with what has led to better results. The drawbacks included: * The significant time commitment and resource demands, * Potential misperceptions about representation and applicability of the policy to ccTLDs. Possible mitigations were identified, such as distributing workload among participants and clearly defining mandates to avoid misunderstandings. Nick: opportunities and risks to get involved in gTLD policy. Historically, we would say it is none of our business. Exception here: abuse affects the whole ecosystem. There is a lot of interaction with the gTLD registries. There is no point moving abuse across places, rather remove it. Nigel: I can think of at least one ccNSO member who would probably violently object to this. Agree with what Nick said. We should nominate 2 members. Pablo: I agree with the summary you gave, and what Nick said. We should not shy away. I support 2 members and one alternate, or a similar alternative. Alejandra: we will discuss in a bit Jordan: we should offer help through this process Alejandra: should we participate in the GNSO PDP? Green ticks Alejandra: we will move forward with that. Now we need to decide how to participate. The ccNSO may choose to nominate two (2) members OR one (1) Participant Difference mainly in expected mandate: Members (are expected to): * Take part during deliberations and in any WG consensus calls. * Represent the view of the ccNSO, and may be called on to provide the official position of the ccNSO. Participants: * Will be able to actively participate in and attend all WG meetings. * Are encouraged to engage in the WG deliberations throughout its lifecycle and are expected to keep up with all relevant WG deliberations to ensure they remain informed and can contribute when needed. * However, Participants do not participate in the consensus building process. So my question is how to participate? 1. With two members, knowing the ccNSO does not have a position on the topics under discussion? 2. With one participant? 3. both? Chris: that is not what we are being asked. 2 members, and a participant, and an alternate. You could have in essence 4: 2 members, 1 participant, 1 alternative. It is not an “or”, it is an “and”. Nigel: We do not need to decide. We could authorise “up to”. Council should not micromanage every decision Alejandra: noted Bart: to be clear. Up to 4 people. There is a qualitative difference between members and participants. That is the principal difference. Make it clear there is no ccNSO position, upfront. Nick: the ccNSO does not have a formal position on GNSO policy topics. I can see ccNSO volunteers participating and moving the policy discussion forward. I want to clarify that there are formal consensus calls. Expectations from ccNSO members to clear the position? I think that would be useful. There should be a feedback mechanism. Bring wider ccNSO membership with us. Individuals might have their own perspectives. There might be reservations on specific points. Discussion around expectations and feedback mechanism Alejandra: leadership keeps close track with appointees and provides guidance where needed. Feedback is indeed expected, not just to Council. Hence we need to draft the mandate on how things should go. Chris: i agree with that. To answer Nick, it goes beyond that. If we decide we should have members, members are expected to contribute to the discussion and consensus call. They are on the PDP as ccNSO representatives. That is how the ccNSO sees this. My view is, very strongly, we should allow us the flexibility to be members. Members can contribute to the debate. There is flexibility as a member. You are operating as a person, but if there is a consensus call, you put forward the ccNSO position. We know what happens in this PDP, is going to be reflected in the cc-world. We need to advocate for the cc-position. We should appoint 2 members. As representatives of the ccNSO. That is important. Alejandra: anybody against appointing members? None Alejandra: Final question, How to select members? There are specific requirements for qualification of members or participants. Both members or participants (and alternates) are expected to have a level of expertise with respect to: * DNS Abuse issues, * ICANN policies and procedures, * Registry/registrar services. Suggestion to have DASC member Nick: yes. Even though non-DASC members might be qualified as well. Alejandra: apart from the knowledge, there is also the time commitment. This is intense. Nick: when the call goes out, that needs to be clear. Include ToR, time commitment, expertise. Nigel: the Council should delegate this to DASC. Peter: do we insist on having a community call? DASC gets the task, and ask promising candidates. People who are not formally DASC member. Time is pressing. Not enough time for a call for volunteers. Regarding formal positions: did council agree on marching orders? Abstain or come back to Council to discuss? We try to stay away, or might want to refrain from raising our voice in a consensus call Alejandra: no opposition to having members. Contribute, also to the consensus building process, if appropriate. Chris: they do speak on behalf of the ccNSO. Not denic, not Peter. If the ccNSO position was to abstain from expressing opinion of colour of the walls Bart: leave it up to DASC. Bruce and Nick come up with suggested members, participant, alternate. They know the pool of people. Deadline: end January. Nick: i can hear it loud and clear. I will talk to Bruce and check in with him. We want to do a broadcast call. DASC leadership is stepping forward. Inclusive call, broadcast out, but the outcome is likely. Important for it to be transparent. Bart: please let us know once you spoke with Bruce. We will circulate the call tomorrow Alejandra: see resolution, with proposed edits. “Up to 2 members, up to 1 participant, and an alternate” Draft Resolution Background The ccNSO Council was requested to nominate up to 2 members or 1 participant, and 1 alternate to the GNSO PDP 1 Associated Domain Name Check. After extensive discussion during meeting ccNSO Council meetings 224 and 225, the ccNSO Council believes that the benefits of participating in this PDP for the ccTLD and broader community outweigh the potential negative impact participation could have on ccTLDs. As to the mode of participation (members or participant, and alternate), the ccNSO Council believes that the interests of the community are best served with participation of members and an alternate, however noting that the ccNSO itself does not have a view or will not hold an official position on the matters discussed in the PDP, nor could members represent the view or position of ccTLDs in general. The ccNSO Council taking into account the requirement of the charter that members and hence alternates are expected to have a level of expertise with respect to: a) DNS Abuse issues, b) ICANN policies and procedures, and c) registry/registrar services, is of the view that participants of the ccNSO DNS Abuse Committee are best positioned to participate in the GNSO PDP. Decision Per request of the GNSO Council the ccNSO Council decides to participate in the GNSO PDP 1 Associated Domain Name Check with two members and one alternate. The GNSO Council will be informed that the ccNSO does not have a view, nor holds on a position on the matter addressed through the PDP, nor do the members represent a view or position of ccTLDs in general. The Council requests the cNSO Domain Abuse Standing Committee (DASC) to nominate (Alternative 1: two (2) members) or (Alternative 2: one (1) participant,) and an alternate and inform the ccNSO Council as soon as feasible, and no later than 30 January 2026. The Chair of the Council is requested to inform the GNSO secretariat before 9 February 2026 of the nomination. The secretariat is requested to publish this resolution as soon as possible. This resolution becomes effective seven (7) days after publication. Move? Chris Second? Pablo Any questions on the resolution? None All green marks. Approved. Thanks to Nick for joining us. Looking forward to see the results of the call for volunteers ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 3. Relevant Correspondence 4. Minutes & Action Items a. Minutes Meeting 224 Circulated to the Council mailing list on 09 January 2026 No questions or comments, minutes are confirmed b. Action Items Alejandra: All action items are completed except * 224-4 which is waiting on completion of the special election in the African Region. * Action item 222-02 was kept open, noting that it will be further discussed with ICANN and other SO/AC chairs. I have been informed that ICANN is taking this action item on. Suggest to close it. Any comments? none · Action Item 224-01 ccNSO Secretariat to change the ccNSO Council email archive to be open to the public, and allow read only subscribers to the mailing list and let the Council know when the changes have been implemented. (Completed - Council to be informed) · Action Item 224-02 The ccNSO Secretariat is requested to inform the previous and current ccTLD manager that the ccNSO membership of the manager of .ly ended. (Completed) · Action Item 224-03 The ccNSO Secretariat is requested to inform the GRC to review the Council Selection Process Guideline, taking into account the recommendations from the Selection Process Manager. (Pending meeting GRC) · Action Item 224-04 The ccNSO Chair is requested to inform ICANN's Secretary of the election results in accordance with section 10.4(i) of the ICANN Bylaws. (Pending adoption Election African Region) · Action Item 224-05 The secretariat is requested to inform the leadership teams of the various working groups and committees and persons appointed and enable their participation in the respective teams. (Completed) · Action Item 224-06 The secretariat to include the topic on “ccNSO participation in GNSO DNS Abuse PDPs” in the January 2026 Council meeting agenda. (Completed, item 18) · Action Item 224-07 The secretariat to include the topic on “Tech Day’s interpretation service” in the January 2026 Council meeting agenda. (Completed, item 19 b) 5. Intermeeting Council Decisions (since meeting 224, December 2025) None 6. Intermeeting Decisions Triage Committee since Council meeting 224 No meeting since Council meeting 224 UPDATES Alejandra: Written updates - if any - are published on the wiki space for this meeting. The draft written updates for items 7, 8 and 9 are in our inboxes. In the meantime does anyone have any pressing comments? None Biyi: update on onboarding and mentoring initiatives. OMC met regarding the Buddy Program, and the mentoring program for newcomers. We are now defining the steps for engagement at ICANN85. There will be an informal meet-up for newcomers at ICANN85. We will look into the structure of that meeting, to ensure an effective onboarding experience. Adjustments, or rather enhancements of the Buddy Program: have mentoring reinvigorated. Further information for Council consideration by the February meeting. Mentoring program was in place in the past: see what worked, what did not. The individuals involved at the time are successful ecosystem contributors, including doing work for the ccNSO Bart: explains the difference between the Buddy Program and the mentoring programme. The buddy program is focused on and around the icann meeting, the latter is a deep dive. Takes about half a year. The previous mentoring programme was successful, but ended due to the pandemic. Time to reinvigorate it. Alejandra: Eyitayo was a mentee at the time. She is now our ccNSO appointee to the NomCom. Her pairing with mentor Mary Uduma was very successful 7. Update ECA & CSC (written updates) 8. Update Working Groups (written updates) a. ccPDP4-IDN (Dormant) b. DASC c. GRC d. IGLC e. MPC f. OMC g. SOPC h. Tech WG i. TLD-OPS SC j. Triage Committee (reported) k. UAC l. CIP-CCG m. Planning Prioritization Process group n. RZERC o. RSS GWG 9. Update Liaisons (written updates) a. Update ccNSO Liaison to ALAC b. Update ccNSO Liaison to GNSO Council 10. Progress Board Consideration ccPDP4-IDN & Implementation ccPDP3 Informational Bart: * ccPDP4-IDN Board caucus is reviewing the staff assessment of the de-selection of IDN ccTLDs and the applicability of the review mechanism. Once completed, there will be a discussion by the full board. * ccPDP3-RM Regarding the implementation, the icann staff has completed the planning of the implementation. Handed it over to the real implementers. ccPAIG was asked to provide some feedback. Request from staff to keep it simple. Peter: a way forward was suggested. Bart: one of the points was regarding allowing non pre-certified reviewers, you open up a can of worms. Draft response in the making. For discussion with icann staff Peter: an issue we did not consider is the whole composition of the pool. Will not be used too often. Bart: But it is an implementation question 11. Progress CCG Review of Reviews Informational Alejandra: see update by Chris via email to council mailing list https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/CDOR/pages/700383277/18+D… 12. Progress “How we meet” CCG Update. Alejandra: note from Jodi. No additional input received to date. 13. Update Chair, Vice-chairs, Councillors, Regional Organisations, Secretariat Alejandra: Chair update. * Call with NomCom: 3 topics addressed, namely: * ccNSO Councillor profile, * NomCom timelines. When is it best for us to give input? * Observation on NomCom selection process made to the Board * Outcome Conversation with Sally * We conveyed the message to please do not forget ccTLDs in ICANN related events. Do not only focus on gTLDs * Recommendation from the Finance WG Final report, to reach out to ccTLDS and develop long lasting relationships. Bart: you may recall discussion about the Council mailing list: * open to observers? * who to access the archive? Up to recently, only current councillors could access the archive. The decision was to open the archive, and allow observers. One observer joined in the meanwhile. There is no Council decision required. This is to alert you that non-Councillors and non-observers can now read the correspondence on the council mailing list. We can let you know regularly who is subscribed. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS & DECISIONS 14. Councillor 360 review According to the schedule (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gUaUDBeROr7nNphJJbGaxvSqI1WvvJ0emID…) the next round of 360 reviews needs to be launched. This will include review of the following Councillors: · NomCom - Wafa and Jajit · ccNSO members appointed Councillors - Biyi, Jordan, Pablo, Nigel and Everton Proposed timeline: Start Survey 23 January Conclude Survey: 13 February Send result to Councillors and Chair: 19 February Appoint Bart Boswinkel as Survey Process manager. Remind people to provide input and be on time for NomCom input. Everybody thinks it is useful, but we need to walk that talk: complete surveys in time. They will be sent TOMORROW. Move? Wafa Second? Pablo Any questions regarding the resolution? None Approved Draft Resolution Decision The ccNSO Council adopts the proposed timeline to conduct the ccNSO Councillors 360 review: · Start of Survey: 23 January 2026 · Closure of Survey: 13 February 2026 · Sending results to individual Councillors and Chair: 19 February 2026 The ccNSO Council appoints Bart Boswinkel as Survey Process manager. The secretariat is requested to publish this resolution as soon as possible. This decision becomes effective upon publication of the resolution. 15. Review IGLC Adoption terms of reference & Call for volunteers Alejandra: According to the working group/committee adopted in the September 2025 review schedule, the ccNSO Internet Governance Liaison Group is subject to effectiveness and efficiency review. Note that as always members of the IGLC are not expected to participate in the review team. This includes the Councillors Following councilors are not a member of the IGLC: Nigel Biyi, Ali Jennifer, Alejandra * Grace, Charles and Sami, will not have taken their seats when the review starts. Please consider participation in RT. Draft resolution Background According to the scheme for review of ccNSO Committees as adopted by Council in August 2025, the effectiveness and efficiency of the ccNSO Internet Governance Liaison Committee is expected to be reviewed from January 2026 to May 2026. Decision The ccNSO Council adopted the Terms of Reference for the effectiveness and efficiency of the IGLC. The secretariat is requested to seek volunteers for the IGLC review as feasible to ensure the review can start in February. The Review Team should include 3-5 members of which at least 3 Councillors. Members of the Review Team are not expected to be a member of the IGLC. The volunteers are to be appointed online as soon as feasible. The secretariat is also requested to publish this resolution as soon as possible. This decision becomes effective upon publication. Any questions on the topic? none Move? Wafa Second? Sean All in favour 16. Appointment members, or Chairs/ Vice-chairs to committees or working groups, if any a. Review external appointments Alejandra: We will discuss the Roles and Responsibilities in Mumbai, in the meanwhile, there is a need to appoint fellowship mentor & member fellowship selection committee. In the past we agreed these persons have to be Councillors. No procedure to deal with it, suggest to ask the GRC to propose a procedure after we have reviewed the list of all external appointments and identified which positions must be fulfilled by Councillors and which are open to all, in Mumbai. As the term of Jennifer and Pablo has ended in December 2025 need to appoint people for a new term. Both indicated willingness to continue Suggest to appoint: * Appoint Jennifer as Fellowship Program Mentor * Appoint Pablo as member fellowship selection committee Questions? none Suggest to take a show of hands/green ticks. No concerns or red marks 2025 - External appointments by Council.xlsx<https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NdPoBTmQUVlPhMy1PsoZr6rUxUxHzRDQ/ed…> b. Appointment to ccNSO Committees and working groups As usual the Council needs to agree on appointment of various persons to external groups. Alejandra: We received no applications since last meeting (December 2025), therefor no decision needed. We will skip, and move to the next agenda item Draft resolution Decision The ccNSO Council appoints the following people to the respective roles as specified: · Members of the following committees, study groups or working groups: o TBC The secretariat is requested to inform the leadership teams of the various working groups and committees and persons appointed and enable their participation in the respective teams. This resolution becomes effective upon publication. 17. Adoption Selection Report: special elections African region Joke: short report. Observations, but no comments or concerns from the community. See also regular selection process observations and previous request to GRC to review the guideline Background Five ccNSO Council seats with terms ending in March 2026 opened for nominations from 9–30 September 2025, with nominees required to accept their nominations by 10 October 2025. The sole nominee from the African region did not accept the nomination, leaving that regional seat without an eligible candidate. As a result, the Council initiated a new call for nominations specifically for the African region seat, following the ICANN Bylaws, the ccNSO Council Selection Guideline, and the Council-adopted timeline. The call for nominations (Africa region only) closed on Thursday, 4 December 2025 at 23:59 UTC, and the deadline for the nominee to accept the nomination was 12 December, 23:59 UTC. Any questions? None Move? Wafa Second? Pablo Abstain: Sean (due to GRC role) Report has been approved. Thank you all, will inform ICANN Draft Resolution Decision The ccNSO Council adopts the ccNSO Council Election Process report as proposed, including its recommendations, and formally confirms the election of the following person: Grace Ingabire (AF region). The term of the elected councillor starts at the end of the ccNSO Council in Mumbai (ICANN85). The Council congratulates the elected candidate. With the adoption of the Election Report, the Council Election Process for the AF region is now closed. The ccNSO Guidelines Review Committee (GRC) is requested to review the Council Selection Process Guideline, taking into account the recommendations from the Selection Process Manager. The secretariat is requested to publish this resolution promptly and also to inform the GRC. The ccNSO Chair is requested to inform ICANN's Secretary of the election results in accordance with section 10.4(i) of the ICANN Bylaws. This decision takes effect upon publication. SUBSTANTIVE MATTERS & DECISIONS 18. Planning for ICANN85 a. Draft ccNSO schedule Joke runs through Block schedule Alejandra: prep for council meeting on Saturday morning. We will discuss the Roles and Responsibilities, and instructions for Chair and Vice Chairs elections at the meeting on Thursday b. Interpretation Tech Day Alejandra: Tech Day WG had two requests * Stop providing interpretation services. * Flexibility around session lengths and breaks. With regards to the second point, we discussed in December that the duration of the breaks etc. is not under control of the Council, but ICANN’s meetings team. With regard to interpretation, regardless that the technical community, like the ccTLD community relies on English documents, does not mean they converse and participate equally in English. Interpretation helps to lower this barrier. In December I had a feeling Council wanted to continue providing interpretation during Tech Day Peter: requests to speak more slowly triggered this. Can we find out how many people use the devices? Alejandra: complicated to track. You can use the devices, or your own zoom. No stats on how many people Joke: agree. And also: recordings. Alejandra: but no stats available Pablo: better to have interpretation. Vary from region to region. Depends on meeting location. Important. Peter: Agree, it is better to have, but if resources are limited, the question is who to give priority to Alejandra: presenters should be aware about interpretation, multi-lingual, multi-regional and multi-cultural audience. Next steps: If you agree I’ll reply to Eberhard on behalf of Council’s to share our views on the topics raised. Green ticks 19. Any Other Business (AOB) None 20. Next Council Meetings · 19 February 2026 | 21:00 UTC, Meeting 226 · 12 March 2026 | ICANN85 - Mumbai, Meeting 227 · 16 April 2026 | 12:00 UTC, Meeting 228 · 21 May 2026 | 18:00 UTC, Meeting 229 · 11 June 2026 | ICANN86 - Sevilla, Meeting 230 · 16 July 2026 | 12:00 UTC, Meeting 231 · 13 August 2026 | 21:00 UTC, Meeting 232 · 17 September 2026 | 12:00 UTC, Meeting 233 · 22 October 2026 | ICANN87 - Muscat, Meeting 234 · 19 November 2026 | 18:00 UTC, Meeting 235 · 17 December 2026 | 12:00 UTC, Meeting 236 21. Adjourn Joke Braeken joke.braeken(a)icann.org<mailto:joke.braeken@icann.org>

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January ccNSO Council Teleconference (225) | 22 January at 12:00 UTC
by ccNSO Calendar Jan. 22, 2026

Jan. 22, 2026

***REMINDER*** Dear Council, The January ccNSO Council Teleconference (225) is scheduled for 22 January at 12:00 UTC. The agenda will be circulated prior to the call. Please find the call details below: Join Zoom Meeting https://icann.zoom.us/j/92451503540?pwd=MyTO4Mb12X3x4ckrwRMm1qIBPWaxep.1 Meeting ID: 924 5150 3540 Passcode: ccNSO-0225 Wiki page: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/NwC2K Thank you!

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Review of Reviews
by Chris Disspain Jan. 21, 2026

Jan. 21, 2026

All, I am likely to miss the council call today as I am on vacation in Australia. On the Review of Reviews, you can find the current working documents as below. Please do not make edits or comments in the working documents - save your input for the inputonreviews(a)icann.org <mailto:inputonreviews@icann.org>! Bucket A/Participation & Outcomes/Stress Testing for role of Strategic Plan https://docs.google.com/document/d/15exexyNWKcNojZ3UcpT3zsSdHoyvkii2UNCedSB… Bucket B/CIP Review and Bucket C/Structural Review https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-xasa0ho5CDVZ5dh5xgA2DQYwt7x63qYrve-MwX… They are also available on this page: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/CDOR/pages/707723284/Tues… Please reach out if you have any questions. Cheers, CD Chris Disspain +44 7880 642456

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Proposed written updates (January 2026): please review
by Joke Braeken Jan. 20, 2026

Jan. 20, 2026

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