Dear all, The message below is forwarded on behalf of Baher Esmat, ICANN's Vice President for Stakeholder Engagement, Middle East.
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Dear ccNSO Members,
It was a pleasure participating with you today in the roundtable discussion on capacity building. One thing I touched upon briefly but did not have the chance to talk about in some detail was the DNS Forum that ICANN is planning to organize in the Middle East.
Here is more information:
ICANN's Middle East strategy has identified the "Domain Name Industry" as one key strategic area in the region. All documents related to the strategy and the implementation plan are available here: https://community.icann.org/display/MES/Documents.
What is the objective? * Further develop and strengthen the domain name industry in the region in the interest of the overall Internet ecosystem.
How? * Create educational and awareness campaigns on the potential of the domain name industry; * Facilitate sharing of best practices; * Provide complete and accurate information to local entrepreneurs and encourage them to engage in domain name related businesses; * Develop regional expertise and knowhow in different aspects of the domain name ecosystem; * Gather feedback on the last round of gTLDs and start building awareness for possible, future rounds.
The Middle East DNS Forum: * Two-day event targeting various stakeholder (start-ups, ISPs, hosting companies, brand owners, existing and expected registries; existing and potential registrars, ccTLD managers; policy makers): * Aims to build bridges between interested parties in the region and world's experts in the field; sharing experiences and best practices; mentoring potential registries/registrars; * Focuses more on the business aspects; e.g. Business models, marketing, branding, opportunities and challenges; * The format can be a mix of tutorials and workshops with open sessions to facilitate interaction and breakout sessions to address specific issues with smaller groups; * To be held first week of February 2014; most likely in Dubai, UAE; dates and venue to be confirmed soon; * Plan is to have this Forum be an annual event.
Who are the partners? ICANN, ISOC, registries, registrars, and other stakeholders.
What do we expect from you? * Support to design the programme of the forum, suggest topics that you think are relevant for the evolution of the domain name industry environment at local, national and international level; (e.g. One key topic is the role ccTLD operators can play in developing this industry); * Participate and share your experience; * Availability to engage in a regular dialogue to follow up on the Forum outcome and prepare the next edition.
If any questions, comments, thoughts, I'd be glad to hear from you.