March 2026 - council - lists.icann.org

Feedback needed on action items
by Susan Payne March 31, 2026

March 31, 2026

Hi Council colleagues, The leadership team would like to send a couple of reminders of outstanding action items from the March Council meeting that will be discussed at the upcoming 16 April GNSO Council meeting, and which haven't received a great deal of attention on the list so far. We'd like to put these back on the radar, to ensure they aren't overlooked. 1. Board Un-adoption Process The action item relates to two documents regarding the proposed GNSO Process for the ICANN Board to Reverse Adoption of GNSO Policy Recs: (i) the draft updated PDP manual<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WxnQEsswTbeLuT-D_iZzD8N9BXGIgiGkYiaADsx…>; and (ii) the draft updated GGP manual<https://docs.google.com/document/d/159UvOrKfigdEvWCB9f4cmHNo8cVVlOMCE2LTTRE…>. For the updated manuals, please note the changes following the public comment process that we discussed in March are highlighted in yellow for ease of reference. 1. Urgent Requests The second action item relates to the proposed path forward on EPDP Phase 1 Recommendation 18 on Urgent Requests, which was proposed by Sam Demetriou and circulated to Council on 17 March and is available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/122suSucvCc-PWfee9cJBFo1e8R-t-gO4Lf6-R4G… If you disagree with the path proposed by Sam or believe the Council should consider one of the other alternatives, I encourage you to share this on the list in advance of the upcoming Council meeting so that we have a fulsome discussion. Thank you, Susan Payne Additional relevant links, for convenience: GNSO Council Action Items: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/gnsocouncilmeetings/pages… GNSO Portfolio/Program/Project Management: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/TgyfBg Susan Payne Head of Legal Policy [cid:image001.png@01DCC129.6F7B6550]<https://comlaude.com/> 28 Little Russell Street, London WC1A 2HN, UK T +44 (0) 20 7421 8250 D +44 (0) 20 74218 255 comlaude.com<http://comlaude.com> Follow us on LinkedIn<https://t-uk.xink.io/Tracking/Index/pRkAAA98AADw_RQA0> and Youtube<https://t-uk.xink.io/Tracking/Index/ZxkAAA98AADw_RQA0> [cid:image002.png@01DCC129.6F7B6550]<https://www.linkedin.com/company/com-laude> [cid:image003.png@01DCC129.6F7B6550] <https://twitter.com/comlaude?lang=en> [cid:image004.png@01DCC129.6F7B6550] <https://www.facebook.com/ComLaude/> [cid:image005.png@01DCC129.6F7B6550] <https://www.youtube.com/@comlaude> [cid:image006.jpg@01DCC129.6F7B6550] ________________________________ The contents of this email and any attachments are confidential to the intended recipient. They may not be disclosed, used by or copied in any way by anyone other than the intended recipient. If you have received this message in error, please return it to the sender (deleting the body of the email and attachments in your reply) and immediately and permanently delete it. Please note that Com Laude Group Limited (the "Com Laude Group") does not accept any responsibility for viruses and it is your responsibility to scan or otherwise check this email and any attachments. The Com Laude Group does not accept liability for statements which are clearly the sender's own and not made on behalf of the group or one of its member entities. The Com Laude Group is a limited company registered in England and Wales with company number 10689074 and registered office at 28 Little Russell Street, London, WC1A 2HN England. The Com Laude Group includes Nom-IQ Limited t/a Com Laude, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 5047655 and registered office at 28 Little Russell Street, London, WC1A 2HN England; Valideus Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 6181291 and registered office at 28 Little Russell Street, London, WC1A 2HN England; Demys Limited, a company registered in Scotland with company number SC197176 and registered office at 15 William Street, South West Lane, Edinburgh, EH3 7LL Scotland; Consonum, Inc. dba Com Laude USA and Valideus USA, a corporation incorporated in the State of Washington and principal office address at Suite 332, Securities Building, 1904 Third Ave, Seattle, WA 98101; Com Laude (Japan) Corporation, a company registered in Japan with company number 0100-01-190853 and registered office at 1-3-21 Shinkawa, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0033, Japan; Com Laude Domain ESP S.L.U., a company registered in Spain and registered office address at Calle Barcas 2, 2, Valencia, 46002, Spain. For further information see www.comlaude.com<https://comlaude.com>

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FW: [Ext] NEW: Chair’s Blog: Recapping the March Board Workshop and ICANN85
by Julie Bisland March 30, 2026

March 30, 2026

FYI-- From: ICANN Community Digest <digest(a)icann.ccsend.com> Reply-To: "policyinfo(a)icann.org" <policyinfo(a)icann.org> Date: Monday, March 30, 2026 at 11:06 AM To: Julie Bisland <julie.bisland(a)icann.org> Subject: [Ext] NEW: Chair’s Blog: Recapping the March Board Workshop and ICANN85 [https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/on.jsp?ca=c91458e7-3978-41ef-82bb-f1ed174145a0…] Monday, 30 March 2026 ICANN Community Digest [https://files.constantcontact.com/304b3fd3501/31f30ab5-1445-45c3-aef7-c0ea4…] Click here to learn more about the New gTLD Program [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> 2026 Round Applicant Guidebook [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> 2026 Round Vendor Sourcing Timeline [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> 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!<mailto:policyinfo@icann.org> Table of Contents Information Sharing · NEW: Chair’s Blog: Recapping the March Board Workshop and ICANN85 · NEW: ICANN Opens Second Evaluation Period for 2026 Round Registry Service Providers · Call for Applications:NextGen@ICANN87 · ICANN87 Fellowship Application Round Now Open · ICANN86 Community Childcare Grants Program: Apply Now 2026 Round · Advancing Toward the Open of the 2026 Round · ICANN Announces Community Priority Evaluation Provider for 2026 Round · 2026 Round Highlights from ICANN85 · Call for Expressions of Interest: 2026 Round Independent Objectors · More Entities Qualify for ICANN’s Applicant Support Program · Next Round Champions Toolkit Available in the Six ICANN Languages 🚨 Action Items 🚨 · ICANN Request for Proposal: Name Collision Temporary Delegation · GNSO's DNS Abuse Mitigation PDP-1 Observer Enrollment · ICANNWiki Seeking Volunteers Public Comment · CLOSES TODAY: Fundamental Bylaws Amendments on IANA-Related Reviews and CSC Charter Update · Proposed Root KSK Algorithm Rollover · Standard Bylaws Amendment – Transition Article on Specific Reviews · Draft Guidelines for Advancing UA Adoption · Draft Evaluation Guides for Community Priority Evaluation (CPE) Events · These events occur in April 2026. Information Sharing NEW: Chair’s Blog: Recapping the March Board Workshop and ICANN85 Key areas of discussion included preparations for the 2026 Round, lessons learned from the World Summit on the Information Society 20-year review process, and the evolution of ICANN reviews. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> NEW: ICANN Opens Second Evaluation Period for 2026 Round Registry Service Providers The second application period for the Registry Service Provider (RSP) Evaluation Program for the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: 2026 Round is slated to open on 30 April 2026 and close on 12 August 2026. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> ICANN87 Fellowship Application Round Now Open ICANN is opening the application round for the ICANN Fellowship Program for ICANN87 Annual General Meeting. The ICANN87 meeting is scheduled for 17–22 October 2026 in Muscat, Oman. If ICANN87 is held virtually, the Fellowship Program also will be held virtually. The deadline to apply is 19 April 2026 at 23:59 UTC. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> ICANN86 Community Childcare Grants Program: Apply Now ICANN opened the application round for its Community Childcare Grants Program [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> for ICANN86 in Seville, Spain. The program facilitates the in-person participation of community members with children who are 12 years old or younger at ICANN Public Meetings and eligible ICANN events. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> 2026 Round Advancing Toward the Open of the 2026 Round We are only weeks away from opening the 2026 Round of the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program. The program leaders and their teams continue to make significant progress toward the 30 April launch. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> ICANN Announces Community Priority Evaluation Provider for 2026 Round ICANN announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Analysys Mason Limited to be the Community Priority Evaluation (CPE) provider for the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: 2026 Round. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> 2026 Round Highlights From ICANN85 With ICANN85 behind us, I'd like to provide you with an update on the progress being made as we approach the launch of the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: 2026 Round. The ICANN85 Community Forum, the last Public Meeting before the launch day, was busy and productive. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> Call for Expressions of Interest: 2026 Round Independent Objectors ICANN opened a Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to identify three individuals to serve as Independent Objectors, including one who will act as chair, as part of the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: 2026 Round. The Independent Objectors will file Community and Limited Public Interest objections and appeals and participate in mediation, where appropriate. Although an individual may be affiliated with a firm, that person will be ultimately responsible for the processes described in this EOI. Individuals from the same firm will not be selected. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> More Entities Qualify for ICANN’s Applicant Support Program As of 27 February, there are five fully qualified supported applicants and seven that are conditionally qualified, bringing the total to 12 – with 62 applicants still in review. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> 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 [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…>. 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<mailto:engagement.newgTLDprogram@icann.org>. Action Items ICANN Request for Proposal: Name Collison Temporary Delegation ICANN issued a request for proposal (RFP) to identify a service provider to operate the Name Collision Temporary Delegation process for the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: 2026 Round. Deadline: 6 April 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> GNSO’s DNS Abuse Mitigation PDP-1 Observer Enrollment While the PDP membership is structured as a representative model, all of the ICANN community are also free to enroll as an Observer to follow the deliberations of the PDP. To enroll as an Observer, enrollments will be fielded through ICANN Join. If you have not used ICANN Join before, please follow the first-time user instructions below. Accessing ICANN Join does require having an ICANN Account. ICANN Join Instructions [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> 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 [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…>. Then, make sure to read the short content guide [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> to get a feel for what belongs in the wiki. Also, feel free to take a look at some data [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…>source suggestions [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> on where to find reliable data. Happy editing! Public Comment CLOSES TODAY: Fundamental Bylaws Amendments on IANA-Related Reviews and CSC Charter Update [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> Open for Submissions Date: Wednesday, 11 February 2026 Closed for Submissions Date: Monday, 30 March 2026 Proposed Root KSK Algorithm Rollover [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> Open for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 3 February 2026 Closed for Submissions Date: Monday, 6 April 2026 Standard Bylaws Amendment – Transition Article on Specific Reviews [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> Open for Submissions Date: Wednesday, 11 February 2026 [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> Closed for Submissions Date: Monday, 13 April 2026 [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> Draft Guidelines for Advancing UA Adoption [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> Open for Submissions Date: Monday, 23 February 2026 Closed for Submissions Date: Monday, 13 April 2026 Draft Evaluation Guides for Community Priority Evaluation (CPE) [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> Open for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 24 March 2026 Closed for Submissions Date: Monday, 04 May 2026 See upcoming proceedings [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…>. See other public consultations [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…>. Events These events occur in April 2026. To learn more, please visit our community engagement calendar [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…>. · CanWISP 2026 · DNSSEC Training in Dushanbe · 1st African Preparatory Meeting for WTSA-28 · DNSSEC Training · CaribNOG 31 Regional Meeting Volume 8, Issue 21 | Archive [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…> | Next Issue: Thursday, 02 April 2026 STAY INFORMED: Subscribe here [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bWmmAQj…>

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Small team and small team plus
by farzaneh badii March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

Hi GNSO Council It seems that some of the concerns NCSG has raised over the years regarding small teams and more recently “small team plus” have not been fully reflected in current discussions and people are unclear about our concerns. I have reviewed past transcripts and statements and would like to restate these concerns and seek clarification. Since the original DNS Abuse small team was convened, NCSG has consistently raised concerns about the potential for small teams to be captured and to operate without sufficient accountability. These concerns were significant enough that the ICANN Board itself, while recognizing small teams as a creative approach, raised questions about their governance and I remember vividly they had the question in their board discussion with the community. A key issue at the time was that outcomes from the DNS Abuse small team were presented in community settings as if they reflected a GNSO Council position, despite the small team having no formal mandate to speak on behalf of the Council. This was used as a reference point for broader Council views, which NCSG found unacceptable. We called for greater transparency and explicitly opposed the formalization of small teams into decision making bodies. In October 2023, during a GAC session at ICANN78, I heard reference to a “small team plus” model in the SubPro context. When I asked about this, it was explained that the model was intended to increase transparency in the process. Given this background, I would appreciate clarification on the following: - While there are now published guidelines for small teams from April 2024, are there equivalent guidelines or principles governing “small team plus”? - How does “small team plus” differ in mandate, accountability, and outputs from standard small teams? - What safeguards exist to ensure that outputs from such groups are not presented as Council positions without proper deliberation and adoption? For reference, NCSG’s concerns regarding small teams and supplemental recommendations were also articulated during ICANN78 discussions: https://static.sched.com/hosted_files/icann78/3f/TRANSC_I78HAM_Sun22Oct2023… In particular, the concerns were: - Supplemental recommendations should be limited to clarification and interpretation, not the introduction of new policy. - The Council should not delegate its responsibilities to informal or semi formal structures. If “small team plus” is intended to function similarly to the SubPro example, then it is important that its principles, scope, and limits are clearly defined and agreed upon/ Moreover, if at any stage such a group seeks to develop new policy recommendations, this should trigger a formal process such as an EPDP, rather than proceeding under the guise of supplemental work. I would welcome any documentation or clarification on these points. Generally I don't care what we call the group (I find small team plus a bit of an oxymoron, it's not really small when it's plus) but I am worried about scope, principles and the council going into the territories of policymaking (and I don't agree with the argument that the bylaws already tasks GNSO council with policymaking through supplemental recommendations.we need to keep the recommendations narrow and to the point). I also worry that we keep doing our work through these informal groups. Best regards, Farzaneh

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Update to GNSO on Review of Reviews
by Terri Agnew March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

Message from Sophie Hey and Osvaldo Novoa - GNSO on Review of Reviews. This will also be sent to SG/C Leaders. Dear all, Thank you for your feedback and input to the Review of Reviews CCG during ICANN85. In our first meeting post ICANN85, the CCG was presented with a workplan for the rest of our work. Over the next couple of weeks, the CCG will utilise subgroups to address ICANN85 feedback, refine the outline of buckets, and crystalise the scope and thresholds. There are three subgroups each focusing on a different bucket: Bucket A (accountability and transparency), Structural Review, and On Demand (formerly Ad Hoc). Osvaldo is on the Structural Review subgroup, and Sophie is on the Bucket A and On Demand subgroups. The plan is to invite nominating groups to weigh in on a second iteration of our proposal between 17 April and 8 May - so please mark your calendars! During this time, the CCG will be working on a Draft Report and incorporating feedback we receive into our Draft Report. This will lead into a public comment period on our Draft Report coinciding with Prep Week for ICANN86. During the Prep Week, the CCG will present the Draft Report, and the public comment period will remain open until after ICANN86. You can find the full workplan here https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/CDOR/pages/518914081/Work…. You can of course, continue to provide feedback via the publicly archived mailing list inputonreviews(a)icann.org, and sign up as an Observer to the CCG. If you would like either of us to speak with your membership at any point on the work of the CCG, you are very welcome to reach out. Osvaldo and Sophie

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FYI | FW: [Ext] NEW: ICANN Seeks Input on Draft Evaluation Guide for Community Priority Evaluation (CPE)
by Terri Agnew March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

[https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/on.jsp?ca=bf01419a-b7a0-4e27-b23c-cc089ac5120e…] Thursday, 26 March 2026 ICANN Community Digest [https://files.constantcontact.com/304b3fd3501/31f30ab5-1445-45c3-aef7-c0ea4…] Click here to learn more about the New gTLD Program [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> 2026 Round Applicant Guidebook [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> 2026 Round Vendor Sourcing Timeline [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> 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!<mailto:policyinfo@icann.org> Table of Contents Information Sharing · NEW: A Look Back at ICANN85 · NEW: Artificial Intelligence and the Work of ICANN · Call for Applications:NextGen@ICANN87 · ICANN87 Fellowship Application Round Now Open · ICANN86 Community Childcare Grants Program: Apply Now 2026 Round · NEW: Advancing Toward the Open of the 2026 Round · NEW: ICANN Seeks Input on Draft Evaluation Guide for Community Priority Evaluation (CPE) · ICANN Announces Community Priority Evaluation Provider for 2026 Round · 2026 Round Highlights from ICANN85 · Call for Expressions of Interest: 2026 Round Independent Objectors · More Entities Qualify for ICANN’s Applicant Support Program · Next Round Champions Toolkit Available in the Six ICANN Languages 🚨 Action Items 🚨 · ICANN Request for Proposal: Name Collision Temporary Delegation · GNSO's DNS Abuse Mitigation PDP-1 Observer Enrollment · ICANNWiki Seeking Volunteers Public Comment · Fundamental Bylaws Amendments on IANA-Related Reviews and CSC Charter Update · Proposed Root KSK Algorithm Rollover · Standard Bylaws Amendment – Transition Article on Specific Reviews · Draft Guidelines for Advancing UA Adoption Events · These events occur in March 2026. Information Sharing NEW: A Look Back at ICANN85 I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the ICANN85 Community Forum, [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> which took place 7–12 March in Mumbai, India. In total, 1,517 people attended ICANN85 in person, including 332 first-time attendees, and 678 people participated virtually. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> NEW: Artificial Intelligence and the Work of ICANN Every few years, a new technology captures the world's imagination and prompts the same question across every industry: "How does this affect what you do?" Today, that technology is artificial intelligence (AI), specifically large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and its counterparts. At ICANN, we hear this question frequently. How does AI affect the Domain Name System (DNS), the identifier ecosystem, or ICANN's mission? Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> Call for Applications: NextGen@ICANN87 ICANN is calling for applications [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> for NextGen@ICANN Program [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> participants to attend the ICANN87 Annual General Meeting in Muscat, Oman, 17–22 October 2026. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> ICANN87 Fellowship Application Round Now Open ICANN is opening the application round for the ICANN Fellowship Program for ICANN87 Annual General Meeting. The ICANN87 meeting is scheduled for 17–22 October 2026 in Muscat, Oman. If ICANN87 is held virtually, the Fellowship Program also will be held virtually. The deadline to apply is 19 April 2026 at 23:59 UTC. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> ICANN86 Community Childcare Grants Program: Apply Now ICANN opened the application round for its Community Childcare Grants Program [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> for ICANN86 in Seville, Spain. The program facilitates the in-person participation of community members with children who are 12 years old or younger at ICANN Public Meetings and eligible ICANN events. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> 2026 Round NEW: Advancing Toward the Open of the 2026 Round We are only weeks away from opening the 2026 Round of the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program. The program leaders and their teams continue to make significant progress toward the 30 April launch. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> NEW: ICANN Seeks Input on Draft Evaluation Guide for Community Priority Evaluation (CPE) ICANN opened a Public Comment proceeding to gather input from the ICANN community on the draft evaluation guide for Community Priority Evaluation in the New Generic Top-Level Domains Program: 2026 Round. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> ICANN Announces Community Priority Evaluation Provider for 2026 Round ICANN announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Analysys Mason Limited to be the Community Priority Evaluation (CPE) provider for the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: 2026 Round. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> 2026 Round Highlights From ICANN85 With ICANN85 behind us, I'd like to provide you with an update on the progress being made as we approach the launch of the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: 2026 Round. The ICANN85 Community Forum, the last Public Meeting before the launch day, was busy and productive. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> Call for Expressions of Interest: 2026 Round Independent Objectors ICANN opened a Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to identify three individuals to serve as Independent Objectors, including one who will act as chair, as part of the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: 2026 Round. The Independent Objectors will file Community and Limited Public Interest objections and appeals and participate in mediation, where appropriate. Although an individual may be affiliated with a firm, that person will be ultimately responsible for the processes described in this EOI. Individuals from the same firm will not be selected. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> More Entities Qualify for ICANN’s Applicant Support Program As of 27 February, there are five fully qualified supported applicants and seven that are conditionally qualified, bringing the total to 12 – with 62 applicants still in review. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> 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 [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…>. 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<mailto:engagement.newgTLDprogram@icann.org>. Action Items ICANN Request for Proposal: Name Collison Temporary Delegation ICANN issued a request for proposal (RFP) to identify a service provider to operate the Name Collision Temporary Delegation process for the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: 2026 Round. Deadline: 6 April 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> GNSO’s DNS Abuse Mitigation PDP-1 Observer Enrollment While the PDP membership is structured as a representative model, all of the ICANN community are also free to enroll as an Observer to follow the deliberations of the PDP. To enroll as an Observer, enrollments will be fielded through ICANN Join. If you have not used ICANN Join before, please follow the first-time user instructions below. Accessing ICANN Join does require having an ICANN Account. ICANN Join Instructions [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> 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 [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…>. Then, make sure to read the short content guide [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> to get a feel for what belongs in the wiki. Also, feel free to take a look at some data [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…>source suggestions [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> on where to find reliable data. Happy editing! Public Comment NEW: Draft Evaluation Guides for Community Priority Evaluation (CPE) [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> Open for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 24 March 2026 Closed for Submissions Date: Monday, 04 May 2026 Fundamental Bylaws Amendments on IANA-Related Reviews and CSC Charter Update [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> Open for Submissions Date: Wednesday, 11 February 2026 Closed for Submissions Date: Monday, 30 March 2026 Proposed Root KSK Algorithm Rollover [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> Open for Submissions Date: Tuesday, 3 February 2026 Closed for Submissions Date: Monday, 6 April 2026 Standard Bylaws Amendment – Transition Article on Specific Reviews [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> Open for Submissions Date: Wednesday, 11 February 2026 [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> Closed for Submissions Date: Monday, 13 April 2026 [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> Draft Guidelines for Advancing UA Adoption [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> Open for Submissions Date: Monday, 23 February 2026 Closed for Submissions Date: Monday, 13 April 2026 See upcoming proceedings [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…>. See other public consultations [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…>. Events These events occur in March 2026. To learn more, please visit our community engagement calendar [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…>. · WACREN 2026 · Cloudfest 2026 · APRALO Policy Forum Webinar Series on Multilingual Internet: Webinar #2:IDN Policies and Implementation · North America UA Day Event 2026 · Africa Digital Transformation Summit (ADTS-2026) Volume 8, Issue 20 | Archive [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…> | Next Issue: Monday, 30 March 2026 STAY INFORMED: Subscribe here [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0012pcQelw…>

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Meeting Invitation | Pre-ICANN86 GNSO Council Webinar | Thursday, 28 May 2026
by Julie Bisland March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

Dear all, The Pre-ICANN86 GNSO Council Webinar is scheduled on Thursday, 28 May 2026 at 13:00 UTC for 60 minutes. Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://icann.zoom.us/j/92983839529?pwd=R0BcWsye1mbmk1uFXUbeN42WAt2jyP.1 Passcode:9gj@q?GLfL To join Audio: Webinar ID: 929 8383 9529 Passcode: 8666091466 International numbers available: https://icann.zoom.us/u/abQwxX7jW0 Before joining the call: Please be sure you have read the ICANN Expected Standards of Behavior<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.icann.org/resources/pages/expected-s…>, the ICANN Community Anti-Harassment Policy<https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/community-anti-harassment-policy-2017…>, and the ICANN Community Participant Code of Conduct<https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/adopted-icann-community-partici…>. Visit the Wiki Agenda page: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQB3Og Check your time zone: https://tinyurl.com/435ce9v3 * GNSO Council members are expected to join and will be promoted to panelists. * Questions will be taken from GNSO Council only. * Observers are welcome and will be in read-only and listen-only mode. Councilors should notify the GNSO Secretariat in advance if they will not be able to attend and/or need a dial out call, gnso-secs(a)icann.org<mailto:gnso-secs@icann.org> Thank you. Kind regards, Julie Policy Team Supporting the GNSO

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Pre-ICANN86 GNSO Council Webinar
by ICANN Policy Calendar March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

Meeting: Pre-ICANN86 GNSO Council Webinar Date/Time: Thursday, 28 May 2026 at 13:00 UTC for 60 minutes. Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://icann.zoom.us/j/92983839529?pwd=R0BcWsye1mbmk1uFXUbeN42WAt2jyP.1 Passcode:9gj@q?GLfL To join Audio: Webinar ID: 929 8383 9529 Passcode: 8666091466 International numbers available: https://icann.zoom.us/u/abQwxX7jW0 Before joining the call: Please be sure you have read the ICANN Expected Standards of Behavior<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.icann.org/resources/pages/expected-s…>, the ICANN Community Anti-Harassment Policy<https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/community-anti-harassment-policy-2017…>, and the ICANN Community Participant Code of Conduct<https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/adopted-icann-community-partici…>. Visit the Wiki Agenda page: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQB3Og Check your time zone: https://tinyurl.com/435ce9v3 * GNSO Council members are expected to join and will be promoted to panelists. * Questions will be taken from GNSO Council only. * Observers are welcome and will be in read-only and listen-only mode. Councilors should notify the GNSO Secretariat in advance if they will not be able to attend and/or need a dial out call, gnso-secs(a)icann.org<mailto:gnso-secs@icann.org>

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REMINDER | Document and Motion deadline | Monday, 06 April 2026 at 23:59 UTC for GNSO Council Meeting 16 April 2026 at 21:00 UTC
by Terri Agnew March 23, 2026

March 23, 2026

Dear all, Reports, motions, and documents for consideration are due no later than (NLT) 10 days in advance (i.e. Monday, 06 April 2026 at 23:59 UTC) for the GNSO Council Meeting on Thursday, 16 April 2026 at 21:00 UTC Motions should be sent to the Council mailing list by a councilor and will then be posted on the Motions Wiki at: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/DwBHJ Thank you. Kind regards, Terri Policy Team Supporting the GNSO

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FW: GNSO Council Absence Notification Form: Vivek Goyal
by Julie Bisland March 23, 2026

March 23, 2026

FYI: From: GNSO Council via ICANN <no-reply(a)icann.org> Date: Monday, March 23, 2026 at 11:53 AM To: Terri Agnew <terri.agnew(a)icann.org>, Julie Bisland <julie.bisland(a)icann.org>, Devan Reed <devan.reed(a)icann.org> Subject: GNSO Council Absence Notification Form: Vivek Goyal Full Name of Officer: Mason Cole Officer Email Address: mason.cole(a)morganlewis.com Date Prepared: 23 March 2026 GNSO Organization: Business Constituency Officer Position or Title: Chair Name of Absent Councilor: Vivek Goyal Voting Remedy: Proxy Proxy Information Reason(s) for or condition(s) leading to the remedy: Vivek Goyal is unable to attend the GNSO Council meeting on 17 April. Specific subject(s)/measure(s)/motion(s)/action(s) of the Council for which the remedy is being exercised: Any and all business before the Council. Date upon which the remedy will expire or terminate: 18 April 2026 I affirm that a voting position has been established on the matter(s) at issue pursuant to provisions contained in our Charter or Bylaws. Yes Our GNSO Councilor has been instructed on how to vote on the matter(s). Yes Full Name of GNSO Councilor Serving as Voting Proxy: Lawrence Olawale-Roberts By submitting my personal data, I agree that my personal data will be processed in accordance with the ICANN Privacy Policy<https://www.icann.org/privacy/policy>, and agree to abide by the website Terms of Service<https://www.icann.org/privacy/tos>. I Agree

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Action for Council: Feedback on SSAD Supplemental Recommendations team composition
by Caitlin Tubergen March 20, 2026

March 20, 2026

Dear Councilors, During the ICANN85 GNSO Discussion on Next Steps for SSAD Recommendations session<https://icann85.sched.com/event/2Gwoc/gnso-discussion-on-next-steps-for-ssa…>, GNSO Support Staff presented a strawperson for the composition of the team that will develop supplemental recommendations to share with the GNSO Council for its consideration. Action Item for all GNSO Councilors Action Item: Please review the below proposal and provide further feedback. If you have concerns, please articulate them to the list as soon as possible, but no later than Friday, 3 April. When articulating concerns, please provide a proposed path forward or alternative to address your concerns. We are asking for feedback by 3 April (i.e. the working day prior to the Documents deadline) to allow for a fulsome discussion during the upcoming April Council meeting. Background As noted during the session and afterward during the GNSO Wrap-up, the purpose of ICANN85 Session on Next Steps was to gather feedback regarding team composition from the wider community as well as the GNSO. No decisions were made regarding the composition of the team during the Next Steps session, nor were decisions made during the GNSO Wrap-up session. During the Council’s SPS, however, the Council did unanimously align on the path of Supplemental Recommendations. The Council had an initial opportunity to discuss the potential composition of the team, but did not reach agreement. However, GNSO Support Staff proposed an initial strawperson based on some of the initial feedback received, with the goal of generating discussion and seeking feedback. Following the Next Steps session and the GNSO Council Wrap-up, GNSO Support Staff collected feedback and made some initial adjustments to the proposed strawperson based on specific suggestions. Below, please find the updated proposal for your feedback. As a reminder, a Council Small Team (or Small Team +) operates under a set of agreed procedures which are captured here<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/gnsocouncilmeetings/pages…>, intended to ensure that the work of the group is transparent and accountable. Proposal SSAD Supplemental Recommendations “Small Team Plus” * Any interested GNSO Councilor plus * Additional Members from Community, Board, and ICANN org * Up to 2 RrSG * Up to 2 RySG * Up to 3 CSG (1 BC, 1 IPC, 1 ISPCP) * Up to 3 NCSG * Up to 1 ALAC (+ 1 Alt) * Up to 1 GAC (+ 1 Alt) * Up to 1 SSAC (+ 1 Alt) * Liaisons · 2 Board liaisons · 2 ICANN org liaisons (focusing on implementation) For the avoidance of doubt “additional members” are considered members outside of the GNSO Council. GNSO Councilors are not subject to the proposed seat allocations. Observers will be permitted to follow the work of the group, including to observe, but not participate in meetings. Amendments to Initial Proposal Please note that GNSO Support Staff made the following adjustments based on the discussions at ICANN85: * Added another board seat per request from board caucus members * Added alternates for the non-GNSO groups (note: this proposal does not include alternates for GNSO groups, as GNSO councilors could serve as an alternate, if needed) There was a suggestion to add additional seats for the Chair and Vice-Chair of the RDRS Standing Committee; however, for the SubPro Small Team Plus, the co-chairs were appointed by their respective groups. Next Steps The strawperson seeks to strike a balance between keeping the group small and nimble while allowing for the appropriate expertise to be included in the discussions (e.g., former EPDP Phase 2 members, RDRS Standing Committee members, etc.) Based on the feedback received, Council Leadership will work with GNSO Support Staff to work on an updated proposal and potentially a draft small team plus assignment form to present for the Council’s consideration during the upcoming April meeting. Thank you. Best regards, Caitlin

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