May 2026 - council - lists.icann.org

Proposed Agenda | GNSO Council | Wednesday, 10 June 2026
by Terri Agnew June 1, 2026

June 1, 2026

Dear all, Please find below the agenda for the GNSO Council meeting taking place on 10 June 2026 at 12:45 UTC (14:45 CEST). This will be posted on the agenda wiki page <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/bAAtJ> shortly. We would like to point out AOB item Open Mic and encourage folks to use this time. Thank you. Kind regards, Terri Policy Team Supporting the GNSO ********** GNSO Council Agenda 10 June 2026 Please note that all documents referenced in the agenda have been gathered on a Wiki page for convenience and easier access: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AYBSJ. This agenda was established according to the GNSO Operating Procedures<https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/file/field-file-attach/op-proced…> v3.5, updated on 15 March 2023. For convenience: * An excerpt of the ICANN Bylaws defining the voting thresholds is provided in Appendix 1 at the end of this agenda. * An excerpt from the Council Operating Procedures defining the absentee voting procedures is provided in Appendix 2 at the end of this agenda. GNSO Council meeting on Wednesday, 10 June 2026 at 12:45 UTC (14:45 local time): https://tinyurl.com/3z6jz3jp 05:45 Los Angeles; 08:45 Washington DC; 13:45 London; 14:45 Paris; 15:45 Moscow; 22:45 Melbourne GNSO Council Meeting Remote Participation: <https://icann.zoom.us/j/91048235847?pwd=bmEHjk0uYT3sR2DIoE0c0yw4HKbM6O.1> (TBD: link will be posted 24 hours ahead on the ICANN86 Schedule) Councilors should notify the GNSO Secretariat in advance if they will not be able to attend and/or need a dial out call. ___________________________________ Item 1: Administrative Matters (5 minutes) 1.1 - Roll Call 1.2 - Updates to Statements of Interest 1.3 - Review / Amend Agenda 1.4 - Note the status of minutes for the previous Council meetings per the GNSO Operating Procedures: Minutes <https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/policy/2026/minutes/minutes-gnso…> of the GNSO Council Meeting on 16 April 2026 were posted on 30 April 2026. Minutes of the GNSO Council Meeting on 21 May 2026 will be posted on 05 June 2026. Item 2: Opening Remarks / Review of Projects & Action List (5 minutes) 2.1 - Review focus areas and provide updates on specific key themes / topics, to include review of Projects List<https://gnso.icann.org/en/council/project> and Action Item List. <https://community.icann.org/x/RgZlAg> Item 3: Consent Agenda (10 minutes) * Motion to commemorate Arinola Akinyemi * Motion to commemorate Alan Barrett Item 4: COUNCIL VOTE - RSP Issue Consideration for Potential Change Request to SPIRT (20 minutes) During its May 2026 Meeting, Sam Demetriou, GNSO Councilor, presented an issue concerning Registry Service Providers (RSPs) that may be potentially referred to the Standing Predictability Implementation Review Team (SPIRT). The GNSO Council discussed this issue during the Any Other Business portion of the meeting. As noted during the May Council meeting, in the draft version of the base registry agreement (base RA) for the Next Round applicants there was a requirement that all registry operators would only use extensible provisioning protocol (EPP) extensions that are registered with the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). IANA maintains a register of EPP extensions, and there is a very specific process involving the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) where proposed new EPP extensions can be approved for inclusion in this IANA register. In certain cases, gTLD registries have historically used EPP extensions that are not included in that database. The RySG flagged this as a problem when reviewing the draft base RA requirements. As a result, ICANN agreed to remove the requirement from the Next Round base RA. It was noted that despite the removal of this requirement from the base RA, there remain some requirements under the technical questions and the registry system testing that back-end RSPs have to go through that pertain to this requirement. There are some technical questions to evaluate RSPs that require the applicants to attest that they will only use the EPP extensions that are registered in the IANA registry. That requirement is also tested during the registry system testing. There is therefore a misalignment between what is tested-for and what is required to be attested-to during registry system testing, and what is actually required under the registry agreement. The RySG therefore brought this issue to Council for consideration and requested Council to vote on whether to refer this issue to the SPIRT and ICANN org to consider how to address this misalignment Here, the Council will vote on the proposed motion to refer this issue to the SPIRT. 4.1 - Presentation of Motion (Samantha Demetriou, GNSO Councilor) 4.2 - Council Vote (voting threshold: simple majority of each house) 4.3 - Next Steps Item 5: Council Discussion - Celebrating accomplishments between ICANN meetings (10 minutes) During its Strategic Planning Session in January 2025, the GNSO Council discussed ideas for highlighting the work of the GNSO to a larger audience. As a starting point, Councilors agreed to highlight the GNSO Council’s accomplishments or milestones between each ICANN meeting during the Council’s public meeting. In the period between ICANN85 and ICANN86, the Council and the groups under its remit accomplished the following milestones: 1. DNS Abuse - DNS Abuse Mitigation PDP 1 has conducted at least initial discussions on all of its charter questions after only beginning its deliberations at ICANN85. 2. Standing Committee for Continuous Improvements - Completed its Criteria and Indicators to support the GNSO’s Continuous Improvement Program. 3. SSAD Supplemental Recommendations Team (SRT) - Began meeting in May 2026 to discuss SSAD Supplemental Recommendations. Marc Anderson has been appointed lead of the SSAD SRT. 4. Adopted amendments to the PDP and GGP Manuals to incorporate a Board un-adoption process that may be used in limited and extraordinary circumstances. Here, the Council will have a chance to reflect on the progress it has made since ICANN85. 5.1 - Introduction of Topic (Susan Payne, GNSO Council Chair) 5.2 - Council Discussion 5.3 - Next Steps Item 6: Council Discussion - Update on the Curative Rights Implementation Review Team (10 minutes) On 27 March 2025, the IGO-INGO Curative Rights Implementation Review Team (IRT) was convened to provide guidance to ICANN org on the implementation of the final recommendations adopted by the ICANN Board from the Expedited Policy Development Process (EPDP) on Specific Curative Rights Protections for International Governmental Organizations (IGOs) and the Policy Development Process (PDP) on IGO-INGO Access to Curative Rights Protection Mechanisms. During the GNSO Council’s January 2026 meeting<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/kIAtJ>, Damon Ashcraft, GNSO Council Liaison to the IRT on IGO-INGO Curative Rights, briefed the GNSO Council on an issue concerning the interpretation of language in the Final Report on IGOs and INGOs on Curative Rights<https://itp.cdn.icann.org/en/files/generic-names-supporting-organization-co…>. The January Motion<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/QYA0J> passed by the GNSO Council has been considered by the IGO-INGO Curative Rights IRT and a path forward for implementation has been actively discussed. The IGO-INGO Curative Rights IRT has met 22 times since its initiation and is preparing for its next steps. The GNSO Council Liaison to the IRT on IGO-INGO Curative Rights would like to provide a brief overview of the IRTs progress following recent updates that have taken place. 6.1 - Introduction of Topic (Damon Ashcraft, GNSO Council Liaison to the IRT on IGO-INGO Curative Rights) 6.2 - Council Discussion 6.3 - Next Steps Item 7: Board Approval of ICANN Fundamental Bylaws Amendments re: Customer Standing Committee and IANA Naming Function Review (15 minutes) On 11 May 2026, the ICANN Board provided notice<https://itp.cdn.icann.org/en/files/correspondence/jeffrey-to-eca-11-05-2026…> to the Decisional Participants in the Empowered Community and the Empowered Community Administration that on 3 May 2026, the ICANN Board approved two Fundamental Bylaws Amendments to Articles 17<https://www.icann.org/en/board-activities-and-meetings/materials/approved-r…> (Customer Standing Committee) and 18<https://www.icann.org/en/board-activities-and-meetings/materials/approved-r…> (IANA Naming Function Review) of the ICANN Bylaws. The two approved Fundamental Bylaws Amendments are identical to the proposed amendments to Article 17 as posted for public comment<https://itp.cdn.icann.org/en/files/governance/proposed-updates-to-article-1…> and Article 18, Section 18.2(b) as posted for public comment<https://itp.cdn.icann.org/en/files/governance/proposed-updates-to-article-1…>. Under the ICANN Bylaws, the Empowered Community, including the GNSO, now has the opportunity to consider whether it will approve these Bylaws amendments. There will be an ICANN Empowered Community Forum<https://icann86.sched.com/event/2NQQy/icann-empowered-community-community-f…> on Thursday, 11 June at 10:00 CEST. Here, the Council will be briefed on these updates in anticipation of an upcoming vote. 7.1 - Introduction of Topic (Caitlin Tubergen, GNSO Support Staff) 7.2 - Council Discussion 7.3 - Next Steps Item 8: Council Discussion - Prioritization of upcoming work (20 minutes) The GNSO Council has been discussing its need for a prioritization mechanism that can complement its Action Decision Radar (ADR). While the ADR is helping in identifying upcoming decision points for the Council, it is not a prioritization tool. The Council agreed during its recent Strategic Planning Session in January 2026 to pursue a prioritization tool. A briefing document was prepared by staff, which set out various potential mechanisms Council might use in order to prioritise its work, for consideration and discussion. Tapani Tarvainen, a Councilor from the NCSG, volunteered to provide a suggestion on a prioritization mechanism; Tapani provided that suggestion on the Council email list. The Council leadership team took into consideration the suggested mechanisms from both staff and Tapani, and suggested a blended approach that takes inputs from both sources; that blended approach utilizes criteria where the results are non-binding and can be adjusted. In addition, the proposed mechanism should be considered a pilot exercise. On [date], the pilot prioritization mechanism instructions were circulated to the Council, where Councilors were asked to work with their relevant SG/Cs to complete the prioritization worksheet and come to ICANN86 prepared to discuss the results. Here, the Council will discuss the inputs received to the pilot prioritization mechanism. 8.1 - Introduction of Topic (Jennifer Chung, GNSO Council Vice-Chair) 8.2 - Council Discussion 8.3 - Next Steps Item 9: Any other business (15 minutes) 9.1 - Open Mic _______________________________ Appendix 1: GNSO Council Voting Thresholds (ICANN Bylaws, Article 11, Section 11.3(i)) See https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/governance/bylaws-en/#article11. Appendix 2: GNSO Council Absentee Voting Procedures (GNSO Operating Procedures, Section 4.4) See https://gnso.icann.org/sites/default/files/file/field-file-attach/op-proced…

1 1

Re: Proposed Motion for GNSO Council to Refer RSP Issue to SPIRT
by Terri Agnew June 1, 2026

June 1, 2026

Hello, We have now posted this on the motions wiki page: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/cwAtJ Thank you. Kind regards, Terri Policy Team Supporting the GNSO From: "Demetriou, Samantha via council" <council(a)icann.org> Reply-To: "Demetriou, Samantha" <sdemetriou(a)verisign.com> Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 12:09 PM To: "council(a)icann.org" <council(a)icann.org> Subject: [council] Proposed Motion for GNSO Council to Refer RSP Issue to SPIRT Dear Council, Please find attached here a proposed motion to refer the RSP matter that we discussed during our May call to the SPIRT. Susan very helpfully recapped the discussion in her 27 May email to the Council list. I’m attaching that email here as well for easy reference. Please let me know if you have any questions about this motion. Best, Sam -- Samantha Demetriou Senior Director - Policy, Verisign +1 571 455 0668 She/Her

3 5

Proposed Motion for GNSO Council to Refer RSP Issue to SPIRT
by Demetriou, Samantha May 31, 2026

May 31, 2026

Dear Council, Please find attached here a proposed motion to refer the RSP matter that we discussed during our May call to the SPIRT. Susan very helpfully recapped the discussion in her 27 May email to the Council list. I’m attaching that email here as well for easy reference. Please let me know if you have any questions about this motion. Best, Sam -- Samantha Demetriou Senior Director - Policy, Verisign +1 571 455 0668 She/Her

1 0

FW: BC GNSO Councilor Election 2026-2028
by Terri Agnew May 31, 2026

May 31, 2026

Hello all, Please see the information below. Welcome back Vivek. Thank you. Kind regards, Terri Policy Team Supporting the GNSO From: Devan Reed <devan.reed(a)icann.org> Date: Friday, May 29, 2026 at 1:03 PM To: GNSO-Secs <gnso-secs(a)icann.org> Subject: BC GNSO Councilor Election 2026-2028 Dear GNSO Secretariat, The BC has re-elected Vivek Goyal for the 2026-2028 term. Thank you! Kind regards, Devan Devan Reed Policy Operations Coordinator Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) www.icann.org<http://www.icann.org>

8 8

Motion to commemorate Alan Barrett
by Vivek Goyal May 29, 2026

May 29, 2026

Dear All, Please see a motion below to commemorate a pillar of ICANN community Alan Barrett. I have assumed a default second from the whole council, but If needs to be amended, pls let me know. ----------------- Proposed: Vivek Goyal Seconded: All members of the GNSO Council The GNSO Council has been informed of Alan Barrett's passing, as announced by ICANN on 28 May 2026. We wish to recognize Alan's extraordinary and long-standing contribution to the ICANN multi-stakeholder model and to the global Internet community, as well as his deep technical expertise, his wisdom, his integrity, and his steadfast commitment to the mission of a stable and secure Internet. He will be greatly missed. Whereas: 1. Alan Barrett's connection to the Internet and to ICANN spanned more than three decades. He was involved in setting up the first Internet connection for South African universities in the early 1990s, and is credited with creating the co.za zone. In 1993, he was a co-founder of TICSA — South Africa's first commercial Internet service provider, later known as Internet Africa and UUNET South Africa. His commitment to building the Internet, particularly across the African continent, defined his professional life. 2. Alan was instrumental in the formation of AFRINIC, the Regional Internet Registry for Africa — co-authoring the 1997 proposal to create AFRINIC, serving on the steering committee tasked with bringing it into existence, and being elected to the first AFRINIC Board in 2004, where he served until 2009. In 2015, he was appointed as CEO of AFRINIC, a role he held until 2019. His role in founding and shaping AFRINIC represents one of the most enduring contributions any individual has made to the African Internet ecosystem. 3. Alan served as an appointee of the AFRINIC Board to the NRO Number Council / Address Supporting Organization Address Council (NRO NC/ASO AC) from 2004 to 2014. During the critical IANA stewardship transition period from 2015 to 2016, he served in the IANA Stewardship Transition Coordination Group (ICG) as an appointee of the NRO — a pivotal contribution during one of the most consequential moments in ICANN's history. 4. Alan Barrett was appointed by the ASO Address Council to serve on the ICANN Board of Directors in Seat 9, beginning at the Annual General Meeting in 2021, representing the AFRINIC region. He was reappointed for a second term in 2024. During his tenure on the ICANN Board, Alan served on many Board Committees and Caucuses and liaison roles : * Board Technical Committee (2021–2026) * Board Audit Committee (2021–2026) * Board Accountability Mechanisms Committee (2021–2023) * Organizational Effectiveness Committee (2021–2026) * Board Strategic Planning Committee (2023–2026) * Grant Program Caucus * Co-Chair, Board Caucus for the New Generic Top-Level Domains Program 2026 Round * Liaison to community groups dealing with Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) * Liaison to community groups dealing with Closed Generic gTLDs * Liaison to the IANA Naming Function Review 5. Alan brought to the ICANN Board a rare combination of deep technical expertise — rooted in decades of hands-on Internet infrastructure work — and a principled, measured approach to governance. As ICANN Board Chair Tripti Sinha reflected upon his passing: Alan contributed wisdom, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to ICANN's mission in all discussions. His perspective as a representative of the African region ensured that the interests of an often-underrepresented part of the global Internet community were heard at the highest level of ICANN's structure. 6. Alan was a familiar, well-respected, and much-appreciated presence across the entire ICANN community — not only within the Board and the ASO, but to those in the GNSO and across all Supporting Organizations and Advisory Committees who had the opportunity to engage with him. He was known for his thoughtfulness, his precision, and his genuine commitment to the multi-stakeholder model. 7. Alan passed away on 28 May 2026 following a diagnosis of late-stage cancer. His passing is a profound loss to the global Internet community. For those who worked alongside him — whether in the earliest days of African Internet infrastructure, on the AFRINIC Board, in the ICG, or across many years of ICANN meetings — the loss is deeply personal. 8. In addition to his remarkable record of service, Alan endeared himself to his colleagues through his understated manner, his intellectual honesty, and his willingness to engage carefully and constructively with even the most difficult questions of Internet governance. His work leaves a lasting mark, but he is missed far more than his work. Resolved: 1. The GNSO Council wishes to recognize the extraordinary contributions Alan Barrett made to the ICANN community, to the ICANN Board, and to the global Internet — spanning more than three decades of dedicated service to building, governing, and protecting the Internet for all. 2. Alan's presence, integrity, technical leadership, and steadfast commitment to a stable, secure, and open Internet will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of working with him. 3. On behalf of the current and previous GNSO Councils represented today, we offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his wife Kerry, his family, and his many friends around the world at this most difficult time. ------------------ Thank you Regards, Vivek

6 6

LAST REMINDER | Document and Motion deadline | Sunday, 31 May 2026 at 23:59 UTC for GNSO Council Meeting 10 June 2026 at 12:45 UTC (14:45 CEST)
by Terri Agnew May 29, 2026

May 29, 2026

Dear all, Reports, motions, and documents for consideration are due no later than (NLT) 10 days in advance (i.e. Sunday, 31 May 2026 at 23:59 UTC) for the GNSO Council Meeting on Wednesday, 10 June 2026 12:45 UTC (14:45 CEST) 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/cwAtJ Thank you. Kind regards, Terri Policy Team Supporting the GNSO

1 0

Motion to commemorate Arinola Akinyemi
by Vivek Goyal May 29, 2026

May 29, 2026

Dear All, Please see a motion below to commemorate our colleague and good friend Arinola Akinyemi. Arinola was a key member of the BC and the GNSO community and will be dearly missed. There will be a remembrance book at the council meeting on Wednesday for members to pen their fond memories of Arinola. I have assumed a default second from the whole council, but If needs to be amended, pls let me know. Motion to Commemorate Arinola Akinyemi Proposed: Vivek Goyal Seconded: All members of the GNSO Council The Council has been informed of Arinola Akinyemi's passing. We wish to recognize Arinola's significant contribution to the GNSO and the ICANN multi-stakeholder model, as well as her professionalism, her dedication to digital inclusion, and her mentorship and friendship to many. She will be greatly missed. Whereas: 1. Arinola Akinyemi joined the GNSO Business Constituency (BC) as a member representative in 2015, representing the African region, and has since distinguished herself as a committed volunteer across numerous roles within the GNSO and the broader ICANN community. 2. As a BC representative, Arinola brought her deep expertise in ICT, her passion for digital inclusion and empowerment, and her consistent dedication to the interests of commercial users and small businesses — particularly those from underrepresented regions in Africa. 3. Arinola made significant contributions to ICANN governance and was a well-respected and active community participant. During her tenure, Arinola participated in: Activities as GNSO Business Constituency Representative and Volunteer: * Chair, GNSO Standing Selection Committee (SSC) — two terms (2021–2023) * Vice Chair, GNSO Standing Selection Committee (2021, alongside Peter Taiwo Akinremi) * Chair, Credentials Committee (2020–2021) * GNSO-appointed Fellowship Program Mentor — ICANN78, ICANN79, and ICANN80 * BC Small Business Seat Delegate to the 2025 ICANN Nominating Committee (NomCom) * BC Alternate on the Transfer Policy Review Working Group * Member, Universal Acceptance Steering Group (Communication Subcommittee) * Member, NomCom Review Implementation Working Group 4. Arinola was a well-respected and much appreciated member not only of the GNSO and the Business Constituency, but of the broader ICANN Community. She was a friend and dedicated mentor to many — especially to fellows and newcomers from the African region who could trace their early understanding of ICANN to her patient guidance and encouragement. 5. Arinola was also an active and influential member of the ICT community within Africa and Nigeria more broadly. As CEO of DigiSphere Limited and Omar Ventures Limited, and as Founder and President of the DigiSphere Centre for Digital Creativity, she championed ICT-driven development and digital empowerment on the continent. Her external leadership roles included Vice Chair (West Africa) of the Africa ICT Alliance (AfICTA) and National Treasurer of the Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN). 6. Arinola's passing is a great loss to the many people across the ICANN community who had the pleasure of working and interacting with her, and for her many friends at ICANN the loss is deeply felt. 7. In addition to her accomplishments and devotion, Arinola endeared herself to those in the community through her warmth, her willingness to support others, and her generosity in giving of her time — particularly in mentoring new participants and helping bridge the gap between the African Internet community and the global ICANN process. Her work is missed, but she is missed far more. Resolved: 1. The GNSO Council wishes to recognize the significant contributions Arinola Akinyemi made to the GNSO Business Constituency, the GNSO Council structures she served, and the wider ICANN Community during her tenure, and the meaningful impact she had during this time. 2. Arinola's presence, warmth, professionalism, and commitment to digital inclusion and the ICANN multi-stakeholder model will be dearly missed. 3. On behalf of the current and previous GNSO Councils represented today, we offer our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to her family and friends at this most difficult time. Thank you Regards, Vivek

4 3

FW: [Ext] NEW: Prepare Your gTLD Application With New Resources From ICANN
by Julie Bisland May 28, 2026

May 28, 2026

FYI: From: ICANN Community Digest <digest(a)icann.ccsend.com> Reply-To: "policyinfo(a)icann.org" <policyinfo(a)icann.org> Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 10:03 AM To: Julie Bisland <julie.bisland(a)icann.org> Subject: [Ext] NEW: Prepare Your gTLD Application With New Resources From ICANN [https://danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/on.jsp?ca=e8502aee-08d0-49c3-adee-5cf2292ce113…] Thursday, 28 May 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=0018lhSGCG…> 2026 Round Applicant Guidebook [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…> 2026 Round Vendor Sourcing Timeline [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…> 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 ICANN86 · Prep Week · Schedule · PRSP Pre-ICANN86 Briefing Information Sharing · NEW: ICANN Advisory Clarifies Registration Data Directory Services Email Requirements · NEW: The 2026 ICANN Nominating Committee: Two Intersessionals, Six Short Lists · NEW: Chair’s Blog: Recap of the May Board Workshop · NEW: Building on Long-Standing Cooperation to Strengthen Digital Capacity in Africa 2026 Round · NEW: Prepare Your gTLD Application With New Resources From ICANN · New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Opens Today · ICANN Opens Second Application Period for the 2026 Round RSP Evaluation Program · ICANN 2026 Round Application System User Guide, Support Model Available Webinars · NEXT WEEK: ICANN to Host Question-and-Answer Sessions for New gTLD Applicants · NEXT WEEK: Webinar Series on 2026 Round Objections and Appeals Processes 🚨 Action Items 🚨 · NEXT WEEK: Call for Expressions of Interest: ICANN 2027 NomCom Chair and Chair-Elect · ICANN Extends Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 2026 Round Independent Objectors · ICANN Issues Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Auction · ICANN Board Seeks Input on Additional Funds for 2026 Round Applicant Support Program · ICANN Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Financial and Operational Evaluation · ICANNWiki Seeking Volunteers Public Comment · Additional Reference Label Generation Rules and Related Updates Events · These events occur in June 2026. ICANN86 Prep Week [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…> Schedule [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…> PRSP Pre-ICANN86 Briefing [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…> ICANN86 Policy Outlook Report [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…> Information Sharing NEW: ICANN Advisory Clarifies Registration Data Directory Services Email Requirements ICANN issued this advisory to inform the community about these web form implementation practices. The advisory clarifies how current obligations apply in such cases and explains the circumstances in which web forms will be deemed compliant as a way to facilitate communication. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…> NEW: The 2026 ICANN Nominating Committee: Two Intersessionals, Six Short Lists At ICANN86, the NomCom will conduct face-to-face interviews with the short-listed ICANN Board and PTI Board candidates. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…> NEW: Chair’s Blog: Recap of the May Board Workshop The workshop took place just after the Contracted Parties Summit, giving members of the Board the opportunity to attend and engage with ICANN-accredited registrars and generic top-level domain (gTLD) registries. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…> NEW: Building on Long-Standing Cooperation to Strengthen Digital Capacity in Africa Infrastructure and skills have to develop together. Technical systems depend on institutions and people being able to operate, maintain, and strengthen them over time. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…> 2026 Round NEW: Prepare Your gTLD Application With New Resources From ICANN The application window for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) has been open for several weeks, and the TLD Application Management System (TAMS), the online platform for submitting, managing, and processing applications, is available to applicants. ICANN has developed learning materials that help users get familiar with the system before starting on an application. These include recorded Q&A webinars, demonstration videos, and the newest tool, simulation videos. The simulations offer interactive previews of several functions in TAMS that help users build proficiency before working in the live environment. Simulation Videos. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…> Blog. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…> New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Opens Today New gTLDs have demonstrated their benefits in building brand trust, creating vibrant local digital ecosystems, and providing more intuitive navigation for users. 2026 Round Launch Page [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…> Press Release [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…> Announcement [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…> ICANN Opens Second Application Period for the 2026 Round RSP Evaluation Program The second application period for the RSP Evaluation Program runs from 30 April to 12 August 2026. Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…> ICANN 2026 Round Application System User Guide, Support Model Available ICANN has made several resources available to help prospective applicants familiarize themselves with ICANN's TLD Application Management System (TAMS). This online system will be used by all applicants, evaluation panelists, and ICANN staff to submit, manage, and process new gTLD applications. These resources are available to help prospective applicants prepare for the application completion and submission process through TAMS: System user guide Frequently Asked Questions Demo videos Q&A webinar recordings Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…> Action Items TOMORROW: Call for Expressions of Interest: ICANN 2027 NomCom Chair and Chair-Elect The Chair position blends time management and negotiation skills with the practical aspects of conducting a worldwide search for individuals to fill various ICANN leadership positions. Deadline: 29 May 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…> MONDAY: ICANN Extends Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 2026 Round Independent Objectors The Independent Objectors will file Community and Limited Public Interest objections and appeals, and participate in mediation, where appropriate. Deadline: 01 June 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…> TUESDAY: ICANN Issues Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Auction The selected provider will implement the ascending-clock, second-price auction method and must have the capability to accommodate a high volume of auctions, including both direct and indirect contention sets. Deadline: 02 June 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…> ICANN Request for Proposal: 2026 Round Financial and Operational Evaluation The Financial and Operational Evaluation occurs during the applicant evaluation phase of the New gTLD Program, expected to begin in Q3 2027. Deadline: 12 June 2026 Read more. [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…> 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=0018lhSGCG…>. 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=0018lhSGCG…> 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=0018lhSGCG…>source suggestions [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…> on where to find reliable data. Happy editing! Public Comment Additional Reference Label Generation Rules and Related Updates [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…> Submissions Opening Date: Tuesday, 12 May 2026 Submissions Closing Date: Tuesday, 23 June 2026 See upcoming proceedings [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…>. See other public consultations [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…>. Events These events occur in June 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=0018lhSGCG…>. · 16th Regional Cyberdrill for Americas—Regional CyberDrill · OSIANE 2026 · Digital Power and Democratic Futures · ICANN86 Seville Policy Forum · ADNDRC Practice Development Workshop 2026 · North America Space: Finding Your Path in ICANN: From First Steps to Community Leadership · IT Law Training Program - Hacettepe University · NOG-FI Meeting Volume 8, Issue 37 | Archive [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…> | Next Issue: Monday, 01 June 2026 STAY INFORMED: Subscribe here [danh45uab.cc.rs6.net]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/danh45uab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018lhSGCG…>

1 0

POST CALL | Pre-ICANN86 GNSO Council Webinar | Thursday, 28 May 2026
by Julie Bisland May 28, 2026

May 28, 2026

Dear all, All recordings for the Pre-ICANN86 GNSO Council Webinar held on Thursday, 28 May 2026 at 13:00 UTC can be found on the agenda wiki page <https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQB3Og> , which can also be accessed via the GNSO Master calendar<https://gnso.icann.org/en/group-activities/calendar/2026>. These include: * Attendance * Audio recording * Zoom recording (including audio, visual, rough transcript, and chat) * Agenda and Notes/Action Items Thank you. Kind regards, Julie Policy Team Supporting the GNSO

1 0

**15-MINUTE REMINDER** Meeting Invitation | Pre-ICANN86 GNSO Council Webinar | Thursday, 28 May 2026
by Julie Bisland May 28, 2026

May 28, 2026

**15-MINUTE REMINDER** 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

1 0