From Nora Abusitta, ICANN SVP, Development & Public Responsibility Programs (Note in particular the mailing list and wikispace for those who want to get involved in this effort):
I know that the topic of ‘the public interest within ICANN’s remit’ was of particular interest to the group, and I am writing to update you regarding this theme. Discussions on this topic have been ongoing for some time now, and in 2013, the Strategy Panel on the Public Responsibility Framework <https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/public-responsibility-2013-10-11-en> was tasked with exploring defining this term and the separate but related topic of public responsibility. The Panel, informed by open discussions at ICANN meetings, webinars and through a public comment period, produced a report in May 2014, which proposed the definition of ‘public interest’ as follows: *“Ensuring that the Internet becomes, and continues to be, stable, inclusive, and accessible across the globe so that all may enjoy the benefits of a single and open Internet. In addressing its public responsibility, ICANN must build trust in the Internet and its governance ecosystem.”* While some welcomed the report and recommendations, it is evident that there is a desire and need to further explore what the term ‘public interest’ means within ICANN’s remit. In response to requests to prepare for such exploration (at a time when all have sufficient bandwidth to do so) staff have been compiling some initial resources and research on this theme. As per recommendations received during conversations on this preparatory work, these resources have been placed on a community wikispace on Confluence and can be located here <https://community.icann.org/x/epRYAw>. To facilitate discussion on next steps, a mailing list has also been created as a forum for dialogue and coordination, found here <https://mm.icann.org/mailman/listinfo/publicinterest>. Additionally, a request has been submitted to hold a High Interest Session at ICANN55 that will be collaboratively designed providing an informed and comprehensive base from which to initiate discussions on next steps. This will require global, multistakeholder, bottom-up discussion and ICANN wants to make sure that, when the time is right, there are enough resources and background research available. We all will need to understand the operational, legal, and fiscal parameters and limitations to any potential definition(s). If you have specific suggestions or resources to add, please do not hesitate to get in contact.