January 2026 - lac-discuss-en

REMINDER / REGISTER: APRALO Policy Forum Webinar: “Participating in ICANN Public Comment Proceedings” on Thursday, 22 January 2026 at 06:00 UTC
by ICANN At-Large Staff Jan. 21, 2026

Jan. 21, 2026

[cid:image001.png@01DC89F3.583E5310] Dear All, APRALO Policy Forum Webinar: “Participating in ICANN Public Comment Proceedings” is scheduled on Thursday, 22 January 2026 at 06:00 UTC for 60 minutes. The At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) participates in ICANN policy-making – including on governance issues – predominantly by engaging At-Large community members in a consensus-building process to establish positions addressing individual end-user interests that need to be communicated by the ALAC. The ALAC’s participation in ICANN policy-making is not limited to, but typically happens through submitting, to a Public Comment Proceeding, an ALAC Statement that is developed through a bottom-up process. You are invited to participate in the APRALO Policy Forum webinar with Justine Chew on Thursday, 22 January 2026 at 06:00 UTC for 60 minutes, to gain an understanding of the approach for considering the need for an ALAC statement and the delivery of such statements where a need has been established. This webinar will build on the ‘Informed Consensus<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/SQB6JQ>’ concept discussed during the At-Large Briefings on Informed Consensus: An Approach to At-Large Position Development conducted in early December 2025. Recommended pre-activity self-learning resources * ICANN Learn 154 At-Large: Welcome to Our World<https://learn.icann.org/#/online-courses/39247c96-1aa5-4d88-b16e-38887a056a…> * ICANN Learn 701 Writing for Policy and Public Comment<https://learn.icann.org/#/online-courses/0e01a925-9a66-46bd-9e6e-466e5494ab…> * ICANN Learn 714 Effective Writing Skills<https://learn.icann.org/#/online-courses/a133652c-18a6-4828-8b22-c1f4081ec7…> * At-Large Briefing Session #1: Informed Consensus: An Approach to At-Large Position Development, 2 Dec 2025<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/SQB6JQ> * At-Large Briefing Session #2: Informed Consensus: An Approach to At-Large Position Development, 4 Dec 2025<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AYCYJQ> Don't forget to pre-register your participation! And if you have any, please let us have your questions on this topic by posting them as comments to this wiki page below; or if you prefer, submit them by emailing staff at staff(a)atlarge.icann.org<mailto:staff@atlarge.icann.org> For other times: https://tinyurl.com/mrdfepbr The agenda and call details can be found at: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/YoD6L Zoom Registration Link: https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/UkrtPmeeT0Ccjgn0Dyxttg (After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.) APRALO Policy Forum Wiki Workspace: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/OOrdBg Thank you. Kind Regards, At-Large Staff ICANN Policy Staff in support of the At-Large Community Website: atlarge.icann.org<https://atlarge.icann.org/>

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The 2026 String Similarity Guidelines: Automating Mistakes of the Pass
by Carlton Samuels Jan. 21, 2026

Jan. 21, 2026

See the post from Sophia Bekele in CircleID this week. https://circleid.com/posts/2026-new-gtld-string-similarity-guidelines-autom… The overall matter she is highlighting provokes thought and is sufficient to cast the need for a clear understanding of what is coming. To my mind, this whole Latin diacritics matter adds some grist to the mill. Carlton ============================== *Carlton A Samuels* *Mobile: 876-818-1799Strategy, Process, Governance, Assessment & Turnaround* =============================

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(Registration) Invitation: At-Large Fireside Chats on Participating in ICANN Working Groups
by ICANN At-Large Staff Jan. 20, 2026

Jan. 20, 2026

Please join us and spread the word! Unase a nosotros y comparta con su comunidad! Rejoignez-nous et partagez parmi votre communauté! Dear All, If you have ever wondered what it means to participate in an ICANN working group, or have questions about how to do so, then these At-Large Fireside Chats on Participating in ICANN Working Groups are for you! You have the option of joining either or both Fireside Chats as follows: * On Monday, 26 January 2026 at 19:00 UTC, where Eunice Alejandra Pérez Coello will chat with Cheryl Langdon-Orr and Hadia Elminiawi * Agenda: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/T4DqLQ * Registration link: https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/qwwikNmAQu-47gMfUGOluQ * On Thursday, 29 January 2026 at 12:00 UTC, where Justine Chew will chat with Alan Greenberg and Steinar Grøtterød * Agenda: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/mIDmLQ * Registration link: https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/BWxng_9xTsKA4lIpKftfpQ Our panelists are seasoned At-Large community members who have participated in various ICANN working groups, and will share their experiences, and address your questions. These chats form part of the FY2026 At-Large Capacity Development Initiatives<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Hnv5EnPAOu99Narg13yTc1kOjozDArg_m6g_KQy…>, and they build up to the newly adopted ALAC Rules of Procedure Adjunct Document – Metrics and Remedial Actions for Appointees, 16 Dec 2025. Thank you. Kind regards, At-Large Staff ICANN Policy Staff in support of the At-Large Community www.icann.org<http://www.icann.org>

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At-Large Slate of Candidates for Seat 15 of the ICANN Board
by Heidi Ullrich Jan. 16, 2026

Jan. 16, 2026

Dear All, On behalf of the At-Large Board Candidate Evaluation Committee (BCEC), and in accordance with the agreed schedule for the At-Large Board Member Selection Timeline, we are pleased to announce the slate of candidates for consideration in filling Seat #15 of the ICANN Board. These candidates have passed the initial BCEC evaluation and were approved on its call of Thursday, 15 January 2026. The BCEC met 15 times and undertook a comprehensive review of all submitted Expressions of Interest, applying a weighted scoring methodology that incorporated both core mandatory criteria and qualitative assessments. Each applicant participated in a 45‑minute interview covering topical, situational, and personal dimensions. All candidates deemed suitable for the slate successfully completed the ICANN Due Diligence Process. The candidates, listed in alphabetical order by surname: * Sébastien Bachollet * Justine Chew * Maureen Hilyard * Rafael (Lito) Ibarra Candidate Expressions of Interest can be found at https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ABMS/pages/760020998/2025…. The Board Member Selection Process Committee (BMSPC) will shortly announce the next steps, including an opportunity for the community to submit questions to the candidates and participate in a live interactive session with them. A note of thanks to the BCEC for their significant efforts in selecting the At-Large slate of Seat 15 candidates. Kind regards, Heidi Heidi Ullrich, PhD VP, Policy Development & At-Large Relations Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Mobile: +1 310 437 3956 Fax: +1 310 823 8649 Website: atlarge.icann.org<https://atlarge.icann.org/>

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*REGISTRATION* APRALO Policy Forum Webinar: “Participating in ICANN Public Comment Proceedings” on Thursday, 22 January 2026 at 06:00 UTC
by ICANN At-Large Staff Jan. 15, 2026

Jan. 15, 2026

[cid:image001.png@01DC8622.8D818D00] Dear All, APRALO Policy Forum Webinar: “Participating in ICANN Public Comment Proceedings” is scheduled on Thursday, 22 January 2026 at 06:00 UTC for 60 minutes. The At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) participates in ICANN policy-making – including on governance issues – predominantly by engaging At-Large community members in a consensus-building process to establish positions addressing individual end-user interests that need to be communicated by the ALAC. The ALAC’s participation in ICANN policy-making is not limited to, but typically happens through submitting, to a Public Comment Proceeding, an ALAC Statement that is developed through a bottom-up process. You are invited to participate in the APRALO Policy Forum webinar with Justine Chew on Thursday, 22 January 2026 at 06:00 UTC for 60 minutes, to gain an understanding of the approach for considering the need for an ALAC statement and the delivery of such statements where a need has been established. This webinar will build on the ‘Informed Consensus<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/SQB6JQ>’ concept discussed during the At-Large Briefings on Informed Consensus: An Approach to At-Large Position Development conducted in early December 2025. Recommended pre-activity self-learning resources * ICANN Learn 154 At-Large: Welcome to Our World<https://learn.icann.org/#/online-courses/39247c96-1aa5-4d88-b16e-38887a056a…> * ICANN Learn 701 Writing for Policy and Public Comment<https://learn.icann.org/#/online-courses/0e01a925-9a66-46bd-9e6e-466e5494ab…> * ICANN Learn 714 Effective Writing Skills<https://learn.icann.org/#/online-courses/a133652c-18a6-4828-8b22-c1f4081ec7…> * At-Large Briefing Session #1: Informed Consensus: An Approach to At-Large Position Development, 2 Dec 2025<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/SQB6JQ> * At-Large Briefing Session #2: Informed Consensus: An Approach to At-Large Position Development, 4 Dec 2025<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AYCYJQ> Don't forget to pre-register your participation! And if you have any, please let us have your questions on this topic by posting them as comments to this wiki page below; or if you prefer, submit them by emailing staff at staff(a)atlarge.icann.org<mailto:staff@atlarge.icann.org> For other times: https://tinyurl.com/mrdfepbr The agenda and call details can be found at: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/YoD6L Zoom Registration Link: https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/UkrtPmeeT0Ccjgn0Dyxttg (After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.) APRALO Policy Forum Wiki Workspace: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/OOrdBg Thank you. Kind Regards, At-Large Staff ICANN Policy Staff in support of the At-Large Community Website: atlarge.icann.org<https://atlarge.icann.org/>

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Fwd: Invitation | United Nations ECLAC invites you to the launch of “Data Embassies” publication
by Alejandro Pisanty Jan. 14, 2026

Jan. 14, 2026

Hi all, I'm forwarding this invitation without deep knowledge of the "Data Embassies" project but with two purposes: 1. making it known to the LACRALO community since it is likely that many ALS's (both in the Caribbean and in the Continent) may find it of interest for themselves and their constituencies; 2. to ask two questions: 2a. Which organizations DO have already some involvement and what is it? 2b. In what ways can this initiative connect with the bailiwick of ICANN? And of course I would also add the question and offer of whether this creates an opportunity for collaboration across LACRALO subregions. Cheers everybody and Happy New Year. Alejandro Pisanty ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Demetris HERAKLEOUS <demetris.herakleous(a)cepal.org> Date: Wed, Jan 14, 2026 at 8:49 AM Subject: Invitation | United Nations ECLAC invites you to the launch of “Data Embassies” publication To: Dear colleagues, United Nation’s ECLAC is pleased to invite you to the virtual launch of our new publication: *DATA EMBASSIES: An innovative approach to strengthening digital resilience in the Caribbean* As governments across the Caribbean accelerate digital transformation, ensuring continuity of critical data and public services has become a strategic priority—especially in the face of hurricanes, cyber incidents, and connectivity disruptions. This event will present the report’s key insights and explore how the “data embassy” concept can support stronger digital resilience and trusted regional cooperation. 📅 *Thursday, 29 January 2026* 🕚 *11:00 AM (AST | UTC-4)* 💻 *Virtual event* (meeting link shared upon registration) 🔗 *Register here <http://mi9.me/2kBgWq>* We would be grateful if you could share this invitation with relevant colleagues and partners. We look forward to having you with us. Kind regards, Demetris Herakleous [image: Logotipo de la CEPAL en color azul sobre fondo blanco. Integra el emblema de las Naciones Unidas, un mapa del mundo centrado en el Polo Norte rodeado por una corona de ramas de olivo. Debajo, los textos “Naciones Unidas” y “CEPAL”.] *Demetris Herakleous* Associate Economic Affairs Officer Division of Productivity, Development, and Management United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) 🟢 *+357 99347373* *(WhatsApp)* ✉️ demetris.herakleous(a)un.org -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Dr. Alejandro Pisanty Facultad de Química UNAM Av. Universidad 3000, 04510 Mexico DF Mexico +525541444475 Blog: http://pisanty.blogspot.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/pisanty Unete al grupo UNAM en LinkedIn, http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/22285/4A106C0C8614 Twitter: http://twitter.com/apisanty ---->> Unete a ISOC Mexico, http://www.isoc.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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REMINDER | ALAC-GAC Regulatory Developments Briefing Series on Thursday, 15 January 2026 at 16:00 UTC
by Gisella Gruber Jan. 14, 2026

Jan. 14, 2026

Please join us and spread the word! REGISTER for ZOOM: https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/L7fYONGXRqODoK0MRiSxOg <https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/L7fYONGXRqODoK0MRiSxOg> Interpretation (integrated via zoom): English, Español, Français Dear All, *Wishing all a very Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year 2026* On behalf of the ALAC & GAC Leadership, we are pleased to announce our seventh Regulatory Developments Briefing Series, on the WSIS+20 UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting Outcomes, scheduled on Thursday, 15 January 2026 at 16:00 UTC. Other times: https://tinyurl.com/9f35bj6m Agenda: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AgBAL Please register for the webinar via this link: Zoom Registration Link: https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/L7fYONGXRqODoK0MRiSxOg <https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/L7fYONGXRqODoK0MRiSxOg> These briefing sessions will be held monthly and provide a valuable platform to discuss key regulatory and geopolitical developments and foster collaboration across regions Thank you. Kind regards, At-Large Staff ICANN Policy Staff in support of the At-Large Community www.icann.org<http://www.icann.org>

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Meeting Invitation | ALAC-GAC Regulatory Developments Briefing Series on Thursday, 15 January 2026 at 16:00 UTC
by ICANN At-Large Staff Jan. 11, 2026

Jan. 11, 2026

Please join us and spread the word! REGISTER for ZOOM: https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/L7fYONGXRqODoK0MRiSxOg <https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/L7fYONGXRqODoK0MRiSxOg> Interpretation (integrated via zoom): English, Español, Français Dear All, *Wishing all a very Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year 2026* On behalf of the ALAC & GAC Leadership, we are pleased to announce our seventh Regulatory Developments Briefing Series, on the WSIS+20 UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting Outcomes, scheduled on Thursday, 15 January 2026 at 16:00 UTC. Other times: https://tinyurl.com/9f35bj6m Agenda: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AgBAL Please register for the webinar via this link: Zoom Registration Link: https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/L7fYONGXRqODoK0MRiSxOg <https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/L7fYONGXRqODoK0MRiSxOg> These briefing sessions will be held monthly and provide a valuable platform to discuss key regulatory and geopolitical developments and foster collaboration across regions Thank you. Kind regards, At-Large Staff ICANN Policy Staff in support of the At-Large Community www.icann.org<http://www.icann.org>

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