July 2024 - Middle-East - lists.icann.org

Domain Days Dubai | 5-6 November 2024
by Munir Badr Sept. 30, 2024

Sept. 30, 2024

Dear Middle East ICANN Members, I am writing to you in my capacity as the Founder & Curator of the Domain Days Dubai conference, a unique community-based initiative in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region. Launched back in the fall of 2023, it has already become the biggest platform that brought together local stakeholders: largest industry players, service providers, technical experts, and at-large community members, - to discuss the critical agenda items for the region. As we are now gearing up for the 2nd edition of the Domain Days Dubai, I am pleased to let you know that it has already been scheduled for 5-6 November 2024 and will be held at the prestigious, 5 star Marriott Resort in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE. This is the week before the ICANN81 meeting that takes place in Istanbul, Turkey - making Dubai an ideal transit spot before heading to Istanbul. [image: image.png] The feedback from prospective delegates has already demonstrated a genuinely keen interest in participation in Domain Days Dubai, which is why we believe that your contribution to the event will be very much appreciated, not least because it should further help your organization to tap into the enormous potential of the rapidly expanding region and leverage its role as a gateway to the wider domain name and hosting communities and learn and exchange knowledge with experts from the international community. About: Domain Days Dubai is the domain industry event in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region for Domain Registrars, Registries, Monetization, Investors & Traffic, Web3 Domains, Hosting & Cloud Providers, SaaS, Policy/Trade Mark and general industry Enthusiasts. Highlights: 35+ Local & Global Speakers 200+ Attendees from all over the world 50+ companies represented. 2 days of business & fun. Last year’s event highlights video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=od58Bx2AS3M Event registration, venue hotel discounts, tickets and speaker list/agenda is on the website at www.domaindays.com. Also attached to this email is our 2023 post event report with key data about our past event and the formal invitation letter. ICANN Middle East Members are eligible for a *55% off discount* on our event passes, use code *ICANN* to avail the discount (valid until 31st of August only). Should you need further information on Domain Days Dubai, please refer to the event website at: DomainDays.com and do not hesitate to contact me at munir(a)domaindays.com Regards Munir Badr Domain Days Dubai & AEserver -- <https://www.aeserver.com/> *MUNIR BADR* Book A Call: Click here <https://calendly.com/aeserver> Sales Hotline: 800 123 123 <https://www.facebook.com/AEserver/> <https://twitter.com/aeserver> <https://www.instagram.com/aeserver/> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/aeserver/> <https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-ae/news-and-trends/the-recap-the-e-business…>

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ME SPACE - ICANN81 Session Preparation and Topic Finalization
by Amin Hacha July 31, 2024

July 31, 2024

Hello everyone, Thank you, Tijani, for suggesting the topic “The New gTLD Program, Especially the Applicant Support Part of it”. we’ve received positive responses from several individuals willing to assist with the statement. We would appreciate it if you could handle this part. Fouad, your suggestions are good. We propose working on the second session to draft a statement for our future efforts in this area. We will await further input from those ready to contribute. Hadia, we appreciate your topic name suggestions. The final nomination will be decided by the working group during the drafting process. Houda, could you please clarify if by “multilingual internet,” do you mean Universal Acceptance? To allow more time for responses and suggestions, we propose extending the deadline to* Wednesday, July 31, 2024.* As stated in our initial email, we aim to cover various topics of interest to our region during the session in Istanbul. We look forward to your continued contributions in the coming days. Best regards, Amin and Layal

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ICANN Webinar to Highlight RDRS, a Tool to Access Non-Public Domain Name Registration Data
by Fahd Batayneh July 26, 2024

July 26, 2024

https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-webinar-to-highlight-r… The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is pleased to announce an upcoming virtual event on the Registration Data Request Service (RDRS), scheduled for Thursday, 8 August 2024, at 16:00 UTC (9:00 a.m. PST; 12:00 p.m. EDT). The RDRS provides a more consistent and standardized format for handling requests to access nonpublic registration data related to generic top-level domains (gTLDs). We invite all stakeholders to register for this informative session, which will educate potential requesters with an aim of increasing overall participation. About the Session This webinar will explain the purpose and benefits of RDRS to registrants and those with a need to access non-public gTLD registration data. In addition to providing an overview and sharing resources, the webinar will provide an overview of the service and more. The webinar will be followed by a Q&A session, allowing prospective and current users to engage directly with the speakers. Webinar Information: RDRS: New Tool for Accessing Non-Public Domain Name Registration Data Webinar Aug 8, 2024, 16:00 UTC Register for the session here. Benefits of the Service The RDRS is a free, global ticketing system that handles nonpublic gTLD registration data requests, standardizing the process for both registrars and requestors. This service simplifies the process for various users, including consumer protection advocates, cybersecurity investigators, government officials, intellectual property professionals, and law enforcement authorities, who have a legitimate interest in accessing nonpublic gTLD registration data. Registrars benefit from the service because it offers a centralized mechanism to manage and track all nonpublic data requests. Registrars receive automated alerts whenever a request is submitted. A standardized request form ensures that the correct information and supporting documents are provided, simplifying the evaluation process for registrars. Requesters can access the RDRS here. Registrars can use the service through the Naming Services portal. More Information Implemented at the direction of the ICANN Board, the RDRS was set up to collect demand and usage data that would inform policy decisions related to a System for Standardized Access/Disclosure For more information, including user guides, Frequently Asked Questions, instructional videos, and more, visit the RDRS webpage.

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ME SPACE meeting in ICANN81 Istanbul
by Amin Hacha July 24, 2024

July 24, 2024

Dear friends and colleagues, As ICANN 81 Istanbul will be held in our regional area, we are all invited to work together in making the upcoming ME Space meeting a success in Istanbul. Through previous calls and discussions, we have identified the following seven topics that may interest our community: 1. Regulating Emerging Technologies: Exploring DMA as a Guideline. 2. The Impact of Cyber Threats on ME Countries. 3. KINDNS Initiative: Why Operators in the Region Should Join. 4. AI Impact on ccTLD Operation. 5. Strategies to Increase Domain Name Sales in Current Markets. 6. Cybersecurity Enhancement and Awareness. 7. Rights and Responsibilities of Domain Name Registrants (RRR) in the Middle East. Before we begin preparing for the Istanbul meeting, we invite you to review these topics and suggest any modifications or additional topics relevant to our region. Additionally, please let us know if any of these topics interest you and if you are ready to work on a draft or statement, or if you are available to contribute to it. *We kindly request your feedback, comments, and any related topics by the deadline of next Friday, July 26, 2024.* Regards, Amin and Layal

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ICANN Board Seeks Input on Draft Strategic Plan and Operating Plan Framework
by Fahd Batayneh July 24, 2024

July 24, 2024

https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-board-seeks-input-on-d… The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Board of Directors is seeking input from the ICANN community on the draft ICANN Strategic Plan and draft Operating Plan Framework for the next five years. The ICANN Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2026–2030 presents a simplified yet comprehensive vision that balances clarity with depth, addressing the multifaceted needs of ICANN's stakeholders. The Strategic Plan is complemented by a five-year Operating Plan Framework, which details the key activities required to deliver on the Strategic Plan. The Board needs your feedback on the clarity and relevance of our vision, the appropriateness of the strategic objectives, and the detailed strategic goals and strategies designed to achieve them. Additionally, we seek your input on the proposed progress indicators and identified strategic risks. Furthermore, your input on the key activities identified in the draft five-year Operating Plan Framework to achieve each strategy are critical. Your comments will help the ICANN Board and organization (org) refine and enhance the plans to better serve our mission and the community. The five-year Operating Plan Framework is designed to outline the high-level activities necessary to effectively execute the five-year Strategic Plan. The specific details of prioritization and resource allocation will be defined during the annual Operating Plan and Budget process. To facilitate structured input on the draft plans, the Board has provided a Guided Submission Form for this proceeding. The purpose of this form is to help gather the feedback in an organized manner, making it easier for the Board and org to analyze and integrate the suggestions. The Board will provide an overview of the draft plans and the Public Comment process during two community webinars, on Tuesday, 30 July, at 16:00 UTC and on Wednesday, 31 July, at 00:00 UTC. The Public Comment period will be open for 57 days. For more information and to participate in this proceeding, please visit this webpage. Submissions Opening Date: 23 July 2024 Submissions Closing Date: 17 September 2024

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FW: ICANN to Host Webinars on Applicant Support Program Outreach
by Fahd Batayneh July 24, 2024

July 24, 2024

Dear All, Please see below. Thank you, Fahd Date: Tuesday, 23 July 2024 at 5:27 PM Subject: ICANN to Host Webinars on Applicant Support Program Outreach Hi everyone – ICANN will host two webinars this month to discuss the upcoming launch of the Applicant Support Program (ASP). The webinars will be offered at two times, and you only need to register for one: Webinar 1: Europe, Middle East, and Africa Regions Tuesday, 30 July 2024, at 15:30–16:30 UTC [icann.zoom.us] Webinar 2: The Americas Region Wednesday, 31 July 2024 at 16:00–17:00 UTC [icann.zoom.us] More details can be found here. Thank you. Best, -- Giose McGinty Stakeholder Engagement Senior Specialist, NA and LAC Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Cell: +1 310 773-7865

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ICANN82 Fellowship Application Round Now Open
by Fahd Batayneh July 20, 2024

July 20, 2024

https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann82-fellowship-applicati… Today, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) opened the application round for the ICANN Fellowship Program for the ICANN82 Community Forum, which is taking place 8 –13 March 2025 in Seattle, United States of America. The application deadline is 18 August 2024, 23:59 UTC. If ICANN82 is held virtually, the Fellowship Program will also be held virtually. Successful candidates will be announced on 31 October 2024 on the ICANN website.

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ICANN to Host Webinars on Applicant Support Program Outreach
by Fahd Batayneh July 18, 2024

July 18, 2024

https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-to-host-webinars-on-ap… The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) organization (org) will host two webinars this month to discuss the upcoming launch of the Applicant Support Program (ASP). The webinars will focus on how the ICANN volunteer community can participate in engagement and outreach efforts to support the ASP. The ASP is an initiative of the New Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) Program: Next Round that will make gTLD application fees and evaluation processes more accessible to entities that may be interested in applying for a gTLD but are unable to because of financial or other resource constraints. The webinars will provide a high-level overview of the ASP and include information on what types of entities qualify for support, the different types of financial and nonfinancial support available, and key dates and resources. The webinars also will be an opportunity for ICANN org and the community to discuss how to collaborate on reaching as many potential applicants as possible. This includes discussion about target audiences, events, locations, and available outreach materials. Fostering diverse participation in the next round of new gTLDs is critical to the success of the New gTLD Program, and community involvement in global engagement and outreach efforts is essential. All ICANN community members, and anyone interested in the ASP or the New gTLD Program: Next Round, are encouraged to join. The webinars will be offered at two times, and you only need to register for one. Click on your preferred date to register: Webinar 1: Europe, Middle East, and Africa Regions Tuesday, 30 July 2024, at 15:30–16:30 UTC (This webinar will be presented in English with interpretation available in Arabic and French.) Webinar 2: The Americas Region Wednesday, 31 July 2024 at 16:00–17:00 UTC (This webinar will be presented in English with interpretation available in Spanish.) Please note that a webinar that accommodates the Asia-Pacific region will be held in August and announced shortly. For more information on the ASP and the New gTLD Program: Next Round visit the program website.

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WSIS+20 and Global Digital Compact Webinars
by Fahd Batayneh July 10, 2024

July 10, 2024

Friends and Colleagues, For those following the WSIS+20 and Global Digital Compact (GDC), here are two webinars that may interest you. Monday, 1 July, 12:00 UTC [icann.zoom.us] Speakers: Elizabeth Oluoch, ICANN Fiona Alexander, American University Lise Fuhr, Director of ETNO Chris Buckridge, ICANN Board Tuesday, 2 July, 00:00 UTC [icann.zoom.us] Speakers: Elizabeth Oluoch, ICANN Fiona Alexander, American University Israel Rosas, ISOC Annaliese Williams, auDA You may also want to join the mailing list so you can participate in future such webinars. Thank you, Fahd Batayneh ICANN

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