- Middle-East - lists.icann.org

Re: Update on the Middle East Space Elections
by Tijani Jan. 10, 2025

Jan. 10, 2025

Thank you Fahd, Yes, indeed, and as we put in our charter, if there is more candidates than the available slots, an election should be organized. But I’m always for consensus avoiding elections with winners and loosers. I would propose that the candidates meet virtually and try to find a consensus for 2 co-chairs (even 3 can be accepted) For that consensus, a few criteria may help find the best candidates: Having experience in the ICANN environment and especially the ICANN policy issues Having the ability to attend the ICANN meetings (no funding is available from the ME Space side) Being able to dedicate time and energy for the space Of course, if a consensus is impossible to reach, the election is the ultimate mean to have a new leadership for the ME Space. Good luck for all candidates Best Tijani De : Fahd Batayneh via Middle-East <middle-east(a)icann.org> Répondre à : Fahd Batayneh <fahd.batayneh(a)icann.org> Date : vendredi 10 janvier 2025 à 10:00 À : ICANN Middle East <middle-east(a)icann.org> Objet : [ME ICANN] Update on the Middle East Space Elections Dear All, I trust this finds you well. We are currently finalizing the final touches for the elections of the Middle East Space. We are awaiting a few Statements of Interest (SoIs) from a few candidates, and hope to receive them all on or before Sunday 12 January. We expect to open the elections on Monday 13 January. Thank you, Fahd Batayneh ICANN _______________________________________________ Middle-East mailing list -- middle-east(a)icann.org To unsubscribe send an email to middle-east-leave(a)icann.org _______________________________________________ By submitting your personal data, you consent to the processing of your personal data for purposes of subscribing to this mailing list accordance with the ICANN Privacy Policy (https://www.icann.org/privacy/policy) and the website Terms of Service (https://www.icann.org/privacy/tos) You can visit the Mailman link above to change your membership status or configuration, including unsubscribing, setting digest-style delivery or disabling delivery altogether (e.g., for a vacation), and so on.

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Update on the Middle East Space Elections
by Fahd Batayneh Jan. 10, 2025

Jan. 10, 2025

Dear All, I trust this finds you well. We are currently finalizing the final touches for the elections of the Middle East Space. We are awaiting a few Statements of Interest (SoIs) from a few candidates, and hope to receive them all on or before Sunday 12 January. We expect to open the elections on Monday 13 January. Thank you, Fahd Batayneh ICANN

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Re: Elections
by Amin Hacha Jan. 8, 2025

Jan. 8, 2025

Dears all, members of the ICANN middle-east, I hope this message finds you well and that the new year brings you prosperity and success. I would like to extend my best wishes to all members of the Middle East region for a positive and fulfilling start to 2025. Firstly, I want to express my appreciation to Farzaneh for your consistent and valuable contributions. Your input is always highly appreciated and meaningful. On a personal note, I would like to emphasize my full support for holding an election, regardless of the number of candidates— *even if only one candidate*. To my knowledge, there has been no communication (at least through the emails I’ve received) suggesting opposition to proceeding with the election, and I strongly believe it is vital that we move forward with it. *For everyone’s attention, I had a prior discussion with the ICANN Middle East team regarding next steps. The clear message I received last week was: “If you are asked about the cause of the delay, you can simply say that ICANN org was closed for the holidays.”As the election process is not explicitly outlined in the ME Space Charter, I understand that ICANN staff may require additional time to finalize the necessary steps.* *I want to highlight a key point, that I understood from the ICANN staff: many other regions do not have a charter for their Space. However, we are fortunate to have a charter for the ME space to build on. Thank you to the ME space founders.* *In General, there are two key points I would like to highlight:* *1-* Over the past two years, I have invested considerable time and effort into implementing the decision-making methodology outlined in the ME Space Charter. As stated in the Charter,* "For any decision-making (development and adoption of statements, work plans, or other documents, etc.), the ME Space shall seek to act by consensus. Consensus calls should always make best efforts to involve all members."* This methodology emphasizes the importance of consensus and aims to involve all members in the decision-making process. This is why I called for a meeting during the ICANN meeting in San Juan in March 2024, where we discussed these principles. As co-chairs of the ME Space, we have worked diligently to ensure our discussions focus on positive developments and opportunities, despite the challenges we’ve faced. We have maintained privacy regarding these challenges in our discussions without sharing them widely within the community. Also, *in December 2024*, I continued these efforts with a short discussion during the IGF in Riyadh (in person) or by message, by reaching out to available members, to ensure we continued moving the ME Space forward. *I also shared some recommendations I received with the ME ICANN staff to see if we could make progress with their support.* *2-* At the start, as Co-chairs, of our two-year term in January 2023, we proposed a draft strategy plan for the ME Space and opened it for discussion. Unfortunately, we lost seven months due to challenges and resistance in advancing this plan. Nonetheless, we have consistently advocated for *diversity in our approach* to topics related to our region, as demonstrated during the last ME Space ICANN session in Istanbul, where we saw strong attendance with big numbers of attendance and high levels of participation, both in-person and online. These efforts resulted in meaningful engagement and progress. and our responsibility, *all of us*, to continue forward. Looking back, I recognize the absence of some key voices during this period that we hear today, particularly me and Layal, who we were in critical need of these voices to support our initiatives and recommendations. I thank all who collaborated and made efforts for the region and the space. Moving forward, I hope to see more engagement like this, especially in light of the challenges we’ve already overcome. *I fully understand that we all lead busy lives, *but as we continue to advance, it is important for us to reflect on the progress we’ve made and to continue striving toward the best possible outcomes. Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to our continued collaboration and success. Best regards, Amin Hacha Member of the Middle East Space

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Re: Call for Nominations for ME Space Co-Chairs
by Fahd Batayneh Jan. 8, 2025

Jan. 8, 2025

Dear Farzaneh, All, Since you mention elections, one question that needs an answer would be who is eligible to cast a vote? The group needs to develop a mechanism to ensure that all votes received are from genuine people who are interested in the Space. Thank you, Fahd From: farzaneh badii via Middle-East <middle-east(a)icann.org> Reply-To: farzaneh badii <farzaneh.badii(a)gmail.com> Date: Tuesday, 17 December 2024 at 11:40 AM To: Chokri Ben Romdhane <chokribr(a)gmail.com> Cc: Middle East ICANN <middle-east(a)icann.org> Subject: [ME ICANN] Re: Call for Nominations for ME Space Co-Chairs Hi everyone, since we have more than two candidates for these roles, can we have an election? Farzaneh On Sun, Dec 15, 2024 at 10:01 AM Chokri Ben Romdhane <chokribr(a)gmail.com> wrote: +1 Rafik Le sam. 14 déc. 2024 à 11:50 AM, Rafik Dammak via Middle-East <middle-east(a)icann.org> a écrit : Hi Farzaneh, Thanks for your confidence in me, I accept this nomination and will send my SOI asap. Best, Rafik On Wed, Dec 11, 2024, 21:14 farzaneh badii via Middle-East <middle-east(a)icann.org> wrote: Thanks Amin, I’d like to nominate Rafik Dammak for this position. Originally from Tunis, Rafik brings a deep historical knowledge of ICANN and Internet governance to the table with a unique Middle East, North African perspective and has a deep understanding of the issues at stake in ICANN so can lead us to effectively contribute and be a strong voice. He is currently the chair of Noncommercial Stakeholder Group and has held many positions at ICANN the past 10 years during which he has led a diverse group of people to issue position statements and public comments and contribute to policy making. Farzaneh On Tue, Dec 10, 2024 at 8:56 PM Amin Hacha via Middle-East <middle-east(a)icann.org> wrote: Dear ME Space Community, As we approach the end of 2024, the current term for the Co-Chairs of ME Space will conclude at the end of December. To ensure the continuity of ME Space, we invite you to express your interest in the role of Co-Chair if you believe you are qualified and ready to dedicate your time and energy to contribute to the future of ME Space. You may also nominate someone else for the position. Please send your nomination by replying to this email by the deadline of December 25, 2024, at 23 UTC. For more information on the qualifications required, please refer to the following link: https://icannwiki.org/File:ME_Space_Charter.pdf [icannwiki.org] Regards, ME Space Co-Chairs [avg.com]Virus-free.www.avg.com [avg.com] _______________________________________________ Middle-East mailing list -- middle-east(a)icann.org To unsubscribe send an email to middle-east-leave(a)icann.org _______________________________________________ By submitting your personal data, you consent to the processing of your personal data for purposes of subscribing to this mailing list accordance with the ICANN Privacy Policy (https://www.icann.org/privacy/policy) and the website Terms of Service (https://www.icann.org/privacy/tos) You can visit the Mailman link above to change your membership status or configuration, including unsubscribing, setting digest-style delivery or disabling delivery altogether (e.g., for a vacation), and so on. _______________________________________________ Middle-East mailing list -- middle-east(a)icann.org To unsubscribe send an email to middle-east-leave(a)icann.org _______________________________________________ By submitting your personal data, you consent to the processing of your personal data for purposes of subscribing to this mailing list accordance with the ICANN Privacy Policy (https://www.icann.org/privacy/policy) and the website Terms of Service (https://www.icann.org/privacy/tos) You can visit the Mailman link above to change your membership status or configuration, including unsubscribing, setting digest-style delivery or disabling delivery altogether (e.g., for a vacation), and so on. _______________________________________________ Middle-East mailing list -- middle-east(a)icann.org To unsubscribe send an email to middle-east-leave(a)icann.org _______________________________________________ By submitting your personal data, you consent to the processing of your personal data for purposes of subscribing to this mailing list accordance with the ICANN Privacy Policy (https://www.icann.org/privacy/policy) and the website Terms of Service (https://www.icann.org/privacy/tos) You can visit the Mailman link above to change your membership status or configuration, including unsubscribing, setting digest-style delivery or disabling delivery altogether (e.g., for a vacation), and so on.

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Call for Nominations for ME Space Co-Chairs
by Amin Hacha Dec. 25, 2024

Dec. 25, 2024

Dear ME Space Community, As we approach the end of 2024, the current term for the Co-Chairs of ME Space will conclude at the end of December. To ensure the continuity of ME Space, we invite you to express your interest in the role of Co-Chair if you believe you are qualified and ready to dedicate your time and energy to contribute to the future of ME Space. You may also nominate someone else for the position. Please send your nomination by replying to this email by the *deadline of December 25, 2024, at 23 UTC.* For more information on the qualifications required, please refer to the following link: *https://icannwiki.org/File:ME_Space_Charter.pdf <https://icannwiki.org/File:ME_Space_Charter.pdf>.* Regards, ME Space Co-Chairs <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Virus-free.www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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ICANN Seeks Input on Proposed Language for Next Round Applicant Guidebook
by Fahd Batayneh Dec. 23, 2024

Dec. 23, 2024

Dear All, I trust this finds you well. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) opened a new Public Comment proceeding. This is the third in a series of Public Comment proceedings that will gather input from the ICANN community on proposed language for selected sections of the Applicant Guidebook for the New gTLD Program: Next Round. For more information, and to participate in this proceeding, please visit this webpage. Submissions Opening Date: Thursday, 19 December 2024 Submissions Closing Date: Friday, 7 February 2025 https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-seeks-input-on-propose… Thank you, Fahd Batayneh ICANN

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[Reminder] First Group Call | 23 December 2024 | 09.00 - 10.00 AM UTC
by Fahd Batayneh Dec. 23, 2024

Dec. 23, 2024

Dear All, A gentle reminder to register for the kick-off webinar at https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUkf-6qrzItHdDC5wUQsO0NNow7R6O0Lija. The call starts in a while. Thank you, Fahd From: Fahd Batayneh <fahd.batayneh(a)icann.org> Date: Thursday, 12 December 2024 at 11:37 AM To: FY26-FY30 Middle East Regional Plan <middle-east-plan(a)icann.org> Subject: First Group Call Dear All, You are receiving this email because you have shown interest in joining the FY26-FY30 Middle East Regional Plan mailing list. Here, we will seek your feedback and input on the upcoming Middle East regional plan, and at the same time share with you updates on the progress of our work. To start, we have a call on Monday 23 December 2024 at 09.00 – 10.00 AM UTC. The agenda for the call is as follows: Welcome, Opening Remarks, Setting the Scene, and a Brief of Past Regional Plans | Baher Esmat, ICANN Update on the ICANN FY26-FY30 Strategic Plan | Patrick Jones, ICANN Timelines for the Next Regional Plan | Fahd Batayneh, ICANN Open Floor | All Closing Remarks | Baher Esmat, ICANN Zoom room instructuions are as follows: Fahd Batayneh - ICANN Org is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meetinghttps://icann.zoom.us/j/91987219774?pwd=Zl7Df20wkJq9XYuDedTnLEEyS68Zom.1 Meeting ID: 919 8721 9774Passcode: !U8?4y!3Y1 --- One tap mobile80022203,,91987219774#,,,,*8507369203# Jordan Toll-free --- Dial by your location• 800 222 03 Jordan Toll-free• 800 062 38 Bahrain Toll-free• 0800 000 9608 Egypt Toll-free• 0 800 006 0118 Egypt Toll-free• +965 2206 9157 Kuwait• +212 520 205 525 Morocco• 0 800 092 500 Morocco Toll-free• 800 74201 Oman Toll-free• +92 21 3879 9843 Pakistan• 00 800 100 059 Qatar Toll-free• 00 800 100363 Qatar Toll-free• 800 850 0304 Saudi Arabia Toll-free• 800 811 0528 Saudi Arabia Toll-free• 800 814 3820 Saudi Arabia Toll-free• +216 31 397 748 Tunisia• 800 0491 0899 United Arab Emirates Toll-free• 800 035 704 239 United Arab Emirates Toll-free• 800 035 704 555 United Arab Emirates Toll-free Meeting ID: 919 8721 9774Passcode: 8507369203 Find your local number: https://icann.zoom.us/u/aqtcfLvtl We look forward to seeing you at the call, albeit virtually. Thank you, Fahd Batayneh ICANN

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[Reminder] Next Iteration of ICANN's Regional Engagement Plan for the Middle East
by Fahd Batayneh Dec. 19, 2024

Dec. 19, 2024

Dear All, In addition to the below invitation to join the FY26-FY30 Middle East Regional Plan mailing list, you are all invited to attend the kick-off webinar on Monday 23 December 2024 at 09.00 – 10.00 AM UTC. If interested, please register your interest at https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUkf-6qrzItHdDC5wUQsO0NNow7R6O0Lija. Thank you, Fahd Date: Tuesday, 10 December 2024 at 9:13 PM Subject: Next Iteration of ICANN's Regional Engagement Plan for the Middle East Friends and Colleagues, I trust this finds you all well. This ICANN fiscal year (AKA FY25) will be the last year for the current ICANN Regional Plan for the Middle East (FY21 – FY25 Regional Plan). As we embark on developing the next Regional Plan for FY26-FY30 to go in line with ICANN’s Next Strategic Plan, and after a few discussions with some of you and other regional community members, we will be working on the next regional plan slightly differently. Rather than having a strategy working group, we plan on having an open mailing list to get feedback and input on the Middle East Regional Plan as it is being developed. The process will involve some webinars and mailing list communication leading to the finalization of the Regional Plan. As a high-level timeline for our upcoming work: DatesAction 15 December 2024 – 15 April 2025 Organize community calls / webinars Compile input and develop the Regional Plan 16 April – 31 May 2025 Issue the draft Regional Plan for public comments Organize a webinar for the regional community 1 June – 30 June 2025 Consider feedback received and develop the final version of the plan Publish the FY26-FY30 Regional Plan The agenda of this call would be to discuss the ICANN FY26-FY30 Strategic Plan, expand on the above timelines in further details, and discuss next steps. Of course, if you would like to suggest other agenda items, please do share. Call for Action - This is a public call to join the new mailing list. If you are interested, please reach out to me offlist showing your interest. Thank you, Fahd Batayneh ICANN

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Save the Date: ICANN to Host 2025 Middle East DNS Forum in Bahrain
by Fahd Batayneh Dec. 17, 2024

Dec. 17, 2024

https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/save-the-date-icann-to-host-… The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), in partnership with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of the Kingdom of Bahrain, is excited to announce the 2025 Middle East Domain Name System (DNS) Forum. The gathering will take place on 29 and 30 April 2025 in Bahrain and will be held as a hybrid event. As the co-host, the TRA, which oversees Bahrain's country code top-level domains .bh and .البحرين, will showcase its role in promoting a robust and innovative Internet infrastructure across the region. The Middle East DNS Forum continues to serve as a unique platform for fostering collaboration, exchanging ideas, and learning about the latest advancements in DNS technologies and policies. Open to industry experts, policymakers, service providers, and all Internet stakeholders, the forum is an essential event for anyone looking to contribute to the development of a secure and inclusive Internet. Stay tuned for more details about the event, including registration, sponsorship opportunities, and agenda. For more information about the Middle East DNS Forum, visit www.mednsf.org.

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Reminder: Session Tomorrow, Tuesday 17 December 2024
by Amin Hacha Dec. 16, 2024

Dec. 16, 2024

Dear All, This is a gentle reminder about our upcoming session scheduled for tomorrow at the IGF 2024 Riyadh. TOPIC: Noncommercial Users' Role in a Safe Internet 🗓 **Date:** Tomorrow, Tuesday, December 17, 2024 ⏰ **Time:** 09:30 - 11:00 Saudia Arabia time at GMT+03 / 06:30 - 08:00 UTC 📍 **Location:** King Abdulaziz International Conference Center (KAICC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia The session will be held at Workshop Room number # 4. 💻 **Can't join in person?** Participate online via Zoom. https://intgovforum.zoom.us/j/95041187183 Please ensure your participation on time. Looking forward to seeing you all! ‐‐--‐----------------------------- *You're Invited! Join Us at the UN IGF 2024 for an Engaging Session on Internet Safety* 📢 Be part of a transformative dialogue that empowers Non-Commercial Users to advocate for a safer, more inclusive internet. Your voice matters in shaping a digital future that protects privacy, promotes equity, and champions freedom of expression. *Session Title:* Noncommercial Users' Role in a Safe Internet *Session Number:* WS #183 Organized by **Lebanese Cyberspace Association* 🗓 *Date:* Tuesday, December 17, 2024 ⏰ *Time:* 09:30 - 11:00 GMT+03 / 06:30 - 08:00 UTC 📍 *Location:* King Abdulaziz International Conference Center (KAICC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia @ Worksop Room 4 💻 *Can't join in person?* Participate online via Zoom. https://intgovforum.zoom.us/j/95041187183 👉 *_RSVP Now and Add the Session to Your Calendar_* *Featured Speakers* : *Vint Cerf* — Vice President and Chief Internet Evangelist, *Google* *Amine Hacha* — Founder, *Lebanese Cyberspace* & *ICANN NCUC* Executive Committee *Farzaneh Badii* — Founder, *Digital Medusa* & *ICANN GNSO* Councilor *Dr. Milad Sebaaly* — Founder & Managing Director, *Global Learning* *Bruna Santos* — *ICANN GNSO* Councilor & *IGF MAG* member *Moderator* (Onsite): *Amine Hacha* Online Moderator & Rapporteur: *Pedro de Perdigão Lana* , ISOC Brazil & *ICANN NCUC* Executive Committee *Session Highlights* Join an interactive roundtable to explore the pivotal role of Non-Commercial users in creating a safer internet. Key discussion points include: *Protecting Privacy:* How NCUC and its partners influence international policies to safeguard user data and privacy amidst growing digital surveillance. *Advancing Equity:* Advocacy for inclusive internet governance that upholds freedom of expression and digital equality. Ensuring *Accountability* : Strategies for transparent and accountable cross-border data management. 🌟 Participants will gain actionable insights, connect with global experts, and contribute to critical conversations shaping the future of Internet governance. 📧 *For inquiries, contact: Amine Hacha @* aminhacha(a)gmail.com *Together, let's champion a safer and more inclusive internet for all!*

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