[Blog] Charting the Path Forward: ICANN Middle East Regional Plan FY26–30
https://www.icann.org/en/blogs/details/charting-the-path-forward-icann-middl... I am pleased to share the final ICANN Middle East Regional Plan for Fiscal Years 2026–2030<https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/middle-east-regional-plan-fy26-3...>, along with the Implementation Plan for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026<https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/middle-east-implementation-plan-...>. The FY26–30 Middle East Regional Plan reflects the close collaboration between ICANN's Global Stakeholder Engagement (GSE) team in the Middle East and the region's community members. It builds on previous regional planning efforts and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening ICANN's work and impact across the region. The draft regional plan was posted for Public Comment on 31 March 2025, and the final version incorporates valuable feedback we received during the consultation period. Grounded in ICANN's FY26–30 Strategic Plan, the regional plan focuses on three core priorities: * Evolving and promoting ICANN's multistakeholder model to sustain its inclusive approach to Internet governance * Collaborating with relevant stakeholders to evolve the Internet's unique identifier systems * Strengthening the stability and security of the Internet's unique identifier systems For each of these focus areas, the plan outlines regional goals, activities, and intended outcomes. From supporting Universal Acceptance, the New gTLD Program: Next Round, and strengthening Domain Name System security to increasing participation from underrepresented communities, the plan is designed to translate global strategic priorities into regionally relevant goals, implemented through annual Implementation Plans. Community involvement has always been central to ICANN's regional planning in the Middle East, and this latest regional plan is no exception. Since 2013, each iteration has been shaped through active engagement with regional stakeholders. For this latest iteration, outreach began in late 2024. A dedicated mailing list was launched to share updates and invite input, supported by four virtual consultations that drew broad regional participation. Community members worked directly with the GSE Middle East team to refine the draft regional plan and ensured it addressed identified needs and priorities in the region. Community feedback, reflected directly in the final regional plan, is what shaped its direction and aligned it with ICANN's broader strategic focus. Our work doesn't stop with the publication of the five-year regional plan. To ensure progress remains measurable and responsive to changing needs, it will be carried out through annual implementation plans. The FY26 Implementation Plan outlines specific activities for the first year and sets the foundation for tracking results and refining our approach over time. The FY26–30 Middle East Regional Plan marks the fourth iteration of ICANN's regional planning for the Middle East, building on efforts dating back to 2013. Each version has helped improve and expand ICANN's engagement in the region. With this new phase, we aim to deepen partnerships, support technical capacity, and strengthen trust in ICANN's multistakeholder model. I want to thank everyone in the region who contributed to this work. Your insights and time were critical in shaping a framework that reflects both ICANN's global mission and the priorities of our regional community. I encourage you to read the regional plan, review the action items, and stay engaged as we move forward.
Dear Fahd, Thank you. Seems like this mailing list and group has turned into a “newsletter” type where we don’t really receive meaningful updates to engage with. I missed the call for joining the brand new mailing list that you decided to create at the end of December so didn’t have a chance to contribute to the strategy. May I ask where I can find the mailing list archive and the recording of the virtual consultations you held and do you have a page on the members who contributed to the strategy? Farzaneh On Sun, Jul 6, 2025 at 5:58 AM Fahd Batayneh via Middle-East < middle-east@icann.org> wrote:
https://www.icann.org/en/blogs/details/charting-the-path-forward-icann-middl...
I am pleased to share the final ICANN Middle East Regional Plan for Fiscal Years 2026–2030 <https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/middle-east-regional-plan-fy26-3...>, along with the Implementation Plan for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 <https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/middle-east-implementation-plan-...> .
The FY26–30 Middle East Regional Plan reflects the close collaboration between ICANN's Global Stakeholder Engagement (GSE) team in the Middle East and the region's community members. It builds on previous regional planning efforts and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening ICANN's work and impact across the region.
The draft regional plan was posted for Public Comment on 31 March 2025, and the final version incorporates valuable feedback we received during the consultation period. Grounded in ICANN's FY26–30 Strategic Plan, the regional plan focuses on three core priorities:
- Evolving and promoting ICANN's multistakeholder model to sustain its inclusive approach to Internet governance - Collaborating with relevant stakeholders to evolve the Internet's unique identifier systems - Strengthening the stability and security of the Internet's unique identifier systems
For each of these focus areas, the plan outlines regional goals, activities, and intended outcomes. From supporting Universal Acceptance, the New gTLD Program: Next Round, and strengthening Domain Name System security to increasing participation from underrepresented communities, the plan is designed to translate global strategic priorities into regionally relevant goals, implemented through annual Implementation Plans.
Community involvement has always been central to ICANN's regional planning in the Middle East, and this latest regional plan is no exception. Since 2013, each iteration has been shaped through active engagement with regional stakeholders.
For this latest iteration, outreach began in late 2024. A dedicated mailing list was launched to share updates and invite input, supported by four virtual consultations that drew broad regional participation. Community members worked directly with the GSE Middle East team to refine the draft regional plan and ensured it addressed identified needs and priorities in the region. Community feedback, reflected directly in the final regional plan, is what shaped its direction and aligned it with ICANN's broader strategic focus.
Our work doesn't stop with the publication of the five-year regional plan. To ensure progress remains measurable and responsive to changing needs, it will be carried out through annual implementation plans. The FY26 Implementation Plan outlines specific activities for the first year and sets the foundation for tracking results and refining our approach over time.
The FY26–30 Middle East Regional Plan marks the fourth iteration of ICANN's regional planning for the Middle East, building on efforts dating back to 2013. Each version has helped improve and expand ICANN's engagement in the region. With this new phase, we aim to deepen partnerships, support technical capacity, and strengthen trust in ICANN's multistakeholder model.
I want to thank everyone in the region who contributed to this work. Your insights and time were critical in shaping a framework that reflects both ICANN's global mission and the priorities of our regional community. I encourage you to read the regional plan, review the action items, and stay engaged as we move forward. _______________________________________________ Middle-East mailing list -- middle-east@icann.org To unsubscribe send an email to middle-east-leave@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.
Dear Farzaneh, Thank you for your feedback and interest. I’d be happy to hear any suggestions you have for making the list more engaging. Best Baher From: farzaneh badii via Middle-East <middle-east@icann.org> Reply-To: farzaneh badii <farzaneh.badii@gmail.com> Date: 6 July 2025 Sunday at 13:31 To: Fahd Batayneh <fahd.batayneh@icann.org> Cc: ICANN Middle East <middle-east@icann.org> Subject: [ME ICANN] Re: [Blog] Charting the Path Forward: ICANN Middle East Regional Plan FY26–30 Dear Fahd, Thank you. Seems like this mailing list and group has turned into a “newsletter” type where we don’t really receive meaningful updates to engage with. I missed the call for joining the brand new mailing list that you decided to create at the end of December so didn’t have a chance to contribute to the strategy. May I ask where I can find the mailing list archive and the recording of the virtual consultations you held and do you have a page on the members who contributed to the strategy? Farzaneh On Sun, Jul 6, 2025 at 5:58 AM Fahd Batayneh via Middle-East <middle-east@icann.org<mailto:middle-east@icann.org>> wrote: https://www.icann.org/en/blogs/details/charting-the-path-forward-icann-middl... I am pleased to share the final ICANN Middle East Regional Plan for Fiscal Years 2026–2030<https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/middle-east-regional-plan-fy26-3...>, along with the Implementation Plan for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026<https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/middle-east-implementation-plan-...>. The FY26–30 Middle East Regional Plan reflects the close collaboration between ICANN's Global Stakeholder Engagement (GSE) team in the Middle East and the region's community members. It builds on previous regional planning efforts and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening ICANN's work and impact across the region. The draft regional plan was posted for Public Comment on 31 March 2025, and the final version incorporates valuable feedback we received during the consultation period. Grounded in ICANN's FY26–30 Strategic Plan, the regional plan focuses on three core priorities: * Evolving and promoting ICANN's multistakeholder model to sustain its inclusive approach to Internet governance * Collaborating with relevant stakeholders to evolve the Internet's unique identifier systems * Strengthening the stability and security of the Internet's unique identifier systems For each of these focus areas, the plan outlines regional goals, activities, and intended outcomes. From supporting Universal Acceptance, the New gTLD Program: Next Round, and strengthening Domain Name System security to increasing participation from underrepresented communities, the plan is designed to translate global strategic priorities into regionally relevant goals, implemented through annual Implementation Plans. Community involvement has always been central to ICANN's regional planning in the Middle East, and this latest regional plan is no exception. Since 2013, each iteration has been shaped through active engagement with regional stakeholders. For this latest iteration, outreach began in late 2024. A dedicated mailing list was launched to share updates and invite input, supported by four virtual consultations that drew broad regional participation. Community members worked directly with the GSE Middle East team to refine the draft regional plan and ensured it addressed identified needs and priorities in the region. Community feedback, reflected directly in the final regional plan, is what shaped its direction and aligned it with ICANN's broader strategic focus. Our work doesn't stop with the publication of the five-year regional plan. To ensure progress remains measurable and responsive to changing needs, it will be carried out through annual implementation plans. The FY26 Implementation Plan outlines specific activities for the first year and sets the foundation for tracking results and refining our approach over time. The FY26–30 Middle East Regional Plan marks the fourth iteration of ICANN's regional planning for the Middle East, building on efforts dating back to 2013. Each version has helped improve and expand ICANN's engagement in the region. With this new phase, we aim to deepen partnerships, support technical capacity, and strengthen trust in ICANN's multistakeholder model. I want to thank everyone in the region who contributed to this work. Your insights and time were critical in shaping a framework that reflects both ICANN's global mission and the priorities of our regional community. I encourage you to read the regional plan, review the action items, and stay engaged as we move forward. _______________________________________________ Middle-East mailing list -- middle-east@icann.org<mailto:middle-east@icann.org> To unsubscribe send an email to middle-east-leave@icann.org<mailto:middle-east-leave@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.
Dear Farzi and All, With regard to the strategy and for the sake of clarity, it was stated that, based on consultations with community leaders, a new strategy mailing list is being created. As the Vice Chair of the MEAC SWG, I only learned about this new mailing list through the email shared with the group – I was not part of any consultation process. Additionally, although I had explicitly requested to be added to the group, I only became aware of the new group after hearing about it from a member, who had attended one of the meetings. I then asked to be added to the mailing list, which means I joined the process late. So you might find my name on the list, but I have a fundamental concern with this strategy, and hence stopped joining the group. Best regards Hadia Elminiawi From: Baher Esmat via Middle-East <middle-east@icann.org> Sent: 08 July 2025 14:00 To: farzaneh badii <farzaneh.badii@gmail.com>; fahd.batayneh <fahd.batayneh@icann.org> Cc: ICANN Middle East <middle-east@icann.org> Subject: [External] [ME ICANN] Re: [Blog] Charting the Path Forward: ICANN Middle East Regional Plan FY26–30 Dear Farzaneh, Thank you for your feedback and interest. I’d be happy to hear any suggestions you have for making the list more engaging. Best Baher From: farzaneh badii via Middle-East <middle-east@icann.org<mailto:middle-east@icann.org>> Reply-To: farzaneh badii <farzaneh.badii@gmail.com<mailto:farzaneh.badii@gmail.com>> Date: 6 July 2025 Sunday at 13:31 To: Fahd Batayneh <fahd.batayneh@icann.org<mailto:fahd.batayneh@icann.org>> Cc: ICANN Middle East <middle-east@icann.org<mailto:middle-east@icann.org>> Subject: [ME ICANN] Re: [Blog] Charting the Path Forward: ICANN Middle East Regional Plan FY26–30 Dear Fahd, Thank you. Seems like this mailing list and group has turned into a “newsletter” type where we don’t really receive meaningful updates to engage with. I missed the call for joining the brand new mailing list that you decided to create at the end of December so didn’t have a chance to contribute to the strategy. May I ask where I can find the mailing list archive and the recording of the virtual consultations you held and do you have a page on the members who contributed to the strategy? Farzaneh On Sun, Jul 6, 2025 at 5:58 AM Fahd Batayneh via Middle-East <middle-east@icann.org<mailto:middle-east@icann.org>> wrote: https://www.icann.org/en/blogs/details/charting-the-path-forward-icann-middl... I am pleased to share the final ICANN Middle East Regional Plan for Fiscal Years 2026–2030<https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/middle-east-regional-plan-fy26-3...>, along with the Implementation Plan for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026<https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/middle-east-implementation-plan-...>. The FY26–30 Middle East Regional Plan reflects the close collaboration between ICANN's Global Stakeholder Engagement (GSE) team in the Middle East and the region's community members. It builds on previous regional planning efforts and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening ICANN's work and impact across the region. The draft regional plan was posted for Public Comment on 31 March 2025, and the final version incorporates valuable feedback we received during the consultation period. Grounded in ICANN's FY26–30 Strategic Plan, the regional plan focuses on three core priorities: * Evolving and promoting ICANN's multistakeholder model to sustain its inclusive approach to Internet governance * Collaborating with relevant stakeholders to evolve the Internet's unique identifier systems * Strengthening the stability and security of the Internet's unique identifier systems For each of these focus areas, the plan outlines regional goals, activities, and intended outcomes. From supporting Universal Acceptance, the New gTLD Program: Next Round, and strengthening Domain Name System security to increasing participation from underrepresented communities, the plan is designed to translate global strategic priorities into regionally relevant goals, implemented through annual Implementation Plans. Community involvement has always been central to ICANN's regional planning in the Middle East, and this latest regional plan is no exception. Since 2013, each iteration has been shaped through active engagement with regional stakeholders. For this latest iteration, outreach began in late 2024. A dedicated mailing list was launched to share updates and invite input, supported by four virtual consultations that drew broad regional participation. Community members worked directly with the GSE Middle East team to refine the draft regional plan and ensured it addressed identified needs and priorities in the region. Community feedback, reflected directly in the final regional plan, is what shaped its direction and aligned it with ICANN's broader strategic focus. Our work doesn't stop with the publication of the five-year regional plan. To ensure progress remains measurable and responsive to changing needs, it will be carried out through annual implementation plans. The FY26 Implementation Plan outlines specific activities for the first year and sets the foundation for tracking results and refining our approach over time. The FY26–30 Middle East Regional Plan marks the fourth iteration of ICANN's regional planning for the Middle East, building on efforts dating back to 2013. Each version has helped improve and expand ICANN's engagement in the region. With this new phase, we aim to deepen partnerships, support technical capacity, and strengthen trust in ICANN's multistakeholder model. I want to thank everyone in the region who contributed to this work. Your insights and time were critical in shaping a framework that reflects both ICANN's global mission and the priorities of our regional community. I encourage you to read the regional plan, review the action items, and stay engaged as we move forward. _______________________________________________ Middle-East mailing list -- middle-east@icann.org<mailto:middle-east@icann.org> To unsubscribe send an email to middle-east-leave@icann.org<mailto:middle-east-leave@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.
Just to add to my previous email, I also reached out to Baher to express that, as vice chair of the group, I had never been approached or consulted. He acknowledged that I was right and confirmed it was an oversight. As a result I do not know who was included in those virtual consultations. I share this in the spirit of transparency and to help ensure that future processes are better communicated and are more inclusive. Kind regards Hadia Elminiawi From: Hadia Abdelsalam Mokhtar EL miniawi via Middle-East <middle-east@icann.org> Sent: 08 July 2025 14:25 To: baher.esmat <baher.esmat@icann.org>; farzaneh badii <farzaneh.badii@gmail.com>; fahd.batayneh <fahd.batayneh@icann.org> Cc: ICANN Middle East <middle-east@icann.org> Subject: [External] [ME ICANN] Re: [Blog] Charting the Path Forward: ICANN Middle East Regional Plan FY26–30 Dear Farzi and All, With regard to the strategy and for the sake of clarity, it was stated that, based on consultations with community leaders, a new strategy mailing list is being created. As the Vice Chair of the MEAC SWG, I only learned about this new mailing list through the email shared with the group – I was not part of any consultation process. Additionally, although I had explicitly requested to be added to the group, I only became aware of the new group after hearing about it from a member, who had attended one of the meetings. I then asked to be added to the mailing list, which means I joined the process late. So you might find my name on the list, but I have a fundamental concern with this strategy, and hence stopped joining the group. Best regards Hadia Elminiawi From: Baher Esmat via Middle-East <middle-east@icann.org<mailto:middle-east@icann.org>> Sent: 08 July 2025 14:00 To: farzaneh badii <farzaneh.badii@gmail.com<mailto:farzaneh.badii@gmail.com>>; fahd.batayneh <fahd.batayneh@icann.org<mailto:fahd.batayneh@icann.org>> Cc: ICANN Middle East <middle-east@icann.org<mailto:middle-east@icann.org>> Subject: [External] [ME ICANN] Re: [Blog] Charting the Path Forward: ICANN Middle East Regional Plan FY26–30 Dear Farzaneh, Thank you for your feedback and interest. I’d be happy to hear any suggestions you have for making the list more engaging. Best Baher From: farzaneh badii via Middle-East <middle-east@icann.org<mailto:middle-east@icann.org>> Reply-To: farzaneh badii <farzaneh.badii@gmail.com<mailto:farzaneh.badii@gmail.com>> Date: 6 July 2025 Sunday at 13:31 To: Fahd Batayneh <fahd.batayneh@icann.org<mailto:fahd.batayneh@icann.org>> Cc: ICANN Middle East <middle-east@icann.org<mailto:middle-east@icann.org>> Subject: [ME ICANN] Re: [Blog] Charting the Path Forward: ICANN Middle East Regional Plan FY26–30 Dear Fahd, Thank you. Seems like this mailing list and group has turned into a “newsletter” type where we don’t really receive meaningful updates to engage with. I missed the call for joining the brand new mailing list that you decided to create at the end of December so didn’t have a chance to contribute to the strategy. May I ask where I can find the mailing list archive and the recording of the virtual consultations you held and do you have a page on the members who contributed to the strategy? Farzaneh On Sun, Jul 6, 2025 at 5:58 AM Fahd Batayneh via Middle-East <middle-east@icann.org<mailto:middle-east@icann.org>> wrote: https://www.icann.org/en/blogs/details/charting-the-path-forward-icann-middl... I am pleased to share the final ICANN Middle East Regional Plan for Fiscal Years 2026–2030<https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/middle-east-regional-plan-fy26-3...>, along with the Implementation Plan for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026<https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/middle-east-implementation-plan-...>. The FY26–30 Middle East Regional Plan reflects the close collaboration between ICANN's Global Stakeholder Engagement (GSE) team in the Middle East and the region's community members. It builds on previous regional planning efforts and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening ICANN's work and impact across the region. The draft regional plan was posted for Public Comment on 31 March 2025, and the final version incorporates valuable feedback we received during the consultation period. Grounded in ICANN's FY26–30 Strategic Plan, the regional plan focuses on three core priorities: * Evolving and promoting ICANN's multistakeholder model to sustain its inclusive approach to Internet governance * Collaborating with relevant stakeholders to evolve the Internet's unique identifier systems * Strengthening the stability and security of the Internet's unique identifier systems For each of these focus areas, the plan outlines regional goals, activities, and intended outcomes. From supporting Universal Acceptance, the New gTLD Program: Next Round, and strengthening Domain Name System security to increasing participation from underrepresented communities, the plan is designed to translate global strategic priorities into regionally relevant goals, implemented through annual Implementation Plans. Community involvement has always been central to ICANN's regional planning in the Middle East, and this latest regional plan is no exception. Since 2013, each iteration has been shaped through active engagement with regional stakeholders. For this latest iteration, outreach began in late 2024. A dedicated mailing list was launched to share updates and invite input, supported by four virtual consultations that drew broad regional participation. Community members worked directly with the GSE Middle East team to refine the draft regional plan and ensured it addressed identified needs and priorities in the region. Community feedback, reflected directly in the final regional plan, is what shaped its direction and aligned it with ICANN's broader strategic focus. Our work doesn't stop with the publication of the five-year regional plan. To ensure progress remains measurable and responsive to changing needs, it will be carried out through annual implementation plans. The FY26 Implementation Plan outlines specific activities for the first year and sets the foundation for tracking results and refining our approach over time. The FY26–30 Middle East Regional Plan marks the fourth iteration of ICANN's regional planning for the Middle East, building on efforts dating back to 2013. Each version has helped improve and expand ICANN's engagement in the region. With this new phase, we aim to deepen partnerships, support technical capacity, and strengthen trust in ICANN's multistakeholder model. I want to thank everyone in the region who contributed to this work. Your insights and time were critical in shaping a framework that reflects both ICANN's global mission and the priorities of our regional community. I encourage you to read the regional plan, review the action items, and stay engaged as we move forward. _______________________________________________ Middle-East mailing list -- middle-east@icann.org<mailto:middle-east@icann.org> To unsubscribe send an email to middle-east-leave@icann.org<mailto:middle-east-leave@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.
participants (5)
-
Baher Esmat -
Fahd Batayneh -
farzaneh badii -
Hadia Abdelsalam Mokhtar EL miniawi -
Layal Jebran