May 2026 - Npoc-discuss - lists.icann.org

Candidate Statement – NPOC Policy Chair
by Yao Amevi A. Sossou May 15, 2026

May 15, 2026

*Name: *Yao Amevi A. Sossou *Affiliation: *Youth IGF Benin Initiative *Position applied for: *NPOC Policy Chair *Why you are running for the position?: *I am running for re-election as NPOC Policy Chair because I believe NPOC needs continuity, active policy coordination, and stronger participation of not-for-profit voices in ICANN policy processes. During my current term, I have worked to support NPOC, NCUC, and NCSG policy engagement through contributions to public comments, coordination with members, and participation in discussions on issues directly affecting not-for-profit organizations and non-commercial users. These include DNS Abuse, the next round of new gTLDs and the Applicant Guidebook, ICANN accountability and review processes, public interest commitments, registration data, and other policy areas where civil society perspectives must be clearly represented. My motivation is also rooted in my work with the Youth IGF Benin Initiative and my broader engagement in Internet governance ecosystem. I believe NPOC has an important role in ensuring that not-for-profit organizations, especially those with limited resources or from underrepresented regions, are not only informed about ICANN policy work but are also able to participate meaningfully. If re-elected, I will focus on three priorities: First, continue strengthening NPOC’s policy coordination by tracking key public comment opportunities, identifying policy priorities early, and supporting timely contributions from members. Second, improving member participation through short policy briefings, beginner-friendly explanations, and opportunities for newer members to contribute to public comments and working group discussions. Third, deepening collaboration with the NCSG Policy Committee, NCUC, At-Large, and other relevant parts of the ICANN community, while ensuring that NPOC’s specific concerns as not-for-profit organizations are not lost in broader policy debates. I am running because I want to continue building a responsive NPOC policy function, grounded in collaboration, and practical support for members. *Do you have any conflict(s) of interest?: *No. I do not have any conflict of interest that would prevent me from serving as NPOC Policy Chair. I am active in Internet governance and civil society spaces, including the Youth IGF Benin Initiative, but these activities are aligned with my commitment to non-commercial and not-for-profit participation in ICANN. *How many hours per week you are able to dedicate to the position: *I am able to dedicate approximately 6 to 8 hours per week to the role, and more time when required for urgent public comments, policy deadlines, ICANN meetings, or NPOC/NCSG coordination work. *Are you involved in any Working Groups or PDP efforts, if so please state:* Yes. I am involved in ICANN policy work through NPOC and NCSG, including participation in policy discussions and public comment drafting. I am also a member of the GNSO DNS Abuse Mitigation PDP1 Working Group. I have also contributed to or coordinated NCSG/NPOC input on several ICANN public comment processes, including matters related to the next round of new gTLDs / Applicant Guidebook, ICANN accountability and review processes, IANA/PTI planning, the Continuous Improvement Program Framework, and policy issues affecting the non-commercial community. ............................................................. Yao Amevi A. Sossou ............................................................. Digital Transformation Advocate | Design & Innovation Evangelist | Human centered Entrepreneurship| SDG Advocate | Internet Governance | Policy Advocate ............................................................. Email: soyames(a)gmail.com Twitter: *https://twitter.com/_amevY2 <https://twitter.com/_amevY2>* LinkedIn: Yao Amevi A. sossou | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameviy/> ............................................................. To promote respect for the environment, thank you to only print this email only when necessary

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Meeting Invitation | NCUC Webinar | Monday, 18 May 2026 at 14:30 UTC
by Andrea Glandon May 14, 2026

May 14, 2026

Dear all, Please join NCUC for their quarterly webinar, Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) Advocacy and Non-Commercial Interest in the Internet. The primary goal is to promote a dialogue between technical FOSS sustainability & expansion with non-commercial policy advocacy. We intend to examine the specific risks identified by the concerned community, such as SSAC, and discuss how those vulnerabilities directly impact non-commercial organizations and individual users. Furthermore, the session will focus on identifying concrete ways for civil society to support open standards and explore the intersection of FOSS with the protection of non-commercial rights in the DNS (and, more broadly, the Internet) ecosystem. Monday, 18 May 2026 at 14:30 UTC for 90 min. Check your time zone here.<https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Free+and+Open+Sou…> Please register here<https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/HZo0OLnoTQaQwAWREovqig> to receive the Zoom details. Thanks! Andrea Glandon Policy Operations Sr. Coordinator Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)

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NCUC Quarterly Webinar-Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) Advocacy and Non-Commercial Interest in the Internet
by ICANN Policy Calendar May 14, 2026

May 14, 2026

Please join NCUC for their quarterly webinar: Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) Advocacy and Non-Commercial Interest in the Internet Monday, 18 May 2026 at 14:30 UTC for 90 min. Check your time zone here.<https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Free+and+Open+Sou…> Please register here<https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/HZo0OLnoTQaQwAWREovqig> to receive the Zoom details.

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NPOC EC | Attendance & Zoom Recordings | Wednesday, 13 May 2026 at 15:00 UTC
by Andrea Glandon May 13, 2026

May 13, 2026

Hello NPOC Community, The NPOC EC holds an EC meeting each month. Below are the details from the May meeting. All details are always posted on the public wiki listed below as well. Please see attendance and recordings from the NPOC EC call held on Wednesday, 13 May 2026 at 15:00 UTC. These details can also be found here<https://community.icann.org/x/BIplAw>. Attendees: Bolutife Adisa, Juan Manuel Rojas, Yao Amevi A. Sossou | Apology: Caleb Ogundele | ICANN org: Andrea Glandon Zoom Replay<https://icann.zoom.us/rec/play/CzIWY7eoFuYZrkvJPzTF_uYre_ylOUWC4FLzOYrplS7R…> Audio Replay<https://icann.zoom.us/rec/play/wcBe0oFVgbXmyo0kJAe-gNDbbTPc5dqQGRFaLf4ADxZY…> Thank you! Andrea Glandon Policy Operations Sr. Coordinator Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)

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2026 Election Check-in & Nominations Open
by Andrea Glandon May 13, 2026

May 13, 2026

Hello all, The check-in and nomination processes have begun for the 2026 NCSG/NPOC/NCUC elections. Please check the election wiki’s below for information about nominating someone for a position. Please note, candidates must declare their region during the nomination/candidate statement period before voting begins. A check-in email has been send from admin(a)ncsg.is<mailto:admin@ncsg.is>, please respond to the check-in email before the deadline of Monday, 25 May 2026. A reminder check-in email will also be sent. Names of members who have checked-in will be updated on each group’s election wiki-check-in. See below for the links. Kindly check to confirm your name is on the list just before the check-in process ends. Please note: If you do not check-in, you will be placed on the inactive membership list. Inactive members cannot vote in the annual election, so it is important that you reply before the deadline to the check-in email, to ensure you are listed as active and receive a ballot during the annual elections. As a reminder, the election timeline is below: 11 May-25 May: Check-in period 11 May-18 May: Nomination period 22 May Deadline for nomination acceptance and candidate statement. 26 May: Meet the candidates call (if necessary) 27 May (00:00 UTC)-03 June (23:59 UTC): Voting 04 June: Results Below are the 2026 election pages for each group that show the positions to be filled, the current nominations and candidate statements. All nominations should be sent to the groups discuss list. NCSG 2026 election wiki: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQDwOg NPOC 2026 election wiki: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/goDPOw NCUC 2026 election wiki: https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/bgDTOw If you have any questions, please respond to me only. Thank you. Andrea Glandon Policy Operations Sr. Coordinator Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)

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Nomination of Wisdom Donkor for NCSG Chair
by Thoko Miya May 13, 2026

May 13, 2026

Dear Colleagues, I would like to formally nominate *Wisdom Donkor for the position of NCSG Chair.* Wisdom has evidenced valuable leadership, commitment, and community engagement experience that has greatly benefitted the NCSG and its continued growth and representation. He is well versed, he is a leader and communicator who not only has the experience but also holds space for others and for change. A true example of exceptional transformational leadership. I am pleased to submit his nomination and look forward to the election process. Kind regards Thokozile Miya LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/thokozile-miya-398bb122/> Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/thoko.miya.31> Twitter <https://twitter.com/Thoko_Miya> +27 (0)76 353 1624 [image: Fab Woman 2019.PNG]

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Nomination of Emmanuel Vitus
by Toby Mendel May 12, 2026

May 12, 2026

Dear NPOC Members, I am pleased to nominate Emmanuel Vitus as a candidate for the position of NPOC Chair. Emmanuel brings extensive experience in Internet governance, digital policy, multistakeholder engagement and international coordination across Africa and globally. Over the years, he has demonstrated strong leadership in Internet governance and a consistent commitment to advancing public interest perspectives within digital governance processes. I believe Emmanuel has the vision, experience and collaborative approach needed to help steer NPOC at this important moment and to further strengthen the constituency’s engagement and visibility within the ICANN community. Best regards, Toby ___________________________________ Toby Mendel Executive Director Centre for Law and Democracy toby(a)law-democracy.org Tel: +1 902 431-3686 Fax: +1 902 431-3689 www.law-democracy.org

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Re: [NCUC-DISCUSS] 2026 Election Check-in & Nominations Open
by Pedro de Perdigão Lana May 11, 2026

May 11, 2026

Hi all, Please, confirm the checkin through the link received. That is the correct way to proceed. Let Andrea know, in private, if you have not received the email with the link. Cordially, *Pedro de Perdigão Lana* Advogado - OAB/PR 90.600 <https://www.nic.br/>, Pesquisador (GEDAI/UFPR <https://www.gedai.com.br/>) Doutorando em Direito (UFPR), Mestre em Direito Empresarial (UCoimbra), Coordenação/Diretoria/EC @ ISOC Brasil <https://www.isoc.org.br/>, NCUC <https://www.ncuc.org> & NCSG <https://community.icann.org/display/gnsononcomstake/Home>(ICANN), CC Brasil <https://br.creativecommons.net/>. Essa mensagem é restrita ao remetente e destinatário(s). Se recebida por engano, favor responder informando o erro. Em seg., 11 de mai. de 2026, 23:52, Emmanuel Oruk via Ncuc-discuss < ncuc-discuss(a)lists.ncuc.org> escreveu: > Dear Andrea > > Thanks for this remarkable work with the Upcoming elections. I confirm my > full support in this electoral process. Best wishes to all the candidates > and i look forward to supporting as always, this process. > > Best regards. > > Emmanuel Oruk > > On Tue, May 12, 2026 at 12:41 AM Thoko Miya via Ncuc-discuss < > ncuc-discuss(a)lists.ncuc.org> wrote: > >> Dear Andrea >> >> Please consider this email as confirmation of my continued participation >> and eligibility for the upcoming elections, including inclusion on the >> active membership roster and receipt of the voting ballot. >> >> Checkin in for the 2026 NCSG/NPOC/NCUC elections. >> >> Kind regards >> Thoko Miya >> >> On Mon, 11 May 2026 at 18:22, Mutegeki Cliff via Ncuc-discuss < >> ncuc-discuss(a)lists.ncuc.org> wrote: >> >>> Dear Andrea, >>> >>> Thank you for the update regarding the 2026 election process. >>> >>> I am writing to confirm my check-in for the upcoming elections to ensure >>> I remain on the active membership list and receive a ballot for voting. >>> Mutegeki Cliff Agaba >>> Digital Transformation Consultant >>> Internet Society MidCareer Fellow, Member Internet Society, AFRALO, >>> ICANN, UASG and IGF - WGWSP >>> +256 701 800 679 >>> +256 776 800 679 >>> >>> www.mutegekicliff.com >>> [image: facebook icon] <http://www.facebook.com/mutegekicliffagaba> [image: >>> linkedin icon] <https://www.linkedin.com/in/mutegekicliff/> [image: >>> instagram icon] <http://www.instagram.com/mutegekicliff> >>> >>> >>> On Mon, 11 May 2026 at 15:00, Andrea Glandon via Ncuc-discuss < >>> ncuc-discuss(a)lists.ncuc.org> wrote: >>> >>>> Hello all, >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> The check-in and nomination processes have begun for the 2026 >>>> NCSG/NPOC/NCUC elections. Please check the election wiki’s below for >>>> information about nominating someone for a position. *Please note, >>>> candidates must declare their region during the nomination/candidate >>>> statement period before voting begins. * >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> A check-in email has been send from admin(a)ncsg.is, please respond to >>>> the check-in email before the deadline of *Monday, 25 May 2026.* A >>>> reminder check-in email will also be sent. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Names of members who have checked-in will be updated on each group’s >>>> election wiki-check-in. See below for the links. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Kindly check to confirm your name is on the list just before the >>>> check-in process ends. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> *Please note: *If you do not check-in, you will be placed on the >>>> inactive membership list. *Inactive members cannot vote in the >>>> annual election*, so it is important that you reply before the >>>> deadline to the check-in email, to ensure you are listed as active and >>>> receive a ballot during the annual elections. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> *As a reminder, the election timeline is below:* >>>> 11 May-25 May: Check-in period >>>> 11 May-18 May: Nomination period >>>> 22 May Deadline for nomination acceptance and candidate statement. >>>> 26 May: Meet the candidates call (if necessary) >>>> 27 May (00:00 UTC)-03 June (23:59 UTC): Voting >>>> 04 June: Results >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Below are the 2026 election pages for each group that show the >>>> positions to be filled, the current nominations and candidate statements. >>>> All nominations should be sent to the groups discuss list. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> NCSG 2026 election wiki: >>>> https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQDwOg >>>> >>>> NPOC 2026 election wiki: >>>> https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/goDPOw >>>> >>>> NCUC 2026 election wiki: >>>> https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/bgDTOw >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> If you have any questions, please respond to me only. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Thank you. >>>> >>>> *Andrea Glandon* >>>> >>>> Policy Operations Sr. Coordinator >>>> >>>> Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Ncuc-discuss mailing list >>>> Ncuc-discuss(a)lists.ncuc.org >>>> https://lists.ncuc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ncuc-discuss >>>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Ncuc-discuss mailing list >>> Ncuc-discuss(a)lists.ncuc.org >>> https://lists.ncuc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ncuc-discuss >>> >> >> >> -- >> >> Kind regards >> >> Thokozile Miya >> >> LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/thokozile-miya-398bb122/> >> Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/thoko.miya.31> Twitter >> <https://twitter.com/Thoko_Miya> >> >> +27 (0)76 353 1624 >> >> >> >> [image: Fab Woman 2019.PNG] >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Ncuc-discuss mailing list >> Ncuc-discuss(a)lists.ncuc.org >> https://lists.ncuc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ncuc-discuss >> > _______________________________________________ > Ncuc-discuss mailing list > Ncuc-discuss(a)lists.ncuc.org > https://lists.ncuc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ncuc-discuss >

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Re: [NCUC-DISCUSS] 2026 Election Check-in & Nominations Open
by Thoko Miya May 11, 2026

May 11, 2026

Dear Andrea Please consider this email as confirmation of my continued participation and eligibility for the upcoming elections, including inclusion on the active membership roster and receipt of the voting ballot. Checkin in for the 2026 NCSG/NPOC/NCUC elections. Kind regards Thoko Miya On Mon, 11 May 2026 at 18:22, Mutegeki Cliff via Ncuc-discuss < ncuc-discuss(a)lists.ncuc.org> wrote: > Dear Andrea, > > Thank you for the update regarding the 2026 election process. > > I am writing to confirm my check-in for the upcoming elections to ensure I > remain on the active membership list and receive a ballot for voting. > Mutegeki Cliff Agaba > Digital Transformation Consultant > Internet Society MidCareer Fellow, Member Internet Society, AFRALO, ICANN, > UASG and IGF - WGWSP > +256 701 800 679 > +256 776 800 679 > > www.mutegekicliff.com > [image: facebook icon] <http://www.facebook.com/mutegekicliffagaba> [image: > linkedin icon] <https://www.linkedin.com/in/mutegekicliff/> [image: > instagram icon] <http://www.instagram.com/mutegekicliff> > > > On Mon, 11 May 2026 at 15:00, Andrea Glandon via Ncuc-discuss < > ncuc-discuss(a)lists.ncuc.org> wrote: > >> Hello all, >> >> >> >> The check-in and nomination processes have begun for the 2026 >> NCSG/NPOC/NCUC elections. Please check the election wiki’s below for >> information about nominating someone for a position. *Please note, >> candidates must declare their region during the nomination/candidate >> statement period before voting begins. * >> >> >> >> A check-in email has been send from admin(a)ncsg.is, please respond to the >> check-in email before the deadline of *Monday, 25 May 2026.* A reminder >> check-in email will also be sent. >> >> >> >> Names of members who have checked-in will be updated on each group’s >> election wiki-check-in. See below for the links. >> >> >> >> Kindly check to confirm your name is on the list just before the check-in >> process ends. >> >> >> >> *Please note: *If you do not check-in, you will be placed on the >> inactive membership list. *Inactive members cannot vote in the >> annual election*, so it is important that you reply before the deadline >> to the check-in email, to ensure you are listed as active and receive a >> ballot during the annual elections. >> >> >> >> *As a reminder, the election timeline is below:* >> 11 May-25 May: Check-in period >> 11 May-18 May: Nomination period >> 22 May Deadline for nomination acceptance and candidate statement. >> 26 May: Meet the candidates call (if necessary) >> 27 May (00:00 UTC)-03 June (23:59 UTC): Voting >> 04 June: Results >> >> >> >> Below are the 2026 election pages for each group that show the positions >> to be filled, the current nominations and candidate statements. All >> nominations should be sent to the groups discuss list. >> >> >> >> NCSG 2026 election wiki: >> https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AQDwOg >> >> NPOC 2026 election wiki: >> https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/goDPOw >> >> NCUC 2026 election wiki: >> https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/bgDTOw >> >> >> >> If you have any questions, please respond to me only. >> >> >> >> Thank you. >> >> *Andrea Glandon* >> >> Policy Operations Sr. Coordinator >> >> Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) >> >> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Ncuc-discuss mailing list >> Ncuc-discuss(a)lists.ncuc.org >> https://lists.ncuc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ncuc-discuss >> > _______________________________________________ > Ncuc-discuss mailing list > Ncuc-discuss(a)lists.ncuc.org > https://lists.ncuc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ncuc-discuss > -- Kind regards Thokozile Miya LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/thokozile-miya-398bb122/> Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/thoko.miya.31> Twitter <https://twitter.com/Thoko_Miya> +27 (0)76 353 1624 [image: Fab Woman 2019.PNG]

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Nomination of Emmanuel N Vitus for NPOC Chair Position
by Poncelet Ileleji May 11, 2026

May 11, 2026

Morning NPOC Colleagues, It is with deep conviction and genuine enthusiasm that I, Poncelet Ileleji, representing Jokkolabs Banjul a member organisation of ICANN NPOC, I express my wholehearted support and nominate the candidature of Emmanuel N. Vitus as Chair of the ICANN Not-for-Profit Organizations Constituency (NPOC) in the May 2026 elections. My engagement with ICANN NPOC spans well over a decade, since the establishment of NPOC during which I served as Policy Committee Chair representing NPOC on the Policy Committee of the Non-Commercial Stakeholders Group (NCSG), including other working groups notably the ICANN Meeting Strategic working group. This experience gave me a close understanding of the qualities NPOC's Chair must possess: strategic vision, collaborative leadership, institutional knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to the public interest. Emmanuel Vitus embodies all of these qualities and more. I have had the privilege of observing Emmanuel's growth and dedication within NPOC over several years. He served with distinction as NPOC Secretariat and Policy Coordinator — roles in which he consistently demonstrated exceptional organisational capacity, attention to institutional detail, and an ability to build consensus across diverse perspectives. These are not minor administrative functions; they are the backbone of how NPOC engages with ICANN's complex multistakeholder architecture. The coming term demands a NPOC Chair who can deepen the constituency's engagement in critical ICANN processes, grow our membership, and ensure the non-profit sector's perspective is heard at the highest levels of internet governance. I am fully confident that Emmanuel N. Vitus is that leader. I urge all NPOC members to vote for Emmanuel and second my nomination of him as our incoming Chair — and together, let us build an NPOC that is stronger, more inclusive, and more impactful than ever before. Best Wishes of your Week Ahead and Stay Blessed. Kind Regards Poncelet *Poncelet O. Ileleji* *Jokkolabs Banjul - Lead / CEO* *Sait Matty Road, Bakau, Adjacent to Swedish Consulate* *KMC, The Gambia* *P O Box 4496 Bakau,KMC, The Gambia* *Skype: pons_utd* *Tel Direct Office: +220 4495115* *Tel Mobile/Whatsapp: +220 9912508* *LinkedIn: Jokkolabs Banjul* *Facebook: Jokkolabs Banjul* *Twitter: @jBanjul*

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