My name is Yao Amevi A. Sossou, affiliated with the Youth IGF Benin Initiative, FGI Benin, and an active contributor to both NCSG and NPOC. I am applying for the position of Policy Chair within the NPOC. I am running for this position to strengthen NPOC’s voice in the ICANN policy development process. With experience coordinating grassroots initiatives like the Citizens’ Dialogue on the future of the Internet and Youth IGF Benin, and having contributed to public comments within the NCSG/NPOC process, I believe I can help bridge policy complexity and grassroots participation. I have no conflicts of interest to declare and am prepared to dedicate 8 to 12 hours per week to this role. I am currently involved in various public comment processes and contribute to discussions related to policy development efforts, especially within the non-commercial space.

I hold a Master’s degree in Applied English Linguistics, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, and a Master’s in Communication, Media, and Interaction Design. This interdisciplinary background allows me to bridge technical, linguistic, and design perspectives,skills that are especially valuable when translating complex Internet policy concepts into accessible language and inclusive processes for diverse communities.

Since 2019, I have been actively engaged in the Internet ecosystem, beginning my journey as a NextGen fellow during a training jointly organized by ICANN and FGI Benin in Cotonou. That experience sparked a deep commitment to Internet governance and to amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities (particularly youth and ordinary citizens).

Over the years, I have worked to make Internet policy processes more inclusive. One of my proudest contributions was coordinating the national contribution to the Global Citizens’ Dialogue on the Future of the Internet in Benin and Burkina Faso (2020–2022). Through this initiative, I facilitated grassroots input into high-level global discussions, including the Global Digital Compact, with contributions submitted under the “We, the Internet” coalition.

In 2023, I initiated and currently help coordinate the Youth IGF Benin Initiative, which empowers youth to engage meaningfully in national and global Internet policy spaces.

Recently, I have also led and contributed to public comments within the NCSG and NPOC processes, engaging in community discussions and helping draft policy responses that reflect the values and concerns of our diverse membership. My work has consistently focused on breaking down complex policy issues into simple, accessible language that enables broader participation. I believe that effective Internet policy must be people-centered, inclusive, and informed by those whose voices are too often left out.

If elected Policy Chair, I commit to:

• Broadening access to NPOC’s policy work by engaging more grassroots organizations, newcomers, and underrepresented voices;
• Strengthening the quality and timeliness of NPOC’s policy contributions through collaborative and well-coordinated processes;
• Providing capacity-building opportunities to empower members to confidently participate in ICANN’s policy development work;
• Fostering collaboration with other ICANN constituencies and stakeholder groups to advance our shared non-commercial interests;

And above all, leading with transparency, openness, and responsiveness to member concerns.
I bring to this role a strong foundation in grassroots engagement, cross-regional coordination, and inclusive Internet governance advocacy. Together, we can ensure that NPOC remains a leading voice for the global nonprofit sector (one that listens, represents, and delivers).

Public comments contribution:

• IRP-IOT – Proposed updates to the IRP Supplementary Procedures
• Proposed Updates to the Operating Standards for Specific Reviews
• IANA Functions Review 2 Draft Report
• Draft PTI FY26 Operating Plan and Budget
• Draft PTI Strategic Plan covering 2025 to 2030 (Pedro er al).
• Continuous Improvement Program Framework
• How We Meet project

Thank you.