*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@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