Dear Juan Manuel,
I am here again, I've revised your questions one more time and I believe you and the community deserves a better and precises answers.
On this sense, my responses to your questions, to following
1. What is your vision for the Policy Committee over the next year, and how would you ensure that NPOC/NCSG policy positions are effectively represented in ICANN's policy development processes?
Over the next year, I envision the Policy Committee as a truly inclusive space—one where not-for-profit voices are not only welcomed, but amplified. The idea is to build a team that’s both knowledgeable and diverse, capable of responding quickly and thoughtfully to the ever-evolving issues in ICANN.
To do this, I plan to strengthen our collaboration with the NCSG Policy Committee so we can present united, well-informed positions. I’ll also encourage and support members to join PDPs and working groups. And I won’t just ask—I’ll help guide them through it.
In addition, we’ll set up dedicated issue teams, keep everyone in the loop with clear policy briefs, and use smart tools to stay organized and timely. With all of that in place, I’m confident NPOC’s voice will be stronger than ever.
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2. Can you describe a time when you led or contributed to a policy position or working group? What was your approach to building consensus across diverse stakeholder perspectives?
Although I could mention many specific moments, what truly matters is the approach. I’ve always believed that consensus doesn’t come from pushing harder—it comes from listening better.
When working on policy, I create space for different voices, especially the quieter ones. I use tools like the GNSO Consensus Playbook and promote peer mentoring, so everyone feels supported and ready to contribute. And I encourage respectful conversations, even when opinions clash.
Also, I bring in context and real examples to bridge gaps in understanding. Sometimes, just hearing how a policy might affect a small NGO makes all the difference in building shared understanding. That’s the kind of environment I foster—one rooted in respect, clarity, and cooperation.
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3. What are the most pressing policy issues facing the non-commercial community today, and how would you prioritize them in the committee’s work?
There’s no doubt that we’re facing some serious challenges. DNS abuse, data privacy, AI risks, and the defense of human rights online are just a few of the big ones on our plate.
If I had to prioritize, I’d focus first on the issues that directly affect the core missions of not-for-profits—like DNS security, privacy protection, and access to digital resources. These are foundational.
To tackle them, I’ll set up small, focused working groups with clear goals. Each group will be supported with timely information, real-world case studies, and regular updates. We’ll also encourage input from across our community so that our positions reflect shared priorities—not just the loudest voices.
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4. How do you plan to engage and empower members who may not have prior experience in policy work to contribute meaningfully to the committee’s efforts?
Honestly, I know how overwhelming ICANN’s policy world can feel at first—but it doesn’t have to be that way.
That’s why I’m committed to making the learning curve smoother. I’ll introduce a policy training program with easy-to-understand webinars, create short onboarding videos, and publish simple guides that break things down step-by-step.
Beyond that, I want to build a mentorship culture. Experienced members will be paired with newcomers, so nobody has to navigate this alone. And we’ll celebrate participation too—because every voice matters, not just the experts.
The idea is to help people see that they can make a difference, no matter their background.
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5. ICANN policy work can be highly technical and time-consuming. How do you plan to balance efficiency with transparency and ensure that policy positions are developed in a participatory and well-documented manner?
Great question—and one I take very seriously. Transparency and participation are the backbone of our legitimacy, but so is being efficient and timely.
To strike that balance, I’ll roll out a shared online dashboard to track tasks, deadlines, and updates. This keeps everyone informed and on schedule. We’ll also make sure meetings are recorded and transcribed, so members can catch up anytime, from anywhere.
At the same time, I’ll provide monthly summaries that are clear and to the point—no jargon, no fluff. And when we make decisions, I’ll make sure they’re well documented and communicated to everyone.
I truly believe that when people feel informed and involved, they’re more likely to stay engaged—and that’s how we build lasting impact.
best regards
Carlos Dionisio AGUIRRE.