1. Vision for the Policy Committee Over the next year, I want NPOC to identify priority policy issues earlier, coordinate better with NCSG, and have members produce contributions that reflect NPOC concerns. I will focus on practical tools: a public comment tracking calendar, early identification of penholders, short policy briefs, and clearer internal deadlines. NPOC should not only react at the last minute; we should be able to anticipate issues, consult members, and contribute with substance. 2. Experience leading or contributing to policy work I have contributed to several NCSG/NPOC public comment processes, including work on the next round of new gTLDs and the Applicant Guidebook, ICANN review and accountability processes, PTI/IANA planning documents, the Continuous Improvement Program Framework, the NCSG position paper on next round of new gTLDs and the Applicant Guidebook, and other policy issues affecting the non-commercial community. My approach is to build consensus through clarity. I try to identify where members agree, where concerns differ, and how we can express a balanced position without weakening our principles. I also believe in reaching out directly to contributors when comments need clarification, because consensus is easier when people feel heard and respected. 3. Most pressing policy issues The most pressing issues for the non-commercial community are DNS Abuse, registration data and privacy, the next round of new gTLDs, accountability, and emerging questions around AI and automation in DNS-related processes. My priority would be issues where policy outcomes could create disproportionate burdens for not-for-profit organizations or affect rights such as privacy, freedom of expression, due process, and access. DNS Abuse is important, but mitigation must remain evidence-based, proportionate, and within ICANN’s technical remit. The next round of new gTLDs is also critical because applicant support, string similarity, safeguards, and public interest commitments will shape who can meaningfully participate in the DNS space. 4. Engaging new members ICANN policy can be intimidating, especially for new members. My plan is to help lower the entry barrier. I want to use short explainers, policy briefings, small drafting groups, and mentorship-style support so that members can learn by doing. Not every member needs to become a policy expert immediately. Some can review drafts, ask questions, provide regional examples, or help identify how a policy issue affects not-for-profit organizations. My role also entails creating the conditions for that participation. 5. Balancing efficiency and transparency I will use a clear workflow, identify the issue, assign drafting leads, set internal deadlines, circulate drafts early, document comments, and share final positions with members. The balance is achieved through preparation. If we track policy issues early and document our process clearly, we can be both timely and participatory. During this term, I have already made the policy tracking form <https://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/proceeding/additional-reference-labe...> available to all members for their contribution. we will continue exploring that and other approaches for efficiently and transparently engaging with everyone. ............................................................. 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