In light of the Global Digital Compact (GDC) Stakeholder session scheduled on August 22nd, we’d like to share that ICANN will be participating and has registered to speak. Our remarks will convey the following messages:

The Internet's greatest strength lies in its remarkable ability to connect people and devices and enabling communications across the globe. To ensure a digital future that benefits everyone, it is important that the Internet remains open, globally connected, interoperable, and accessible to all.

The Internet's technical foundation is robust largely due to the multistakeholder model of Internet governance. The multistakeholder model is the most effective approach for managing a globally distributed system like the Internet. It ensures that all relevant experts and others who need to be included can participate and have equal say in the decision-making.

The technical community is a core component of the multistakeholder model. The collaborative efforts of the technical community and the multistakeholder model have resulted in the stable, secure, and resilient operation of the Internet.

Thank you,

Rebecca McGilley

Director, Government & IGO Engagement

Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)

Cell: +1 310 745 7033