Status:
IGF Theme(s) for workshop: Internet Governance for Development [IG4D] cross cutting priority
Main theme question address by workshop: IG4D Thematic Cluster 1 "Pending Expansion of the Top Level Domain Space" Question 1
Concise description of the proposed workshop:
This workshop will provide a review of present developments in ICANN’s work in the gTLD namespace, as well as a discussion of emerging issues and how the multi-stakeholder model can respond to meet these in the future.
The New gTLD Program is a major initiative that reflects the intensive participation of many stakeholder groups and individuals. In working out the details of the program, the multi-stakeholder collaborative process proved to be a rich source of expertise and a reliable methodology for resolution of complex and far-reaching global issues.
The opening of the gTLD space presents a number of opportunities: potential for innovation, increased diversity of scripts, languages, and regional representation in the DNS, and increased competition and consumer choice. It also creates additional opportunities for the multi-stakeholder model to be strengthened with increased participation and capacity to build on existing provisions for the namespace, in keeping with ICANN’s responsibility to serve the global public interest.
The workshop will include a description of the current status of the New gTLD Program, including an update on the evaluation process for the applications received during the January – April 2012 submission period.
In addition, a set of panelists representing the perspectives of multiple sectors and regions will discuss areas of work that are anticipated to be presented to the multi-stakeholder community, including increasing IDN capabilities, broadening participation in developing countries, strides in accountability and transparency, and other topics.
The interactive elements in the workshop will allow in-depth consideration of these questions, particularly in identifying any issues on which greater clarification and mutual understanding would be helpful. The workshop is targeted toward those with an interest in the Internet’s namespace and the multi-stakeholder model.
Background Paper:
Name of the organiser(s) of the workshop and their affiliation to various stakeholder groups:
ICANN
Have you, or any of your co-organisers, organised an IGF workshop before?: Yes
Please provide link(s) to workshop(s) or report(s):
http://www.intgovforum.org/cms/component/chronocontact/?chronoformname=Workshops2011View&wspid=969
http://www.intgovforum.org/cms/index.php/component/chronocontact/?chronoformname=Workshopsreports2009View&curr=1&wr=53
Provide the names and affiliations of the panellists you are planning to invite:
Workshop panel will include stakeholders who have participated in the ICANN model. While individual panelist names are still being confirmed, the panel is expected to include participants from the following sectors, across global regions:
• ICANN Board Director / Executive Management
• ICANN Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC)
• Business stakeholder group
• Civil society group
• Technical community
• Academic sector
Name of Remote Moderator(s):