<div dir="ltr"><span id="gmail-docs-internal-guid-6fbf3df3-7fff-b3fe-387e-e19a4f735751"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">Dear NCSG members, <br>Thank you for the nomination for, NCSG GNSO Council position. <br>Kindly see below my candidate's statement. </p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><strong style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-weight:normal" id="gmail-docs-internal-guid-eae6910a-7fff-026f-ff17-2e90fe05c834"></span><br class="gmail-Apple-interchange-newline"></span></strong></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><strong style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">Name:</span></strong><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"> Benjamin Akinmoyeje</span></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><strong style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">Declared Region of Residence:</span></strong><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"> Windhoek, Namibia (Africa region)</span></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><strong style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">Gender:</span></strong><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"> Male</span></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><strong style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">Employment:</span></strong><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"> Academics at Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST); Internet Governance and Digital Rights Advocate; Research project: Social media and Society</span></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><strong style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">Conflicts of Interest:</span></strong></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"> I currently have no conflicts of interest to declare.</span></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><strong style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">Reasons for Willingness to Take on the Tasks of the Particular Position:</span></strong></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">I accepted the nomination to serve as NCSG GNSO Council because I believe I have the passion, experience, and energy to support the efforts of our excellent councillors and the legacy of their pivotal voices of legitimacy to the multi-stakeholder process of ICANN’s policy development process. As an academic researcher,  I believe I can contribute to the discussion in the GNSO council as NCSG GNSO Council, on issues related to digital rights - human rights related, such as freedom of expression and privacy, as I will champion the consideration of underrepresented people and communities in decision-making policy development processes. I will ensure I consult extensively with NCSG members and other previous, current, and serving councilors in my engagements. We urgently need to build our members' capacity to participate in the policy processes and reduce volunteer fatigue in our community. I am qualified to participate actively in our policy development processes. I am eager to serve the community as the NCSG councilor. </span></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">I accepted the nomination to serve as the NCSG representative on the GNSO Council because I bring the passion, experience, and commitment needed to support the important work of our current and former councillors. Their voices have been instrumental in establishing the legitimacy of the multi-stakeholder model within ICANN’s policy development process, and I am determined to carry that legacy forward.</span></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">As an academic researcher, I am well-positioned to contribute to GNSO Council discussions, particularly on digital and human rights issues such as freedom of expression. I will advocate for including underrepresented communities in policy decisions, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.</span></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">My approach will be rooted in active consultation with NCSG members and with past and current councillors, so that my contributions reflect the collective wisdom and priorities of our community. I also recognize the urgent need to build capacity among our members, helping more people engage effectively in policy work while addressing the growing challenge of volunteer fatigue.</span></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">I am fully prepared and qualified to take on this role, and I am eager to serve our community as your NCSG Councillor on the GNSO Council.</span></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><strong style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">Qualifications for the Position:</span></strong></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">I was first introduced to the NCUC community during an outreach event in Durban in 2013, and since that moment, I’ve remained a committed and loyal member. In all my ICANN engagements since then, I have proudly represented NCUC, ensuring that my contributions reflect the group’s mission and core values.</span></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">With over a decade of experience working for an international public health non-profit, where I led efforts in digital health innovation, and the last six years of academic research, I bring a unique blend of practical experience and scholarly perspective to the representation of Non-Commercial. Stakeholder Group (NCSG) in the GNSO council.</span></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">My passion is driven by a deep interest in human rights advocacy, digital sovereignty, digital rights, responsible data sharing, social media governance, and the societal impact of emerging technologies. These focus areas continue to guide my active involvement in NCUC and </span><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">in</span><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"> the wider internet governance ecosystem.</span></p><ul style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><li style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;list-style-type:disc"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">I am the NCUC representative on the Continuous Improvement Program Community Coordination Group (CIP-CCG)</span></li><li style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;list-style-type:disc"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">. I advocated and participated in the ICANN Policy Development Accelerator program.</span></li><li style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;list-style-type:disc"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">Chair of the Non-Commercial Users Constituency (NCUC) (2021–2024) - where I motivated a new crop of leaders and engagement.</span></li><li style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;list-style-type:disc"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">I recently started participating in IETF sessions.</span></li><li style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;list-style-type:disc"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">I was an NCUC Africa Executive member.</span></li><li style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;list-style-type:disc"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">I have been a 3 time ICANN fellow and active participant in working groups (e.g., Cross Community Working Party on Human Rights, UASG Technical WG)</span></li><li style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;list-style-type:disc"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">I </span><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">am a contributor</span><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"> to NCUC’s visibility through forums, capacity development, and member engagement.</span></li><li style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;list-style-type:disc"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">I am an inaugural fellow of the African School on Internet Governance, AFRINIC-19 fellow, and Article 19 Internet of Rights Initiative fellowship alumnus.</span></li><li style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;list-style-type:disc"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">Co-developer of the ISOC Nigeria bylaws and member of several Internet Governance communities in Africa.</span></li><li style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;list-style-type:disc"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">These experiences demonstrate my commitment, leadership, and understanding of multi-stakeholder processes.</span></li></ul><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><strong style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">Statement of Availability:</span></strong></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">I am available to dedicate the necessary time and energy to </span><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">fulfill the responsibilities of this position effectively</span><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">.</span><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"> I have managed similar commitments </span><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">in the past</span><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"> while balancing academic and professional engagements.</span></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><strong style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">Additional Information:</span></strong></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">I have been actively engaged in the Continuous Improvement Program Community Coordination Group (CIP-CCG), where I work to ensure that the </span><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">voices of the NCSG</span><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"> are heard and meaningfully reflected in the development of ICANN’s continuous improvement framework.</span></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">I closely follow the work of our councillors on Human Rights Impact Assessments within ICANN’s policy processes, supporting efforts to ensure that human rights are </span><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">not only considered but</span><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"> prioritized in decision-making. I also participate regularly in the Universal Acceptance Steering Group Technical Working Group and engage in broader Internet Governance initiatives—both online and in person—whenever the opportunity arises.</span></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">My commitment is to continue promoting and protecting key human rights such as freedom of expression, freedom of association, and privacy within Internet technical standards and policy forums. I aim to bridge the knowledge gap between technical communities and human rights advocates, helping these bodies understand why human rights matter in the context of Internet infrastructure.</span></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">Equally important, I am dedicated to ensuring sustained, effective participation of civil society in these spaces and </span><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">to</span><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"> championing the inclusion of underrepresented communities in decision-making processes at every level.</span></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">My previous fellowship as a two-time Article 19 ‘s  Internet of Rights fellow and ICANN’s policy development accelerator program has prepared me for this position.</span></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br></span></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">Kind regards,</span></p><p style="color:rgb(14,16,26);background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background:transparent;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">Benjamin Akinmoyeje </span></p></span></div>