[Ncsg-discuss] ICANN85 Prep Week & ICANN85 Board/Stakeholders session

[Adebunmi Akinbo]

Hi Rafik,

Thanks for sharing this. Given the Board’s focus on the FY26-30 Strategic
Plan and the WSIS+20 landscape, I think it’s crucial that the NCSG
emphasizes the protection of noncommercial interests in these high-level
frameworks.

Regarding their questions, I suggest we tackle Question 1 (Emerging Trends)
by highlighting the increasing pressure of fragmented internet governance
models on ICANN’s technical remit.

I’ve drafted a potential question below for the Board that aligns with our
mission to protect civil society and individual users.
"As the Board looks toward the WSIS+20 Outcomes Document and the upcoming
Plenipotentiary Conference, how does ICANN plan to ensure that the
multistakeholder model remains the primary vehicle for internet governance?
Specifically, what concrete steps is the Board taking to ensure that
noncommercial voices and human rights considerations are not sidelined if
global internet governance shifts toward more multilateral (government-led)
frameworks?"

I believe these align with protecting the Public Interest in the WSIS+20
and Global Digital Compact (GDC) Era .

Regards.

- Adebunmi Akinbo



On Tue, 17 Feb 2026 at 01:25, Rafik Dammak <
00001e06d4af460b-dmarc-request at listserv.syr.edu> wrote:

> hi all,
>
> We got the communication from the board to prepare for our joint session
> in the Mumbai meeting. They are asking us if we have any questions/topics
> we want to share with them and they give us their 2 questions for
> discussion.
>
> Please share your input/comments.
>
> Best,
>
> Rafik
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ---------
>
> *Sent on behalf of Tripti Sinha, Chair, ICANN Board of Directors*
>
> Dear Noncommercial Stakeholder Group Chair,
>
> While global challenges continue to shape and, at times, complicate our
> work, our shared commitment to a stable, secure, and unified Internet
> remains as important as ever. I would like to express how much the Board
> and I look forward to continuing working with you to advance ICANN’s
> mission.
>
> In this spirit, we also very much look forward to seeing you in person at
> our upcoming ICANN meeting in Mumbai, India, 9–12 March. This meeting will
> provide an important opportunity to reconnect, exchange views, and
> reinforce our collaboration as we enter important phases for ICANN, with
> the launch of the New gTLD Program 2026 Round but also considering the
> forthcoming steps related to the WSIS+20 Outcomes Document and the upcoming
> Plenipotentiary Conference.
>
> Over the years, strengthening collaboration and maintaining clear, fluid
> communication between the Board and the community has proven essential.
> Ongoing dialogue with the community continues to be a key focus for the
> Board; however, it is equally important that these interactions represent a
> meaningful and effective use of everyone’s time. As no critical topics
> requiring discussion ahead of ICANN85 have been identified at this stage,
> the Prep Week community session originally scheduled for 24 February will
> be canceled. The Board remains committed to open dialogue and will continue
> to convene community discussions as substantive matters emerge.
>
> During the meeting in Mumbai, we will listen carefully to your specific
> needs during our bilateral sessions. In keeping with our established
> practice, we would like to ask the following questions of your group in
> advance of our joint session. *Please choose one of those questions if
> you don’t feel you have the time to address both*:
>
>    1. *The ICANN Five Year FY26-30 Strategic plan highlights priorities
>    that support ICANN’s vision for 2030.*
>
> *The annual strategy review program is launching at ICANN85. *
>
>    - *This program provides a structured way to assess whether updates to
>       the FY26-30 Strategic Plan are needed, to reflect changes in the external
>       environment and ICANN’s internal capability*
>
> *From your perspective, what is the top emerging trend that may impact **ICANN
> that you think the Board should consider?  *
>
>    2.
> *How is your group participating in the Review of Reviews Cross Community
>    Group and what are your thoughts on how the proposals to date are evolving
>    reviews to be more fit for purpose and sustainable? In particular, would **you
>    **share your views on the respective roles of self-assessment (as in
>    the Continuous Improvement Program) and contemplated assessment of SOs and
>    ACs by the broader community in the context of a Reviews program?*
>
> We kindly request that you send any questions you would like the Board to
> address during our face-to-face meetings to Board Operations  *no later
> than Wednesday 25th February*. Given the limited time available for the
> discussion, please prioritize your questions.
>
> We look forward to our discussions together in Mumbai.
>
> Thank you for your continued commitment to ICANN’s mission.
>
> Best regards,
> Tripti Sinha
> Chair, ICANN Board of Directors
>
>
>
>
>
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