[Ncsg-discuss] Christabel Mebaghandu [AFRICA] - Candidate Statement

[Christabel Mebaghandu]

Dear colleagues,

Please find my candidate statement for the position of GNSO Councillor:

Name:
Christabel Ugeoro Mebaghandu

Declared region of residence:
Africa

Gender:
Female

Employment:
Chief Technology Officer | Civil Centre for Peace, Justice and Development

Any conflicts of interest:
None whatsoever

Reasons for willingness to take on the tasks of the particular position:
I am passionate about inclusive Internet Governance and upholding the principles of an open, accessible, secure, and interoperable Internet. In recent times, the work and voice of non-commercial stakeholders has become far more than necessary to maintain these principles; principles that establish the Internet as an open technology for the public good. For this reason, I am willing to bring my vast experience in community-centered advocacy and multistakeholder collaboration to the GNSO council, in order to expand the influence and impact of non-commercial stakeholders within the ICANN community.

Qualifications for the position:
My professional/technical qualifications include Computer Science, Network Engineering, Communications Technology and Domain Name System Technology. I serve as CTO at the CCPJD where I utilize my skills in system administration and IT operations to manage techops and communications. I also spearhead the NGO's technology and digital strategy in support of its mission to promote human rights, peacebuilding, and social justice globally. I provide strategic guidance for research and advocacy initiatives that address digital rights, digital governance, adult and child online safety, and more. Through this role, I bridge technology and human rights practice, ensuring that our digital transformation initiatives align with broader goals of peace, justice, and sustainable development. I am a fellow of the Nigeria School of Internet Governance, as well as the West Africa School of Internet Governance. These amongst other rigorous trainings have equipped me with the skillset needed to address Internet, Digital Rights, and Cyberdiplomacy issues globally. In coordination with global actors such as the Internet Society Nigeria chapter and the International Peace Bureau, I contribute to work aimed at strengthening Internet Access and promoting Digital Neutrality (in an age of growing cyberwarfare). In addition, I serve on the steering committee of the Nigeria Youth Internet Governance forum. Within ICANN, I have practically gathered substantial experience in ICANN Policy Development and Implementation processes. I participated in the policy development accelerator program, providing me with foundational knowledge of these processes. I contribute within the ongoing DNS abuse mitigation PDP WG, the Standing Predictability Implementation Review Team for the 2026 round new gTLD program, as well as a host of cross-community processes such as public comments and joint sessions at ICANN public meetings. I understand that the Council plays a central role in overseeing the GNSO Policy Development Process while having a responsibility to balance diverse stakeholder interests ensuring that public interest supersedes all. I greatly value this bottom-up system of governance and I believe that my academic background, technical knowledge, Internet ecosystem and ICANN policy experience will present a valuable blend of expertise that will allow me to approach representation at the GNSO Council in an impactful manner .

Statement of availability for the time the position requires:
I understand the level of commitment required for the position of GNSO Councilor and I am fully prepared to dedicate my time and attention to effectively carry out the role.

Thank you all very much for your attention.

Warm Regards,


Christabel Mebaghandu, MIEEE MNCS fWASIG fNSIG.

Chief Technology Officer

Civil Centre for Peace, Justice and Development
Floor 2, Senator Samuel Plaza
Opp. Customary Court of Appeal, Rumuogba, Port Harcourt
Rivers State, Nigeria.

+234-816-127-8131

christabel.mebaghandu at ccpjd.org<mailto:%20christabel.mebaghandu at ccpjd.org>

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