[Ncsg-discuss] Last day as NCSG chair

[Niels ten Oever]

Thanks a lot for your years of work on the non-commercial side, Rafik.
You have been a lighthouse for many!

Not sure it helps, but I can tell you, there is a life after ICANN ;)

Cheers,

Niels

PS And ICANN will also always come back to find you :)

On 10/22/26 11:34, dorothy g wrote:
> Thank you for your service Rafik you did a great job!
> 
> On Thu, 22 Oct 2026 at 09:17, Rafik Dammak <00001e06d4af460b-dmarc-
> request at listserv.syr.edu <mailto:00001e06d4af460b-dmarc-
> request at listserv.syr.edu>> wrote:
> 
>     Hi everyone,
> 
>     I just finished my 2 years term as NCSG chair and handed over
>     formally to Bruna as new chair. I wanted to say a few words and
>     share some thoughts with the wider NCSG membership.
> 
>     I know it is customary to say how it was an honor and privilege to
>     be in such a position but I genuinely believe in that. It is rare to
>     have such an opportunity to have some influence to volunteer for
>     things that can matter. Since I joined  NCSG when it was
>     established, I felt the need to defend it and work for its perennity
>     as we faced so many challenges and we do continue to have new ones. 
> 
>     When I was elected 2 years ago, I was optimistic and thought I could
>     work on so many things. However, there was a reality check and there
>     are some matters left for future leadership to resolve. I succeeded
>     on some and failed on others. There were some moments of joy, stress
>     and frustration but at the end I will miss them.
> 
>     I always believed in the principle that we build upon what our
>     predecessors did and we should leave things better to those who come
>     after us. I hope I got some achievement and left NCSG in better
>     shape than before as we still have challenges ahead.
> 
>     Some asked about my plans and involvement in the future in ICANN.
>     What is certain, I won't attend ICANN meetings for some time due to
>     work and family. I am also not sure if I will seek any official role
>     for some period. However, what I can state with confidence is that I
>     will continue to support and participate to the extent possible and
>     where it is possible to help.
> 
>     Thanks everyone and long life to non-commercial.
> 
>     Best regards, 
> 
>     Rafik Dammak
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> 
> stay well, kind regards
> Dorothy Gordon

-- 
Niels ten Oever, PhD
Co-Principal Investigator - critical infrastructure lab - University of
Amsterdam
Assistant Professor - Department of European Studies - University of
Amsterdam

W: https://criticalinfralab.net
W: https://nielstenoever.net
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