[AfrICANN-discuss] Request for Comments -- ICANN Board Review Draft Terms of Reference

[Anne-Rachel Inné]

Request for Comments -- ICANN Board Review Draft Terms of Reference

20 September 2007

As part of the 2002-03 Evolution and Reform process, the ICANN community and
Board established a principle of ongoing review of ICANN's structures to
ensure their continuing relevance and effectiveness.

This principle was embedded in the ICANN bylaws -- making it a rare example
in an international entity of constitutionally-required ongoing reform. In
accordance with this requirement, and as part of ICANNs ongoing commitment
to evolution and improvement, the Board approved at ICANN's December 2006
meeting in Sao Paulo a comprehensive schedule for independent review of
ICANNs structures. The Board, on the recommendation of the Board Governance
Committee, subsequently expanded this list to include the Board itself. The
schedule is as follows:

   - Nominating Committee estimated launch -- December 2006
   - At-Large Advisory Committee estimated launch -- February 2007
   - DNS Root Server System Advisory Committee estimated launch -- July
   2007
   - Board estimated launch -- October 2007
   - Security and Stability Advisory Committee estimated launch --
   January 2008
   - ccNSO Supporting Organisation estimated launch -- July 2008
   - Address Supporting Organisation (ASO) estimated launch -- December
   2008

The reviews are intended to ensure an independent examination of the role
and operation of key elements of ICANN. As with the first two independent
reviews, which were completed for the GNSO Council and the GNSO , these
reviews will be conducted in an objective manner by independent reviewers,
under guidance from the Board on each reviews terms of reference, and with
the opportunity for public comment on the results of the reviews.

As specified in Article IV, Section 4 of ICANNs Bylaws, the goal of the
review, to be undertaken pursuant to such criteria and standards as the
Board shall direct, shall be to determine (i) whether that organization has
a continuing purpose in the ICANN structure, and (ii) if so, whether any
change in structure or operations is desirable to improve its effectiveness.
The results of these reviews shall be posted for public review and comment,
and shall be considered by the Board not later than its second scheduled
meeting after being posted for 30 days. Consideration by the Board includes
the ability to revise the structure or operation of the Nominating Committee
by a two-thirds vote of all members.

The Draft Terms of Reference for a review of the Board is to be found at
http://www.icann.org/reviews/icann-board-review-20sep07.pdf [PDF, 17K].

They are open for public comment until October 11, 2007. Public comments
should be made at board-review-tor at icann.org and can be reviewed at
http://forum.icann.org/lists/board-review-tor/.
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