[AfrICANN-discuss] ICANN February 2010 Magazine

[Anne-Rachel Inné]

February 2010 — Volume 3 | Issue 2 In this issue:

   - Staff Focus
   - Nairobi Remote Participation
   - One World. One Internet. Everyone Connected
   - Interview with David Olive
   - Policy Update
   - Currently Open for Public Comment
   - Fellowship Update

Staff Focus
By Geoff Bickers, Director of Security

*The “Staff Focus” is a monthly report about what is on the minds of ICANN
staff. Each month will be written by a different ICANN staff member.*

Many in the ICANN community have expressed their concerns regarding security
following the violent protests in downtown Nairobi on 15 January and the
threat against the Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC) received
by US Embassy staff on 10 February. Following those events, ICANN staff and
Board reexamined the security situation in Nairobi and worked with our local
host and the Kenyan Government to take additional security measures for the
meeting.

Our Kenyan host, KENIC, is providing hospitality desks to assist arriving
attendees at the Kenyatta Airport, organizing a laptop tagging system to
reduce the risk of property theft within the KICC and arranging shuttle bus
services to connect the KICC and the recommended downtown
hotels<http://nbo.icann.org/venue>.
The Kenyan Government has increased the involvement of their national
security agencies such as the National Security Intelligence Service (NSIS),
the Anti-terrorist Police Unit (ATPU) and the Kenyan Diplomatic Protection
Unit (DPU) in planning and protection for the meeting. The Kenyan Police and
KICC security unit are taking increased steps to ensure safety through
increased screening procedures at the KICC, increased personnel deployed
within the KICC, hotels, and official venues, and increased patrols along
the road from the airport to the central business district.

Staff have engaged with various international and regional security
consultants to obtain up to date assessments of the security threats and
best available measures to mitigate them. Additional experts in event
security and crisis management are working with staff and the Kenyan
Government to help provide a secure environment for all delegates to the
meeting.

The most important factor in ensuring your safety and security while in
Nairobi will be taking personal responsibility for your actions and
observing commonsense precautions, such as:

   - Use hotel arranged taxis rather than walking. Vehicle traffic in the
   central business district is frequently congested and walking may seem safe
   but you should avoid walking the streets of Nairobi anywhere at night even
   for short distances.
   - If approached on the street by an individual or a group, be polite, but
   wary and exercise caution. There has been an increase of con men on the
   streets. They are normally very polite and well dressed and might ask you to
   change money, split a bill, or offer services. Some con men may claim to be
   plainclothes police officers or NGO workers and want information, etc.
   - Always be vigilant and alert for muggers/robbers/gangs and rioters. Do
   not carry or display large sums of money, especially while shopping. Use
   credit cards where possible.
   - When in public places, do not display cash, expensive watches or
   jewelry, do not leave mobile phones unattended, and do not leave your
   handbag or briefcase hung on restaurant chairs or under the table.
   - Be prepared for power blackouts, which may occur at any time. Be aware
   that crime may increase during these periods.
   - Exercise caution at ATM machines or when withdrawing money from banks.
   Be cautious about who sees you withdrawing cash and where you withdraw it.
   - Credit card fraud is common in Nairobi as in many other large cities,
   so follow commonsense rules. Try to ensure that credit card slips are
   endorsed in your presence. If you have to use a slip as a deposit, always
   fill the amount in and check that you get the slip back.
   - Taxis - Jatco, Kenatco, and Jim Cab provide reliable taxi service.
   Unlicensed taxis are often unreliable or unsafe and should be avoided.
   Always confirm the fare in advance. Do not use the Matatu
buses<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nairobi#Matatu>or accept offers of
a lift from a stranger.
   - Never give out your hotel room number or invite strangers to your room.
   - Avoid leaving valuables lying around in your room while you are out,
   even for the shortest of moments.
   - Never leave a bag or valuables unattended in restaurants, swimming pool
   area, etc.
   - Always use the safety lock on your hotel room door, even during
   daytime.
   - Always use room safe for valuables, or use lockable storage for
   valuables at the front desk, but make sure they issue a receipt for your
   items.

ICANN security staff will continue to monitor the preparations for the
meeting and changes to the overall security situation in Nairobi. We will
continue to communicate relevant information and changes on an ongoing
basis. Those wishing to familiarize themselves with Nairobi and monitor
political and social news will find many resources available. Here are a few
that may be of use:

   - http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/
   - http://www.nation.co.ke/
   - http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/
   - http://www.africanews.com/site/page/kenya

See you in Nairobi!

Geoff Bickers, ICANN Director of Security Operations
One World. One Internet. Everyone Connected.

*In this area we will be reporting on the activities of our President and
CEO, Rod Beckstrom, as he travels around the world representing one unified,
interoperable, Internet.*


[image: Rod Beckstrom]

I spent the last week of January in Washington, DC, meeting with government
officials, speaking on ICANN, the Internet, and cybersecurity, and mingling
with the community during a couple ICANN sponsored events. It was a busy
week to say the least as I managed to pack more than 40 meetings and
speaking engagements in the span of a brief five days.

My agenda kicked off with an extensive television interview with Toufic
Gebran of Alhurra TV for Alhurras weekly I-Tech program. Immediately
following that interview I had the opportunity to turn the tables a bit and
interview Toufic, discussing with him the launch of internationalized domain
names (IDNs) and what that means for people in the Middle East. I encourage
you to take a few minutes and check out the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEKOxX4CKoE.

I also had the opportunity to give a lecture at Georgetown University on
what is ICANN. The graduate studies class, led by Professor Matthew G.
Devost, is assigned my best-selling book, *The Starfish and the Spider: The
Unstoppable Power of Leaderless Organizations* as required reading. It
really was a great opportunity to share with the students information about
ICANN and explain the importance of ICANN’s role in keeping the Internet
unified. You can view my lecture here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPW9LU2pp4o.

Moving on in the week I had several meetings with prominent members of the
United States Congress, including Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chairman of the
Senate Judiciary Committee, Olympia Snowe (R-ME), who sits on the Senate
Commerce and Intel Committees, Henry Waxman, Chairman of the House Commerce
Committee, and Darrell Issa, Ranking Member of the House Government
Oversight Committee and member of the House Judiciary Committee. These
meetings provided the perfect opportunity for me to introduce myself to
members who have an abiding interest in ICANN. Plenty of lively discussions
were had about ICANN’s mandate, its new relationship with the U.S.
Government following the execution of the Affirmation of Commitments, the
new gTLD program, and securing the DNS root. Overall, it was a very
productive series of meetings that positioned ICANN well for success as an
independent, global organization.

Other productive meetings were with Larry Strickling, Assistant Secretary
Department of Commerce and Administrator of the National Telecommunication
and Information Administration (NTIA) and with Ambassador Philip Verveer,
the U.S. State Department’s Coordinator for International Communications and
Information Policy.

I had previously worked closely with Secretary Strickling in developing the
“Affirmation of Commitments” and securing ICANN’s independence from U.S.
Government. ICANN will continue to work closely with NTIA in carrying out
the Reviews called for by the Affirmation and in ICANN’s capacity as the
contractor for the IANA function.

In my meeting with Ambassador Verveer much of my discussion focused on the
importance of maintaining the ICANN model of private-sector led,
multi-stakeholder, bottom-up, policy development. As the meeting occurred
about a week after Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s speech on Internet
Freedom, we also spoke a great deal about ICANN’s role in ensuring the
security, stability, and resiliency of the Internet’s Domain Name System.

I also had the honor of speaking before three different audiences about
ICANN and cybersecurity. A highlight was being included on a panel hosted by
the Public Interest Registry (.org) that addressed ICANN generally and its
role in cybsersecurity (see article at
http:/www.enterprisenetworkingplanet.com/netsp/article.php/3861521<http://www.enterprisenetworkingplanet.com/netsp/article.php/3861521>).
Here I was able to talk about the future of ICANN and the importance of
remaining open, transparent, and multi-stakeholder led. I gave a similar
talk at the Center of Strategic and International Studies. I also
participated in a roundtable discussion held at the Aspen Institute’s DC
offices in which government officials, economists, industry government
affairs representatives and others discussed U.S. and international ICT
policy. And lastly, I spoke before the Council on Foreign Relations where I
shared my views on today’s cybersecurity challenges and offered some
possible approaches to combat the gravest threats without undermining the
Internet’s enormous value as an engine of economic and social innovation.

As many of you may already know, I believe it is very important to make
myself available and accessible to the members of our community. I like to
do this in social settings which allow me an opportunity to connect with
people informally and discuss issues of common interest. Approximately 125
people attended an ICANN hosted cocktail reception at the W Hotel. You can
check out a video of some of the event’s highlights, including an
introduction of ICANN’s new VP of Government Affairs at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeKB67hJFYY. I also caught up with a good
crowd at the first ever “meet up” at which members of the community mingled
over beer and billiards. I find these types of gatherings extremely
beneficial and look forward to more on my travels.

I was very pleased to be able to use this week to introduce Jamie Hedlund,
our new VP of Government Affairs – Americas. Jamie accompanied me for most
of the week and I believe Jamie will be an invaluable addition to the ICANN
team and we are extremely happy to have him on board.
ICANN’s New Vice President, Policy Development Support—David Olive


[image: David Olive]

Welcome David Olive, Vice President, Policy Development Support, to the
ICANN staff. Keep reading to learn a bit more about David, his background
and vision for policy development at ICANN.

*ICANN*: *Tell us a little bit about yourself, what is your background? *

*David*: I come to ICANN via Chicago, Brussels, Rome, Tokyo, and now
Washington, D.C.

I was born and raised in Chicago, a city with a large multi-ethnic
population where many languages are spoken. This rich environment
undoubtedly helped to foster my international interests and perspective.

Next, with 15 years as a United States diplomat, I served in Brussels and
Rome and also participated in negotiations and policy dialogues relating to
high technology with the European Union, Japan, and Italy.

My next stop was in Washington, D.C. where I was tasked with opening the
corporate representative office of a global information technology company
in 1990. I worked with various international business groups to help design
national and international public policies that facilitate the development
and use of information and communications technology, greater utilization of
the Internet, online business, protection of intellectual property, and
workforce issues.

During this process, my wife and I raised two boys as the information
technology and the Internet era emerged both at home and at school. As both
the boys and the Internet grew, I served as tech support and e-Dad for the
family’s Internet and computer needs. Of course, I began to adopt and adjust
to new applications and focus on privacy and security concerns, as my sons
became more active Internet users.

Now, I look to Nairobi and Brussels for the ICANN meetings there as well as
other locations to promote our policy development process and to encourage
greater participation and involvement.

*ICANN*: *What attracted you to ICANN?*

*David*: In 1996, I was involved in the work of the Global Internet Project
(GIP), an international group of senior executives committed to fostering
the continued rapid growth of the Internet worldwide. GIP participants
included well-known leaders representing Internet-centric companies based in
Australia, East and South Asia, Europe, and North America. Dr. James Clark,
former Chairman of Netscape, founded the group. The GIP was an early
supporter of ICANN’s multi-stakeholder model for coordinating and managing
the global Internet’s unique identifiers.

Furthermore, I was also involved in ICANN matters when I served as the
Public Policy Chairman for the World Information Technology and Services
Alliance (WITSA). WITSA supported ICANN’s role and activities.

*ICANN*: *What is your vision for Policy Development within ICANN/what do
you want to accomplish? *

*David*: It is my pleasure to be working with ICANN’s Policy Team and to
build upon its existing foundation and policy expertise (with special thanks
to the leadership of Denise Michel).

I was impressed by ICANN’s bottom up coordination and consensus based policy
development during my corporate and WITSA involvement. It would be my goal
to improve further that process while reaching out to incorporate new
organizations, emerging international communities, and individuals
worldwide. Through our globally minded efforts, I would like to see ICANN
continue to evolve as a trusted, transparent and accountable steward for the
technical management and coordination of the unique indicators of the
Internet and associated policies.

*ICANN*: *What challenges do you see? *

*David*: The evolution and acceptance of ICANN to date within the
international community can be seen as a result of the good will, hard work,
and collaboration of the stakeholders involved. As the Internet grows,
ICANN’s informational resources to facilitate informed and meaningful
participation must continue to improve and be easily accessible to the
diverse range of interested stakeholders. I know ICANN provides a number of
mechanisms by which an organization, business, NGO, government or individual
can be involved, and we must constantly seek new and innovative ways to
reach out to these communities.

*“I would like to see ICANN continue to evolve as a trusted, transparent and
accountable steward for the technical management and coordination of the
unique identifiers of the Internet and associated policies.”*

*ICANN*: *What is your first priority in your new position? *

*David*: The Policy Team is briefing me on the details of ongoing policy
issues and activities of the supporting organizations and advisory
committees. My first priority is to meet in person with the leadership of
these supporting organizations and advisory committees to listen and learn
about their policy priorities and workload matters. The ICANN meeting in
Nairobi will provide me with that opportunity in early March.

*ICANN*: *Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you or what
you’d like to accomplish? *

*David*: I have had satisfying careers in government and in the private
sector dealing with technology, Internet issues, international trade and
investment, international business, and economic issues. I look forward to
bringing my experience to bear on the challenging issues facing ICANN and
its policy development process today. The goal should be to facilitate
thoughtful, innovative, and effective approaches supported by our community.
Policy Update

*For an in-depth look at the following Policy topics, go to the January
Policy Update at:**
*http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-feb10-en.htm

*Transitions *

Denise Michel, ICANN Vice President of Policy, has accepted the new position
of Advisor to the CEO, effective 15 February. David Olive assumes Denise’s
former role.

*ccNSO *

*Belize Joins ccNSO *

On 8 February, the country code Name Supporting Organization (ccNSO)
accepted the membership application of Belize (.bz).

*ccNSO Prepares for Members Meeting in Nairobi *

The ccNSO will convene on a full agenda of topics in Nairobi, Kenya. Members
will share tips on operating and marketing a country code top-level domain
(ccTLD), and exchange views on topics such as wildcarding, data escrow, and
incident response.

*GNSO *

*Council Decides to Take On Vertical Integration *

The GNSO Council has initiated a policy development process (PDP) on the
issue of vertical integration between registrars and registries. A work team
is being assembled from the community to explore whether policies should be
adopted that allow or restrict vertical integration and cross-ownership
between registrars and registries.

*New gTLD Program: STI Recommendations on Trademark Protections Go to the
Board*

The GNSO Council has responded to a Board request with a series of
recommendations developed by the Special Trademark Issues (STI) drafting
team. The team recommended creating a Trademark Clearinghouse and a Uniform
Rapid Suspension Procedure to protect trademarks in new generic Top Level
Domains (new gTLDs).

*Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy WG Analyzes Complaints, Comments *

The Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy (IRTP) aims to provide a straightforward
procedure for domain name holders to transfer their names from one
ICANN-accredited registrar to another. The GNSO is reviewing and considering
revisions to this policy.

*Registration Abuse Policies Group Publishes Initial Report *

Registries and registrars seem to lack uniform approaches for dealing with
domain name registration abuse, and questions persist as to what actions
"registration abuse" refers. The GNSO Council has launched a Registration
Abuse Policies (RAP) Working Group to examine registration abuse policies.

*Analysis Continues on Potential Studies of Whois *

Whois is the data repository containing registered domain names, registrant
contacts and other critical information. Questions persist concerning the
use and misuse of this important public resource. The GNSO Council continues
its inquiries into the suitability of Whois as the Internet evolves. Whois
has global scale and critical importance, so adjustments to Whois must be
handled with great care. Evaluating Whois will take years, but the process
has begun.

*GNSO Improvements: Work Teams Progress; Council Refines New Procedures *

Members of the Generic Names Supporting Organization (GNSO) community are
working to implement a comprehensive series of organizational changes
designed to improve the effectiveness and accessibility of the organization.
The GNSO Improvements fall into five main areas;

Restructuring the GNSO Council;

Revising the GNSO Policy Development Process (PDP);

Adopting a New Working Group Model for Policy Development;

Enhancing Constituencies; and

Improving Communication and Coordination with ICANN Structures.

To understand the GNSO's new structure and organization, please see the
discussion and diagrams on the GNSO Improvements
webpage<http://gnso.icann.org/en/improvements/>.
For the reasons and history motivating the improvements, see the Background
page <http://gnso.icann.org/en/improvements/background-en.htm>.

*ASO *

*Adoption of Proposal for Recovered IPv4 Addresses Seems Imminent – in Two
Flavors *

Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) are discussing a proposed global policy
for handling IPv4 address space returned from the RIRs to IANA. According to
the proposal, IANA would act as a repository of returned address space and,
once the free pool of IANA IPv4 address space has been depleted, allocate
such space to the RIRs in smaller blocks than it currently does.

*Three of Five RIRs Approve 2011 for Transition to 32-Bit ASN *

Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) are discussing a proposed global policy
for Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs). The proposal would change the date for
a full transition from 16-bit to 32-bit ASNs from the beginning of 2010 to
the beginning of 2011, in order to allow more time for necessary upgrades of
the systems involved.

*At-Large *

*Comments Sought on Selecting an At-Large ICANN Board Member *

On 5 February, 2010, the At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC), in
collaboration with the At-Large Community, posted its first-ever public
consultation by opening a 30 day public
comment<http://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/public-comment-201003-en.htm#at-large-director>period
on a proposal for how At-Large should select a voting member of the
ICANN Board.

*AFRALO Publishes Outreach Brochure *

Members of the At-Large African Regional Organization (AFRALO) worked
collaboratively to create a brochure, which they will use for outreach
activities and information dissemination.

*SSAC *

*Issues Active with the SSAC*

The Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC) is considering several
security related issues, including the Report of the Root Scaling Study
Team, display and usage of Internationalized registration data (Whois data),
and domain name history.
Issues Currently Open for Public Comment

*For an in-depth look at the following Policy topics, go to the January
Policy Update at:**
*http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/update-jan10-en.htm

Numerous public comment periods are open on issues of interest to the ICANN
community. Act now for the opportunity to share your views on such items as:


Proposed Process for the 2010 Selection of an ICANN At-Large Board
Member<http://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/public-comment-201003-en.htm#at-large-director>

On 27 August 2009, the ICANN Board of Directors resolved, in principle, “to
add one voting director appointed from the At-Large Community to the ICANN
Board of Directors, and removing the present ALAC Liaison to the Board (…).”
This paper outlines how the At-Large community proposes to select their new
Board member. Comment by 6 March 2010.

Working Group Guidelines<http://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/public-comment-201003-en.htm#working-group-guidelines>

As part of the GNSO Improvements Process, which aims to improve the
structure and operations of the Generic Names Supporting Organization
(GNSO), a Work Team was tasked with developing a Working Group Model. This
Working Group Model should become the focal point for policy
development, and make it more inclusive and representative. Are these
Guidelines complete? Comments accepted through 22 March 2010.

Registration Abuse Policies Initial
Report<http://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/public-comment-201003-en.htm#rap-initial-report>

The GNSO Registration Abuse Policies Working Group has published its Initial
Report, including concrete recommendations to address domain name
registration abuse in gTLDs. Comment by 28 March 2010.

Proposed Strategic Initiatives for Improved DNS Security, Stability, and
Resiliency<http://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/public-comment-201003-en.htm#strat-ini-ssr>

This paper presents the rationale, key features and projected costs of two
strategic initiatives that ICANN believes are necessary to fulfill its
obligations under its Bylaws, the 2009 Affirmation of Commitments, and the
2010-2013 ICANN Strategic Plan. Comment by 29 March 2010.

Global DNS-CERT Business
Case<http://www.icann.org/en/public-comment/public-comment-201003-en.htm#dns-cert>

This paper describes the case for the creation of a Domain Name
System-Computer Emergency Response Team devoted to both proactive and
reactive measures related to DNS security, stability and resiliency. The
paper includes a description of the operational concept, services analysis,
and suggested governance and funding models. Comment by 29 March 2010.

*July 2010 – June 2013 Strategic Plan Posted*

After extensive consultation with the community, including a workshop in
Seoul as well as a first time ever survey conducted last Fall, the Strategic
Plan<http://www.icann.org/en/strategic-plan/strategic-plan-2010-2013-19feb10-en.pdf>is
being posted following its approval by the ICANN Board at its February
meeting. In the joint communication from ICANN's Chairman and
CEO<http://www.icann.org/en/strategic-plan/chair-ceo-letter-strategic-plan-22feb10-en.pdf>,
it is noted that the Strategic Plan sets out ICANN's priorities for the next
three years and is used as the basis for shaping ICANN's annual operating
plan and budget. Details of the annual planning cycle can be found at
http://www.icann.org/en/planning/
Fellowship Update
by two-time fellow Naveed Ul-Haq

An ‘always on’ Experience

My name is Naveed Ul-Haq, and I am a two-time ICANN fellowship alumni, who,
like others before me, would like to share my story of becoming a member of
the ICANN community. I have been learning through Internet-related
technologies since the start of my career; initially as a network engineer
configuring, running and managing local DNS, e-mail and Internet services
for my organization, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). More
recently, over the last three years, I have been involved with research,
policy and regulatory work on various information and
communication technologies (ICTs).

Though I did have some basic knowledge about IANA, ICANN and RIRs, the
details about the Internet’s unique identifiers policy management were
revealed to me during a presentation at “APT IPv6 workshop” Langkawi,
Malaysia (Feb 2006). This workshop allowed me to develop a comprehensive
wiki regarding ICANN and its functions while preparing an in-house
presentation on ‘Internet’, which was delivered to PTA officers.

In order to explore more about ICANN policy issues, my best resource was the
ICANN website. The most significant part for me was the public comments
section, which really kick started my interest in reading ICANN documents
and putting forth my thoughts on them. The way ICANN has provided various
open platforms for anyone around the globe to contribute into the policy
development process of these identifiers is commendable. I still remember
that Improving Institutional Confidence, the Operating and Budget plan 2009
and IDN Fast track process were among the first ever ICANN policy documents
that were read and commented on by me.

In 2007, I was placed as a member of PTA’s resource person group on the role
of APNIC, ICANN, ISOC, IETF, etc …and their impact on national regulations.
My first official assignment as a resource person was to act in response to
an e-mail forwarded by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) regarding
ICANN JPA. The information was to be circulated among the Internet
stakeholders of Pakistan. While preparing the response, ICANN’s relevant
documents really helped in my information gathering, and I submitted a
response to the open consultation process undertaken by NTIA during February
2008.

My fellowship journey started with a click on the ‘fellowship office’ link
on the ICANN website. While going through the fellowship details, I found
myself eligible to apply and was impressed by ICANN’s support for citizens
of developing countries to attend an ICANN meeting as it is almost
impossible for us to acquire funding from our limited ICT training budgets.
I still remember the excitement brought to me when I saw the fellowship
selection results for the ICANN meeting in Cairo. My first ICANN meeting!

[image: I'm an ICANN Fellow]

The Cairo meeting was a lifetime experience, from the time I arrived at the
Cairo Airport to the time I was at the departure lounge. I felt like I was
in a family of diverse professionals from around the world: discussing,
deliberating and sharing a bunch of words about Internet Nirvana. I learned
and learned and learned! DNSSEC, Internet Governance, Cyber squatting, etc
were a few of the terminologies that were heard for the first time by my
ears.

Since my participation at Cairo and subsequently at the Sydney meeting, I
have grown professionally on Internet issues, have made excellent global
networking connections, contributed towards ICANN policy process through
public comments, and most importantly, have had the opportunity to do
something for my community.

With regards to opening new windows of learning for me, I have undertaken
Diplo online Internet Governance Capacity building program 2009 (told to me
by an ICANN fellow), and am presently enrolled in the research phase. I also
earned an ISOC ambassadorship to the IGF meeting
at Sharm El Sheikh.

The fellowship assisted me in carrying out several official assignments,
including the Establishment of Local Internet Peering points and transition
of .pk ccTLD. Moreover, while gaining knowledge during ICANN meetings about
IDNs and IPv6, I have been encouraged to initiate new projects like the
creation of an IPv6 monitory group and development of a local version of my
organization, PTA’s website.

I believe that IDNs will be an excellent platform for increasing Internet
usage and growth in developing regions where language is rated as one of the
barriers behind Internet proliferation. I think it is very important to
develop local language versions of our websites in order to give a complete
post-IDN experience to end-users.

I have also delivered presentations on ICANN to university students, wrote
an article on IDNs and new gTLDs and in the near future, plan to hold a
one-day workshop on ICANN, IGF and their issues. General awareness about
ICANN is very limited in my part of the world and it is imperative to bridge
the gap as much as possible. However, my journey has just started, and there
is a long way to go!

I would like to encourage eligible citizens of the developing world to avail
themselves of this amazing fellowship opportunity and be a part of the ICANN
community. The future of the Internet is transforming and ICANN is a major
stakeholder in this change. The door is open for you to come via public
comments, blog, mailing lists, newsletters, etc to put your thoughts in it.

For those who are new to ICANN fellowship program, I would like to suggest
that you try to collaborate with each other and of course the alumni. Speak
out, ask questions and become involved with the ICANN community during the
meeting. ICANN is an open organization so don’t hesitate to ask questions
when you come across a Constituency member; they do embrace the fellows!.
Whenever I close my eyes and try to visualize ICANN meetings, I feel an
‘Always On’ experience. Thank you ICANN for this!
Links

*Policy update:* http://www.icann.org/en/topics/policy/

*Monthly magazine:* http://www.icann.org/en/magazine/

*Blog:* http://blog.icann.org/

*Announcements:* http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/

*Public Participation:* http://public.icann.org/
Participate

*HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD*

Visit the Public Participation Site and let us know what you think about the
current issues.

If you care about the Internet and how it evolves, your voice will only be
heard if you get involved.

http://public.icann.org/


Remote Participation Options for Nairobi

The Nairobi meeting has provided us with the opportunity to enhance our
remote participation. Some of the remote participation services on offer for
the Nairobi meeting are as follows:

   - Adobe Connect
   - Video Streaming
   - Scribing
   - Audio Streaming (listen-only)
   - Chat
   - 'Remote Interventions' During Attended Chat Sessions
   - Audio (bidirectional)
   - Video Presentations

We are also offering, for the first time, a special 'remote participant
view' of the entire schedule. You can find this at:
http://nbo.icann.org/remote-schedule. This view is a condensed view of the
schedule showing all the remote participant options in one place.

We have made many improvements to remote participant services for this
meeting and we're very interested in your thoughts and hope you'll take the
time to talk to us about your remote participation experience by sending a
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