For many around the world, the end of the year is time to celebrate and spend time with friends and family. As we approach the end of 2025, it is important to acknowledge all we have accomplished this year at ICANN, as we prepare for the new challenges and opportunities in 2026.
First, I would like to congratulate ICANN President and CEO Kurtis Lindqvist for a successful first year with the organization. Kurtis joined ICANN in December 2024, and his leadership and vision have been an asset to the organization.
In January, the Board approved the first slate of recipients for the ICANN Grant Program. The inaugural grant cycle will distribute approximately $10 million to support projects that are consistent with ICANN's mission and aligned with the objectives of the program. ICANN is continuing to monitor the funded projects and their impacts on the Internet ecosystem, while also reviewing the first grant cycle and reflecting on lessons learned.
In March, the Board approved the new five-year ICANN Strategic Plan, which went into effect at the start of the fiscal year in July and ushered in an exciting new phase for ICANN. The plan addresses the multifaceted needs of ICANN's stakeholders and charts a path for ICANN's continued growth and success in delivering on our mission.
The Board concluded its effort to update the ICANN Community Anti-Harassment Policy with the adoption of the revised policy in September, affirming our commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment in ICANN's multistakeholder processes.
Throughout the year, ICANN has met key milestones necessary to launching the New Generic Top-Level Domains Program: 2026 Round. The Applicant Support Program closed on 19 December with a total of 75 applications from 27 countries and territories, representing all five ICANN regions. The year culminated in the publication of the Applicant Guidebook, which the Board adopted in October, sooner than we had anticipated, paving the way for the application window to open on schedule on 30 April 2026.
Finally, December marked the conclusion of the 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20). The United Nations General Assembly adopted the WSIS+20 Outcomes Document last week and affirmed that the Internet works because global multistakeholder collaboration works. The ICANN community played a key role in this achievement through its sustained efforts to support and defend the multistakeholder model of Internet governance, as well as the importance of the Internet Governance Forum as a permanent platform for dialogue. On behalf of the Board, I am grateful to your commitment to preserving a secure, stable, and interoperable Internet.
Next, my Board colleagues and I are taking a well-deserved break to enjoy the year-end holidays. I am eager to get back to work in the new year, and the Board has its first workshop scheduled for late January. We look forward to building on this year's accomplishments as we collaborate with the community on such matters as the evolution of ICANN Reviews and resolving the policy recommendations for a System for Standardized Access/Disclosure and the future of the Registration Data Request Service. Until then, I wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday season!
