The next ICANN Board Workshop will take place 5–7 June in Seville, Spain, just before the ICANN86 Policy Forum gets underway. During the workshop, the Board will discuss pending policy recommendations, hear updates on key areas of ICANN's work, and prepare to engage with the community at ICANN86.
We begin the workshop on a somber and sad note on the heels of the unexpected and untimely passing of Alan Barrett. Alan was a member of the Board since 2021 and one of Africa's Internet pioneers.
In the early 1990s, Alan helped to set up the first Internet connection for universities in his home country of South Africa. He created the .co.za zone in 1992 and then co-founded the country's first commercial Internet service provider in 1993.
Alan played a central role in the creation of Africa's Regional Internet Registry, the African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC). He co-authored the 1997 proposal to create AFRINIC and served on the steering committee tasked with making it a reality. He then served on AFRINIC's first board of directors from 2004 until 2009.
Alan was appointed by the AFRINIC board to the Address Supporting Organization Address Council from 2004 to 2014. He also helped to guide the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) stewardship transition by serving in the IANA Stewardship Transition Coordination Group from 2015 to 2016. In 2015, Alan was appointed as CEO of AFRINIC, where he remained until 2019.
As a member of the ICANN Board, Alan contributed wisdom, integrity, and dedication to our mission. Despite this immense loss, the Board must continue to fulfill its role in advancing ICANN's work, but we can derive inspiration from Alan's many contributions and his commitment to a unified global Internet. We all are thankful for his extraordinary service and friendship, and he will be greatly missed. Please join the Board in remembering Alan at a hybrid memorial service on Wednesday, 10 June, at 11:30–12:30 UTC.
Like previous workshops, this one will include an informational session that is open to the public. On Sunday, 7 June, at 8:45–10:15 UTC, the leaders of the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) will provide an overview of the committee's structure, its role within the ICANN ecosystem, and its current focus areas. This GAC Informational Session will be available as a Zoom webinar.
Here are the additional highlights from the agenda for the June Board Workshop:
Internet Governance: The Board will receive an overview of recent and upcoming Internet governance activities and the latest relevant legislative initiatives. The Board also will hear about ICANN's preparations for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 in November. This event, which takes place every four years, is the highest governing conference of the ITU. As a Sector Member, ICANN participates as an observer by providing technical expertise to ensure that the outcomes support a single, globally interoperable Internet and reinforce the multistakeholder model of Internet governance.
Registration Data Access: The ICANN community and Board have agreed that developing a law enforcement authentication mechanism is critical for enforcing the 24-hour urgent request timeline and the future operation of the Registration Data Request Service or a successor system. The Board will discuss the development of this authentication mechanism and ICANN's plans to facilitate an input group to continue the work initiated by the GAC's Public Safety Working Group, provide more transparency for the community, and develop requirements for future authentication identity providers.
Pending Recommendations: The Board will have a dedicated session on pending policy recommendations, focusing on next steps for the Generic Names Supporting Organization's Transfer Policy and Phase 2 of the Internationalized Domain Names Expedited Policy Development Process.
Policy: The Board also will receive a briefing on the policy discussions taking place during ICANN86, including mitigation of Domain Name System Abuse and the work to develop a proposal for the improved governance of the Regional Internet Registries and the Internet numbering system. In addition, we will hold an initial discussion about how to incorporate the consideration of cost into current and future policy development work.
Finance: The Board will receive an update on the ICANN organization's current financial situation and expected position at the end of fiscal year 2026 on 30 June. If you missed the Finance and Planning Update during ICANN86 Prep Week, the recording and materials are available on the session page. Additionally, representatives from State Street Global Advisors will give a presentation on their investment strategy for the ICANN Reserve Fund.
Ombuds: The Board will review and consider for adoption the proposed ICANN Ombuds Office Framework and Process, which clarifies the role, scope, and responsibilities of the office. ICANN Ombuds Elizabeth Field will present an overview of the office's activities over the past six months, as well as a proposal for activities in fiscal year 2027 that will form the basis of the Ombuds' performance and development goals.
BRC Report to the Board: The Board Risk Committee (BRC) will deliver its semiannual report, as per the ICANN Risk Management Framework.
The workshop will conclude with a Regular Board Meeting, and the agenda will be available on the Board Activities and Meetings webpage. After the workshop, Board leadership will meet with the leaders of ICANN's Supporting Organizations and Advisory Committees to discuss our shared priorities and challenges.
Beginning on Monday, 8 June, Board members will participate in ICANN86, including holding a joint meeting with the GAC. Whether you are joining us in person or online, I wish you a productive and enjoyable Policy Forum!
