Hello and welcome to the highly anticipated ICANN78 Annual General Meeting, taking place in the beautiful city of Hamburg, Germany. We are excited to celebrate ICANN's 25th anniversary as we prepare for a week full of insightful talks and engaging collaborations. This year's meeting, at the prestigious CCH - Congress Center Hamburg, is more than just a yearly gathering of Internet stakeholders; it is a celebration of ICANN's incredible journey and major accomplishments over the last quarter-century.
ICANN78 takes place at a pivotal juncture in the discussion about the Internet's future. The six-day conference provides a forum for consensus policymaking and community discussions to secure a safe, secure, and inclusive Internet for all. This meeting is a historic occasion for ICANN and its stakeholders to come together, reflect on past accomplishments, and imagine a future in which the Internet remains a catalyst for social and economic empowerment.
We are grateful to eco – Association of the Internet Industry, DENIC eG (.de), and the City of Hamburg for hosting our meeting. Their hospitality and support provide a perfect setting for a successful meeting. Hamburg's diversity and innovative spirit reflect the ethos of ICANN78, making it an excellent host city.
Over the course of ICANN78, attendees will attend over 200 informative sessions on a wide range of issues relevant to ICANN's mission of administering the Internet's addressing systems.
We extend a hearty greeting to all attendees on behalf of the ICANN community. Your participation and contributions are critical to the success of ICANN78. We are looking forward to a week of productive talks, newly forged relationships, and collaboration in support of an expanding, global Internet that is open, safe, and accessible to all.
