Public Comment

Public Comment is a vital part of our multistakeholder model. It provides a mechanism for stakeholders to have their opinions and recommendations formally and publicly documented. It is an opportunity for the ICANN community to effect change and improve policies and operations.

Work Continues to Increase Developing Economies Participation in the New gTLD Program

Comment Period Important Information Links
Open Date: 13 October 2011
Close Date: 16 December 2011 Public Comment Announcement To Submit Your Comments (Forum Closed)
Time (UTC): 23:59 View Comments Submitted Report of Public Comments
Originating Organization: Joint Working Group (JAS WG)
Purpose:

Public comment is requested concerning the Joint Applicant Support Final Report [PDF, 503 KB] which deals with a very important issue: How can ICANN assist applicants from developing economies increase their participation in the new generic Top-Level Domain (New gTLD) Program?

The Final Report is a continuation of the work done by the Joint Applicant Support Working Group (JAS WG). The group is represented by ICANN community members who have been working together on this initiative since April 2010. The JAS WG was formed following a Resolution from ICANN Board of Directors in Nairobi, on March 2010 which asked ICANN's stakeholder community "...to develop a sustainable approach to providing support to applicants requiring assistance in applying for and operating new gTLDs."

The Report offers recommendations on how ICANN should develop a sustainable approach to providing support to applicants from developing economies requiring assistance in applying for and operating new gTLDs Registries under the New gTLD Program. The Report proposes initial criteria for qualification as well as several other types of support for ICANN to consider.

Current Status: The Final Report has been approved by ALAC and the GNSO, the chartering organizations and was sent to ICANN Board for consideration. Currently ICANN has launched an online work space dedicated to connect potential applicants from developing regions who wish to apply for a New gTLD in their community with organizations who wish to offer either financial or non-financial assistance. See details on how this space works here: http://newgtlds.icann.org/applicants/candidate-support.
Next Steps:

This proposal is currently under consideration by ICANN community, Board and Staff. A Program is under development and further details will be made available on ICANN's website to the general public. The support should be available in the first and all subsequent rounds of new gTLD applications.

The JAS WG will hold a session during the upcoming ICANN Dakar Meeting to both explain the Final Report and receive additional community feedback. This session will have remote participation for the people not able to attend in person.

The JAS WG recently held a webinar about the Final Report. The webinar has been recorded and is available in English, French and Spanish. See recordings here.

Staff Contact: Karla Valente Email: karla.valente@icann.org