Review of Reviews Draft Report

What We Need Your Input On

The Review of Reviews Cross Community Group (Reviews CCG) seeks input on the approach and proposed refreshed reviews system, as a whole (Scheduled and On-Demand Reviews), as well as on the individual elements of the reviews system and its operational aspects.

Background

On 19 May 2025, the Board called for work to design a review program that better serves the community’s needs and is fit for purpose with, as a first step, a community dialogue to develop a shared understanding of the areas and issues that would enhance ICANN's accountability, transparency, and effectiveness.

Leaders of ICANN’s Supporting Organizations and Advisory Committees convened to develop a charter that was formally signed off on in August 2025, and subsequently approved by the ICANN Board on 5 September 2025. 

The Reviews CCG is tasked to perform “a fundamental evaluation” of reviews set out in the ICANN Bylaws, “as a whole system, including their implementation, and propose a refreshed system of reviews”. Areas of focus include: 

• Periodic review of ICANN structure and operations (section 4.4);
• Annual Review (section 4.5);
• Specific Reviews (section 4.6); 
• Previously conducted Reviews; and
• Reviews that have previously been formally recommended.

The Reviews CCG is not evaluating the pilot Continuous Improvement Program itself, but is to “take account of its work and consider how it can best contribute to the broader system of reviews”.

The Draft Report represents the conclusion of the third phase of work of the Reviews CCG. The proposed refreshed system of reviews presented in the Draft Report is intended to reflect the input, feedback, and perspectives gathered throughout the first three phases.

Next Steps

The Reviews CCG will review the comments and input received through this Public Comment period and through other avenues, as appropriate, and develop its Final Report. 

The Final Report will be submitted to Nominating Groups for confirmation of support and submitted to the ICANN Board, along with the documentation of support, for next steps.

The Reviews CCG aims to conclude its work by the end of August 2026.

Supporting Information

This additional information from ICANN org provides more context for this Public Comment Proceeding and may help you review the proposals for input and publish a submission.