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.

Expanding Developing Economies Participation in the New gTLD Program

Comment Period Important Information Links
Open Date: 10 June 2011
Close Date: 29 July 2011 Public Comment Announcement To Submit Your Comments (Forum Closed)
Time (UTC): 23:59 View Comments Submitted Report of Public Comments
Originating Organization: ICANN Board
Purpose:

Public comment is requested concerning the Second Milestone Report [PDF, 282 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?

Translations of the Second Milestone Report [PDF, 282 KB]:

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. It has been approved by ALAC, one of the chartering organizations of the working group, but it has not yet been approved by the GNSO.

Current Status:

The Second Milestone 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."

Next Steps:

The following activities are anticipated at the completion of the Public Comment Forum:

  • The Board, Staff, Advisory Committees and Supporting Organizations will review the Second Milestone Report and public comments received.
  • Commentary received regarding the JAS from within recent statements of the Governmental Advisory Committee will be addressed.
  • The Board, upon consideration of the Report and its commentary, may instruct the JAS and Staff to develop an implementation program based upon the Report and comments received.
Staff Contact: Karla Valente Email: karla.valente@icann.org