Project Context & Strategic Challenge
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) coordinates the global DNS. Ensuring that domain policy reflects the needs of global end-users and non-English scripts is paramount for an inclusive Internet.
Many software applications and email systems reject new generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) and Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs), while complex policy procedures can exclude developing-world end-users.
Contribute to consensus-based policy recommendations within the At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC).
Advance Universal Acceptance (UA) readiness across African software developers and institutions.
Formulate clear, equitable community objection procedures for the New gTLD Program Next Round.
Core Responsibilities & Delivery Methodology
In this engagement, I exercised comprehensive leadership and oversight to ensure that project milestones were delivered to the highest professional standards:
Key Activity Pillar 01
Co-authored formal ALAC policy advice on gTLD applicant evaluation and dispute resolution.
Key Activity Pillar 02
Conducted regional awareness sessions on Universal Acceptance for developers and system administrators.
Key Activity Pillar 03
Participated in weekly international working group sessions and consensus-building panels.
Verified Outputs & Strategic Impact
Through meticulous coordination, capacity building, and institutional alignment, the initiative generated lasting, verifiable strategic outcomes:
Verified Deliverable & Outcome 1
Formal ALAC Policy Comments & Objection Procedure Recommendations for Next Round gTLDs.
Verified Deliverable & Outcome 2
Universal Acceptance Technical Awareness Briefs for African IT Leaders.
Verified Deliverable & Outcome 3
Consolidated Community Inputs on DNS Security and Public Interest Safeguards.
Verified Deliverable & Outcome 4
Successfully ensured that African end-user perspectives and multilingual readiness priorities were formally embedded into ICANN’s operational procedures for future domain expansions.
Field Action & Lessons Learned
Multistakeholder policy governance succeeds only when technical experts and civil society end-user advocates engage in continuous, mutual education.
