Rwanda is set to host the 80th public meeting of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), marking the first ICANN meeting to be held in East Africa. Organized in collaboration with Rwanda’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Innovation, the event will take place at the Kigali Convention Centre from June 10th to 13th.
ICANN’s decision to hold ICANN80 in Rwanda underscores its commitment to fostering global involvement and collaboration in internet governance. The Policy Forum will convene global stakeholders including governments, companies, civil society, academia, and the technical community to address critical challenges affecting the Internet’s Domain Name System (DNS).
The High-Level Government Meeting (HLGM), scheduled for June 9th and chaired by Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, will highlight the pivotal role of governmental entities in shaping ICANN policies and initiatives. Minister Ingabire emphasized, “The policy forum will lead efforts to maintain a secure, stable, and interoperable internet, and set the stage for future developments and emerging trends in global internet governance.”
ICANN’s mission is to promote a stable, secure, and unified global internet, ensuring the Domain Name System (DNS) functions smoothly. Sally Costerton, Interim President and CEO of ICANN, emphasized the significance of ICANN80 in promoting global digital inclusion and enhancing cybersecurity measures. “The HLGM will further underscore the crucial role of governments in our collaborative efforts to address challenges such as data privacy and DNS abuse,” Costerton added.
The ICANN80 Policy Forum in Kigali will serve as a platform to discuss and develop policies that support a secure, stable, and interoperable internet. It will also explore emerging trends and challenges in global internet governance, shaping the future of digital connectivity worldwide.
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