Description: The global Internet we have come to rely on for all digital, social and economic activity is only possible because its technical foundations are stable and interoperable. Domain names and systems of unique identifiers are at the heart of these technical foundations; they are robust, reliable, global, and based on strong multistakeholder governance. These systems are also continuing to evolve. This session will discuss how ICANN's multistakeholder community and partners are expanding the number of top-level domains (TLDs) to create more diverse and inclusive ways for people and organizations to manage their online presence, identity, geographies, and brands. The main focus is on developing countries and underserved regions and communities. This session will bring together innovators, businesses, governments, and others–to discuss how to shape the Internet in ways that reflect global diversity. The workshop will explore key questions of: How is the Domain Name System (DNS) relevant to real-world challenges that policymakers, civil society, academia, and the private sector are trying to solve? What can we learn from innovative examples in the DNS to help others leverage the power of the Internet to help solve the challenges they face? In doing so, how do we collectively evolve the Internet to better reflect our cultural, regional, and linguistic diversity and in service of the next billion Internet users? In exploring these questions with participants, the panel will present programs and case studies on advancing digital inclusion and harnessing innovation. These include: * gTLD case studies, examples of DNS innovation and diversification * gTLD Program Next Round’s Applicant Support Program & .KIDS case study * Internationalized Domain Names & Universal Acceptance Programs * A call to action for new and innovative ways to use the domain name system to address opportunities and challenges
Open Zoom
