Government and IGO Engagement
Government and Intergovernmental Organization Engagement
One of ICANN’s strategic objectives is to address geopolitical issues with the potential to impact its mission to ensure a single, stable, and globally interoperable Internet through the secure operation of the Internet’s unique identifier systems. To support this objective, ICANN organization (org) monitors activity and builds alliances in the Internet ecosystem and beyond to raise awareness of our important mission and technical work.
ICANN has a dedicated Government and Intergovernmental Organization Engagement (GE) team responsible for the development and implementation of a global strategy to engage with governments and Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs). ICANN seeks to ensure that all decision-makers understand how the Internet’s technical foundation works. This is to ensure that any actions, regulations, or laws do not disrupt the Internet’s functioning or unintentionally disadvantage users.
Governments are critical to ICANN’s multistakeholder model. ICANN works with governments within ICANN’s Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC), which is one of ICANN’s Advisory Committees. ICANN also works with governments directly and with relevant IGOs, whose roles have the potential to touch upon ICANN’s mission.
Internet Governance Network
The Internet Governance Network brings together members of the global Internet community to share information, resources, and perspectives on developments related to ICANN's remit. Learn more on our page. Learn more on our page.
Publications and Reports
The GE team, comprised of subject-matter experts, monitors and analyzes government and IGO activities to ensure that ICANN has the necessary information and tools to address geopolitical issues. As part of this work, the GE team publishes analytical papers, which explore relevant legislative, regulatory, and governmental structures, policies, and processes. We also make submissions to Internet ecosystem processes when appropriate, and we publish bi-monthly reports to the GAC on government and IGO engagement activities.
Access these publications, reports, and submissions below.
