ICANN selects 40 fellows for ICANN84 in Istanbul

ICANN selects 40 fellows for ICANN84 in Istanbul is profiled by BTW Media because published evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• ICANN announces 40 individuals from 35 countries will join the ICANN84 fellowship scheme.
• The selected group includes newcomers and returning participants who will receive training in Internet governance.

What happened: ICANN selects global fellows for Istanbul event

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has announced the list of selected participants for the ICANN84 Fellowship Programme, to be held in Istanbul from 9 to 13 November 2025. The 40 individuals selected come from 35 countries across various regions and backgrounds. The programme supports engagement in Internet governance, especially for those from underserved or developing areas.

The ICANN Fellowship Programme offers newcomers and returning fellows the chance to attend the ICANN meeting in person. They will take part in capacity-building sessions, attend policy discussions, and be mentored by ICANN community members. Participants are chosen based on criteria such as regional diversity, experience level, and their interest in supporting the multistakeholder Internet ecosystem. The selection panel also includes community members to ensure transparent evaluation.

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Why it’s important

The selection for ICANN84 highlights efforts to ensure inclusive and global participation in Internet policy development. As ICANN plays a key role in managing domain names and IP addresses, its governance work affects everyone using the Internet. By involving people from different regions, the fellowship aims to bring more balanced voices into the decision-making process. This is essential at a time when global trust in Internet governance bodies is being tested.

In recent years, the programme has supported over 900 fellows worldwide. Past fellows have taken roles in national Internet societies, technical working groups, and policy forums. Programmes like this help grow local expertise in areas like DNS management and digital rights. The Istanbul meeting also comes amid challenges in Internet regulation and geopolitical tensions. According to ICANN President Göran Marby, building global capacity is key to a secure and stable Internet. Other initiatives, like ISOC’s Internet Governance Forum support, also align with this broader effort.