- ICANN calls for nominations from SOs/ACs for Fellowship Program mentors and Selection Committee members.
- Mentors will assist fellows at ICANN meetings, while Selection Committee members will evaluate fellowship applications.
What happened: ICANN invites nominations for mentors and selection committee members in its Fellowship Program
ICANN has launched the nomination process for Fellowship Program mentors and Selection Committee members, encouraging its Supporting Organizations (SOs) and Advisory Committees (ACs) to nominate volunteers for these important roles. Mentors will be tasked with guiding fellows throughout three consecutive ICANN Public Meetings, committing roughly 30-40 hours each. Their duties include pre-meeting preparation, on-site assistance, and post-meeting support to ensure the fellows’ active participation in ICANN’s work. Meanwhile, the Selection Committee, which evaluates applicants for the Fellowship Program, will work over the course of four to five weeks for each Public Meeting. This is a vital role to ensure the selection of fellows who align with the program’s objectives. Mentors will receive travel funding, while Selection Committee members will not, and both roles require a significant commitment to the program’s long-term success.
Also read: Your voice matters: ICANN hosts webinars on digital future
Also read: ICANN approves .COM agreement renewal with Verisign
Why it’s important
This initiative is crucial to the continued growth and success of ICANN’s Fellowship Program, which aims to increase global participation in Internet governance. By fostering a diverse pool of talented individuals, ICANN is working to ensure that decision-making processes are inclusive and that new leaders emerge to help shape the future of the Internet. The involvement of qualified mentors will enhance the program’s capacity to support fellows, offering them guidance and tools to contribute meaningfully. The Selection Committee’s role in choosing the right fellows ensures that participants meet ICANN’s rigorous criteria for involvement in Internet policy discussions. With a clear focus on capacity building and inclusivity, ICANN is paving the way for a more collaborative, diverse, and well-informed community, fostering innovation and leadership in the digital landscape.
