1 minute read
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN
Regus Center, Rue du Rhône 14, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
https://www.icann.org/
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is a non-profit public-benefit corporation whose role is to co-ordinate the global Internet’s systems of unique identifiers, and to ensure the stable and secure operation of these systems. ICANN’s main responsibility is to co-ordinate the allocation and assignment of the three sets of unique identifiers for the Internet (also known as ‘critical Internet resources’: domain names, Internet protocol (IP) addresses and autonomous system numbers, and protocol port and parameter numbers), as well as to facilitate the co-ordination of the operation and evolution of the Domain Name System (DNS) root name server system.
ICANN is legally incorporated in the United States, and maintains several regional offices and engagement centres around the world. ICANN and its community carry out policy work all year long; this work culminates in three main annual meetings.
Digital activities
ICANN’s Geneva office was particularly active during the multistakeholder process that led to the 2016 transition of the IANA functions stewardship from the US government to the global multistakeholder community. It then engaged in extensive consultation and outreach activities aimed at attracting support for the transition process. Currently, ICANN’s activities in Geneva focus mainly on:
•Work carried out within the International Telecommunication Union working groups dealing with technical issues related to the Internet and ICANN’s mandate. •Participation in IGF activities, including the preparation and running of the annual IGF event. •Participation in academic and policy events organised by the University of Geneva, the Geneva Internet Platform, the Graduate Institute, and other academic and policy organisations in Geneva.
