LOS ANGELES – The
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) announced in a press release that it has appointed
Meridian Institute to conduct the second independent review of the Country Code
Names Supporting Organization (ccNSO). This review is mandated by ICANN's
Bylaws and is part of its ongoing commitment to accountability and
transparency. Meridian Institute will begin work on the review immediately, and
is expected to submit its final report in July 2019.
Selection of the Independent
Examiner
The selection of an independent
examiner followed ICANN's rigorous procurement process. The process was led by
the ICANN organization and validated by the Board's Organizational
Effectiveness Committee (OEC). The OEC is responsible for overseeing ICANN's
Organizational Reviews process.
The selection criteria for the
independent examiner was developed in collaboration with the ccNSO Review
Working Party. The criteria included: understanding of the assignment,
comprehension of the ccNSO's role within the ICANN structure, and the
independence of the proposed team.
ccNSO Review Activity at ICANN63
As part of their data collection,
the Meridian Institute team leads will be conducting in-person interviews at
ICANN63 in Barcelona, Spain, with current and past members of the ccNSO,
informed community members, and members of the ICANN organization and Board.
Members of the Meridian Institute
team will also provide an update to the community on the progress of the review
during a public session at ICANN63.
About Meridian Institute
Meridian Institute is a trusted
third-party not-for-profit organization that has specialized in multi-stakeholder
processes for more than 20 years. To ensure the integrity of both processes and
results, Meridian Institute involves representatives from diverse sectors,
communities, and stakeholder groups in its work. Team members bring objectivity
as independent process experts, strategic advisors, and as a trusted third
party.
Past projects have resulted in:
·
Private sector and civil
society partnerships;
·
Multi-stakeholder consensus
policy recommendations and implementation plans; and
·
Incorporation of diverse
stakeholder input in regulatory agencies and institutions.
The Meridian Institute team is
led by Kristy Buckley, and includes Mallorie Bruns, Annie Shapiro, and Sara
Suriani.
About the ccNSO
According to the ICANN Bylaws,
the ccNSO is responsible for:
·
Developing and recommending
to the Board global policies relating to country-code top-level domains
(ccTLDs);
·
Nurturing consensus across
the ccNSO's community, including the name-related activities of ccTLDs;
·
Coordinating with other
ICANN Supporting Organizations, committees, and constituencies;
·
Nominating individuals to
fill Seats 11 and 12 on the Board; and
·
Other responsibilities of
the ccNSO as set forth in the ICANN Bylaws.