DUBLIN, October — The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) successfully concluded its 84th Annual General Meeting in Dublin, Ireland, bringing together representatives from over 150 countries for critical discussions on Internet governance and the future of domain names.
The six-day hybrid event at the Convention Centre Dublin marked a pivotal moment for the global Internet community, occurring just weeks before the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20) review.
Venue Relocation Ensures Success
Originally scheduled for Muscat, Oman, ICANN84 was relocated to Dublin due to regional airspace disruptions that threatened flight accessibility. The decision, made in June 2025, retained the original dates while ensuring global participation remained feasible. ICANN Board Chair Tripti Sinha emphasized that the move prioritized travel safety and meeting efficiency, with Dublin being the only location meeting all AGM criteria within the limited timeframe.
Key Focus Areas
ICANN84 centered on four critical topics: solutions to address DNS abuse, contractual norms for DNS systems, initiatives to enhance Internet competition, and internal organizational optimization. The meeting featured dedicated capacity building and leadership training sessions, reinforcing ICANN’s commitment to its multistakeholder governance model.
These policy discussions have direct implications for domain registrars navigating the evolving regulatory landscape. For a deeper understanding of how new ICANN policies affect registrars, see Regulation & Domains: What the New ICANN Policy Means for Registrars.
Government representatives participated in specialized workshops through the Governmental Advisory Committee, covering topics including the new gTLD program and registration data accuracy.
New gTLD Program Takes Center Stage
One of the most anticipated outcomes was the Board’s expected approval of the final Applicant Guidebook for the New gTLD Program: Next Round. This decision sets the course for the April 2026 application window, when organizations worldwide can apply for new domain extensions beyond familiar ones like .com or .org. The program represents a significant opportunity for businesses and communities to establish unique digital identities through custom top-level domains.
WSIS+20 Connection
The timing of ICANN84 added weight to discussions about Internet governance’s future, directly connecting to debates leading into WSIS+20—the UN process assessing 20 years of progress in global digital cooperation. The participation of WSIS+20 co-facilitators underscored ICANN84’s role as a neutral, multistakeholder venue where the technical community helps shape the Internet’s future.
Eileen Gallagher, CEO of host organization INEX (Internet Neutral Exchange Association), noted that conversations at ICANN84 will help shape how the Internet serves communities worldwide for years to come. She emphasized Ireland’s role as a natural home for open, forward-looking discussions.
Global Participation
The hybrid format accommodated diverse stakeholders including government representatives, domain industry managers, intellectual property experts, IT consultants, and academic researchers. In-person attendees gathered at the Convention Centre while remote participants joined virtually, with all sessions conducted during Dublin working hours to maximize accessibility.
As an AGM, the event also marked the induction of new Board members and strategic planning for the year ahead, while maintaining ICANN’s mission to ensure a stable, secure, and unified global Internet.
