ICANN NextGen Program
ICANN NextGen Program is an initiative aimed at engaging young people (between the ages of 18 and 30) in Internet governance discussions and processes.
The program was launched by ICANN in 2014, to encourage participation from students and young professionals originating from different regions, especially those with little to no prior exposure to ICANN's work.
Origin and Purpose
The NextGen Program was created to bring new perspectives into ICANN meetings by introducing young individuals to the broader aspects of Internet Governance. Through workshops, networking sessions, and mentorship opportunities, the program helps participants understand the role of ICANN in global Internet operations. This initiative is part of ICANN Board effort to ensure diverse, inclusive participation in Internet policy development.
The program selects participants from universities and institutions across regions hosting the ICANN Public Meetings. These participants are chosen based on their engagement with Internet-related fields such as technology, law, policy, or social sciences.
Structure of the Program
The NextGen Program is structured to include:
- Participants are paired with experienced ICANN community members, helping them understand ICANN processes and how to engage effectively.
- During ICANN meetings, NextGen participants attend customized sessions, focusing on Internet governance issues, such as the DNS, cybersecurity, and ICANN’s multistakeholder model.
- As part of their participation, each member of the cohort is required to present a topic on Internet governance or a related subject, demonstrating their understanding and contributing insights.
Notable Achievements
Since its beginning, the NextGen Program has successfully introduced over 365 young leaders from around the world into the ICANN Community. Several alumni have gone on to assume leadership roles within the ICANN ecosystem, including joining working groups, contributing to policy discussions, and even becoming active participants in regional and global Internet Governance Forum.
Impact on Internet Governance
The ICANN NextGen Program has had a notable impact on the Internet governance landscape by:
- Increasing youth participation, thus ensuring a flow of fresh ideas and new perspectives into the often complex and technical discussions around Internet governance.
- Enhancing regional representation through engagement with young participants from various geographical locations, especially underserved regions, the program supports ICANN’s mission of inclusivity.
The program also plays a crucial role in demystifying ICANN’s work for young individuals, making the organization’s policy discussions more accessible to the next generation of leaders in Internet governance.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While the NextGen Program has succeeded in its mission to engage youth, some challenges include ensuring sustained involvement from alumni and providing continuous learning opportunities. ICANN has been working to address these through alumni networks and additional mentoring opportunities post-program.
Looking ahead, the NextGen Program seeks to expand its reach by fostering greater engagement in regions where Internet governance is still emerging, ensuring that young voices continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Internet.