Middle East Engagement Strategy

The Middle East Strategy was developed in 2013 by the Middle East Strategy Working Group.^[1]^[2]

The goals of ICANN and its formulation of the MEWSG were to achieve the following in the MEAC region:^[2]

The goal of ICANN was to achieve the following in the MEAC region:^[2]

Foster two-way engagement between ICANN and the Internet community
Build up the local domain name industry
Promote multi-stakeholder Internet governance mechanisms

Strategic Plan

After formulating the Middle East Strategy Working Group (MEWSG), a more robust strategic plan was formulated, with three main focus areas: DNS security and stability, domain name industry, and Internet governance ecosystem. The following matrix summarizes objectives, recommendations, actions, and metrics in each area of focus.^[2]

	DNS Security and Stability	Domain Name Industry	Internet Governance Ecosystem
Objectives	* Build awareness and understanding of stakeholders for the importance of DNS security and stability Strengthen technical know-how and capacity of stakeholders Develop Internet infrastructure to strengthen DNS security and stability Cooperate with law enforcement agencies (LEAs) for keeping the DNS secure and stable	* Raise awareness among relevant stakeholders of the domain name industry Foster collaboration among TLD operators on exchanging best practices Stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship in Internet related industries	* Promote multistakeholder Internet governance mechanisms • Foster healthier representation from the region in ICANN constituencies • Promote engagement from the Internet community in the region
Recommendations	* Awareness activities on policy issues for policy makers and LEAs Awareness activities on operational issues for registries, registrars, and service providers Develop and strengthen DNS infrastructure in the region Technical assistance to LEAs and CERTs in understanding DNS and ICANN policies Collaborate to develop the requisite IDN infrastructure	* Create awareness campaigns on the potential of the domain name industry Create more awareness pertaining to future rounds of new gTLDs Facilitate best practice sharing among ccTLDs Create awareness of entrepreneurs and encourage them to engage in domain name related business Develop regional expertise and know-how in different aspects of the domain name ecosystem	* Strengthen ICANN representation in the region Stimulate engagement in global and regional Internet related fora Promote and support national and regional multi-stakeholder initiatives Improve ICANN outreach and raise awareness of ICANN
Actions	Cell B	Cell C
Metrics	Cell B	Cell C

References

↑ The Middle East Strategy: Two Years Later, ICANN.org. Published 2015 July 7. Retrieved 2015 November 17.
↑ ^2.0 ^2.1 ^2.2 ^2.3 ICANN Engagement Strategy in the Middle East, ICANN.org. Published 2013 May 10. Retrieved 2015 November 17.

[icann-1] The Middle East Strategy: Two Years Later, ICANN.org. Published 2015 July 7. Retrieved 2015 November 17.

[plan-2] 2.0 ^2.1 ^2.2 ^2.3 ICANN Engagement Strategy in the Middle East, ICANN.org. Published 2013 May 10. Retrieved 2015 November 17.

[1]

[2]