GNSO Guidance Process

A GNSO Guidance Process (GPP) is an alternative to a Policy Development Process for the GNSO in ICANN. It is used in questions of implementation rather than policy; however, it can be used for policies that do not impact contracted parties. To initiate a GGP, the GNSO Council must formally initiate it, produce a GGP scoping document, identify the types of expertise needed, and form a GGP team to produce a proposed GNSO Guidance Recommendations report finalized for GNSO Council approval. If approved, the report is forwarded to the ICANN Board for deliberation and approval. Once the Board approves the guidance, ICANN Organization will implement it.

The first use of the GGP was evidenced at ICANN 76 when the Applicant Support Working Group working group discussed the goals and approaches to outreach, education, business case development, application evaluation assistance, and metrics on indicators of success such as awareness and interests in the Applicant Support Program, access to pro bono and other services, prioritization of underdeveloped and developing regions, and demonstrated success throughout the application life cycle.