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The '''Middle East Strategy''' was developed in 2013 by the [[MESWG|Middle East Strategy Working Group]].<ref name="icann">[https://www.icann.org/news/blog/the-middle-east-strategy-two-years-later The Middle East Strategy: Two Years Later], ICANN.org. Published 2015 July 7. Retrieved 2015 November 17.</ref><ref name="plan">[https://community.icann.org/download/attachments/40935325/MEStrategy-FINAL.pdf?version=1&modificationDate=1368213673000&api=v2 ICANN Engagement Strategy in the Middle East], ICANN.org. Published 2013 May 10. Retrieved 2015 November 17.</ref>
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The '''Middle East Engagement Strategy''' was developed in 2013 by the [[MESWG|Middle East Strategy Working Group]] (ME-SWG).<ref name="icann">[https://www.icann.org/news/blog/the-middle-east-strategy-two-years-later The Middle East Strategy: Two Years Later], ICANN.org. Published 2015 July 7. Retrieved 2015 November 17.</ref><ref name="plan">[https://community.icann.org/download/attachments/40935325/MEStrategy-FINAL.pdf?version=1&modificationDate=1368213673000&api=v2 ICANN Engagement Strategy in the Middle East], ICANN.org. Published 2013 May 10. Retrieved 2015 November 17.</ref>
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The goals of [[ICANN]] and its formulation of the MEWSG were to achieve the following in the MEAC region:<ref name="plan"></ref>
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The goals of [[ICANN]] and its formulation of the ME-SWG were to achieve the following in the MEAC region:<ref name="plan"></ref>
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The goal of [[ICANN]] was to achieve the following in the MEAC region:<ref name="plan"></ref>
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==Goals==
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With the Middle East Strategy, [[ICANN]] hopes to achieve the following in the Middle East & Adjoining Countries (MEAC) region:<ref name="plan"></ref>
    
* Foster two-way engagement between ICANN and the Internet community
 
* Foster two-way engagement between ICANN and the Internet community
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==Strategic Plan==
 
==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.<ref name="plan"></ref>
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After formulating the Middle East Strategy Working Group (ME-WSG), a more robust strategic plan was formulated, with three main focus areas:<ref name="plan"></ref>
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'''DNS Security and Stability'''<br />
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There is a general lack of interest in DNS operational matters in the region, as the majority of [[ccTLD]] operators in the region lack resources to build infrastructure. Creating a pool of trainers in the region for capacity-building and fostering regional and global collaborations is necessary. Such challenges are not merely technical but are also difficult in terms of policy and legality, requiring collaboration among key players in the region, such as governments and law enforcement agencies.<ref name="plan"></ref> The [[MEAC DNS Study]] further details the specifics of such difficulties.<ref name="study">[https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/eurid-middle-east-dns-study-initial-13oct15-en.pdf MEAC DNS Study], ICANN.org. Published 2015 October 13. Retrieved 2015 November 17.</ref>
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''' Domain Name Industry'''<br />
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Middle East investments in the domain name region are negligible, lacking in both the registry and registrar levels. Some [[ccTLD]] registries in the region have revamped their businesses and policy processes in the recent past, but many still struggle with regulations, pricing, marketing, and policies. Online businesses which offer localized services and content in the region are limited, and many are hosted outside of the region.<ref name="plan"></ref> Nonetheless, the [[MEAC DNS Study]] notes clearly that internet users in the area prefer to have domain services hosted locally and in their local languages.<ref name="study"></ref>
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'''Internet Governance Ecosystem'''<br />
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ICANN is built around a multi-stakeholder governance model in which community-developed policies come through bottom-up, consensus-based processes. In many parts of the MEAC region, there is no well-defined process for non-government stakeholders to engage and take part in Internet governance-related processes, which hurts engagement at national and regional levels. ICANN's engagement in the region is limited, and as such, local stakeholders lack awareness of their roles, and it is difficult for ICANN to build sustainable relationships with them.<ref name="plan"></ref>
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The following matrix summarizes objectives, recommendations, actions, and metrics in each area of focus.<ref name="plan"></ref>
    
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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* Increase number of root server instances
 
* Increase number of root server instances
 
* Promote secondary DNS hosting
 
* Promote secondary DNS hosting
* Develop an IDN Label Generation Ruleset ([[LGR]]
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* Develop an IDN Label Generation Ruleset ([[LGR]])
 
* Participate in efforts related to registration data definition and validation to support Arabic script community
 
* Participate in efforts related to registration data definition and validation to support Arabic script community
 
* Engage with technical community to address challenges related to use of IDN variants
 
* Engage with technical community to address challenges related to use of IDN variants
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* Increased number of root server instances in the region
 
* Increased number of root server instances in the region
 
* Arabic script LGR for the root
 
* Arabic script LGR for the root
Report on Arabic script requirements/conventions for registration data
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* Report on Arabic script requirements/conventions for registration data
Training and dissemination material related to security and stability challenges and recommendations in using Arabic script
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* Training and dissemination material related to security and stability challenges and recommendations in using Arabic script IDNs and publishing registration data
IDNs and publishing registration data
   
|
 
|
 
* Increase in number of ASCII ccTLD registrations
 
* Increase in number of ASCII ccTLD registrations
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* The number and nature of stakeholder representation of instructors in orientation/capacity building workshops in the region
 
* The number and nature of stakeholder representation of instructors in orientation/capacity building workshops in the region
 
* The number of attendees and frequency of attendance at ICANN meetings from the region
 
* The number of attendees and frequency of attendance at ICANN meetings from the region
* The number of individuals from the region being granted fellows to attend [[ICANN meetings]]
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* The number of individuals from the region being granted fellows to attend ICANN meetings
* The number of new regional members joining ICANN SOs/ACs
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* The number of new regional members joining ICANN SOs/ACs
 
* The number of individuals nominated to and selected by [[NomCom]], or elected through their constituencies to become members of ICANN Board and SO/AC Councils.
 
* The number of individuals nominated to and selected by [[NomCom]], or elected through their constituencies to become members of ICANN Board and SO/AC Councils.
 
* More effective participation from the region in working groups  or other activities
 
* More effective participation from the region in working groups  or other activities
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* Increase in participation from the region in other relevant fora
 
* Increase in participation from the region in other relevant fora
 
|}
 
|}
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==Progress Reviews==
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Every July concludes with a progress review of the previous year and presents a engagement strategy for the following year, based off the previous year's findings and focuses.
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===Third Year Implementation Plan (2016)===
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Set out on July 2015, for July 2015 through June 2016:<ref name="thirdyear">[https://community.icann.org/download/attachments/40935325/ME%20Strategy%20Year%203%20Implementation%20Plan%20-%20FINAL.pdf?version=2&modificationDate=1434705666000&api=v2 ICANN Engagement Strategy in the Middle East, Year-3 Implementation Plan], ICANN.org. Published 2015 June 4. Retrieved 2015 November 17.</ref>
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* Adopt "train the trainer" model to sustain future capacity building, through organizations like the DNS Entrepreneurship Center ([[DNS-EC]]), which will run training programs will primarily be under the two tracks of: a) DNS operations and security; and b) DNS business development and registry best practices.
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* Identify challenges in using IDNs and variants (especially in the context of tools and applications to address the security and stability of the DNS), develop requirements to address these challenges, and engage with technical community for the solutions, with the help of [[TF-AIDN]] and groups within ICANN and the global relevant stakeholders and groups.
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* Partner with regional stakeholders and assist with funding to conduct road shows, seminars, and training programs related to the domain name industry, including the organisation of the third [[Middle East DNS Forum]], the second [[Turkey DNS Forum]], and other non-DNS-related events.
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* Carry out a baseline survey and economic study identifying the potential of ASCII domain name and IDN industry for the region, while working with a contracted consultant to finalize the [[MEAC DNS Study]].
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* Work on helping new registrars through the challenges of passing though the ICANN Accreditation process, to faciliate and speed up new accreditations in the region, by coordinating with the team involved with ICANN's "Underserved Regions" project.
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* Develop and sponsor capacity-building programs to simulate models for multi-stakeholder, bottom-up, consensus-driven policy development -- including the organization of the 3rd Middle East and Adjoining Countries School on Internet Governance ([[MEAC-SIG]]), participating in other capacity-building programs like [[MENOG]] and [[IGMENA]], and launching a school on Internet governance in Pakistan, with the help of [[NUST]], the National University of Science and Technology.
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* Support the creation of remote hubs in the region for attending ICANN meetings, which is a functionality already supported by ICANN.
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* Enhance ICANN visibility in local and regional media by ensuring media coverage for regional ICANN events, organizing roundtables with media outlets, developing stories for local and regional press, and pushing news about major ICANN milestones.
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* Plan and conduct contingency and coordination exercises to prepare for threats to DNS and prepare for threats to DNS and prepare CERTs, by conducting workshops and educating LEAs and information security professionals.
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===Second Year Implementation Plan Review (2015)===
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Key milestones:<ref name="icann"></ref>
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* The DNS Entrepreneurship Center ([[DNS-EC]]) was off to a great start with two business track training programs and one train-the-trainer program on [[DNS]] Operations and [[DNSSEC]].<ref name="dns">[https://www.icann.org/news/blog/the-dns-entrepreneurial-center-for-the-middle-east-and-africa-takes-off-to-a-great-start The DNS Entrepreneurial Center for the Middle East and Africa Takes Off to a Great Start], ICANN.org. Published 2015 April 22. Retrieved 2015 November 17.</ref>
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* The [[MEAC DNS Study]] was initiated, and its findings were shared at [[ICANN 54]] meeting in Dublin.
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* The Task Force on Arabic Script IDNs ([[TF-AIDN]]) concluded their work on LGRs at the root-level, MSR at the root-level, and Arabic Script Variants. Their next stop is LGR at the Second Level as well as work on Universal Acceptance.
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* The organization of the second edition of the Middle East DNS Forum ([[ME DNS Forum]] 2015) in Jordan, as well as the second edition of the Middle East and Adjoining Countries School on IG ([[MEAC-SIG]] 2015) in Tunisia.
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* Dedicated outreach activities in countries such as Yemen, Sudan, Iran, Jordan, and Pakistan by holding meetings with all stakeholder groups
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* Bi-Monthly Webinars, quad-annual newsletters, more media coverage, targeting new events, etc.
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===First Year Implementation Plan Review (2014)===
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Key milestones:<ref name="yearone">[https://www.icann.org/news/blog/middle-east-strategy-one-year-later Middle East Strategy - One Year Later], ICANN.org. Published 2014 July 7. Retrieved November 17.</ref>
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* The Task Force on Arabic Script IDNs ([[TF-AIDN]]) was inaugurated during the 2nd Arab IGF in Algiers in early October 2013, and tackld issues related to Arabic Script [[IDN]]s in a bottom-up, consensus-driven, multi-stakeholder model. Their deliverables included two face-to-face meetings.
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* Inaugural [[Middle East DNS Forum]] was held in Dubai in early February 2014, creating a platform for regional stakeholders to engage in and strengthen the region's DNS industry, and a program committee was formed to develop program and agenda for future DNS Forums.
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* The Middle East and Adjoining Countries School on Internet Governance ([[MEAC-SIG]]) took place in Kuwait, and 25 students from 9 countries attended 5-days of extensive education on issues related to Internet Governance.
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* ICANN community was updated on the implementation plan at [[ICANN 50]] in London.
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* Two strategic agreements were signed at ICANN 50 in London: the regional DNS Entrepreneurship Center ([[DNS-EC]]) and the MoU with the Qatari Ministry of Information and Communications Technology.
    
==References==
 
==References==
 
{{reflist}}
 
{{reflist}}
Bureaucrats, Check users, lookupuser, Administrators, translator
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