We have listened to the community. Many are looking forward to Nairobi, some expressed concerns, particularly in light of the events in downtown Nairobi on January 15. Accordingly, ICANN staff and board have reexamined the security situation
During our re-examination we first explored moving the event out of the downtown Nairobi area to a suburb, but determined that no suitable venue was available.
Second, we reached out to the Kenyan government as well as other nations with operations in Kenya for their risk assessments of the situation. The consistent feedback was that the overall risk assessment of Nairobi had not changed. Accordingly, based on the ICANN CEO’s recommendation, the ICANN Board has approved moving ahead with the ICANN Nairobi meeting.
At the same time, we recognize that many developing country cities have higher ambient levels of street crime and much of the world (the U.S. And Europe included) faces international terrorist threats and attacks. Both are simply facts of life. Also, as with all ICANN events, we will continue to monitor the security situation in case there are any material future changes. For any ICANN community members who do not travel to the event, remote participation will be available for many of the meetings.
Given that ICANN is committed to “One world. One Internet. Everyone connected.” we have engaged and will continue to engage with the whole world.
We greatly appreciate the assistance of Kenya, the host country, and their commitment to address ICANN security concerns. In addition, the ICANN board has approved further security investments by the CEO as necessary for the event, and the CEO will become personally involved in reviewing the security plans.
I love Kenya. I have been to Nairobi six times and greatly look forward to participating in this important ICANN International meeting.
Rod Beckstrom
CEO and President
ICANN
22 January 2010
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Cheryl Langdon-Orr 01.22.10 at 1:15 pm
Excellent outcome! Thank Rod & the ICANN Board… This will make ALAC and At-Large Very pleased indeed! particularly with the plans that AfRALO is working on for local outreach and capacity building activities…
These International ICANN Meetings are an important part of truly becoming “One world. One Internet. Everyone connected. and meeting #37 being held in Nairobi is in our view an important and essential part of that process.
Louie Lee 01.23.10 at 1:09 am
I, too, would very much like to thank Rod and the ICANN Board for this. I will pass the message onto the ASO Address Council.
By the way, during this upcoming public ICANN meeting, the ASO AC will be gathering for our face-to-face meeting. It has been quite some time since this group had last done so at an ICANN meeting. I am sure that each of the members appreciate the attention and increase in investment on security.
Tijani BEN JEMAA 01.23.10 at 2:59 am
Indeed, it’s a wise decision. Africa needs to be considered as all other regions. Africa desserves to organize an ICANN meeting. AFRALO is working hard to organize an outreach event in Nairobi, and would be really disappointed if it happens that the meeting is removed.
For the security issue, I share the concern expressed by the community, but think that the solution would be in addressing it seriously and carefully, rather than cancelling the meeting or displacing it.
paul 01.24.10 at 3:45 am
This is great news to us. Thank you ICANN Board for making such a decision.
Rana Saud 01.24.10 at 11:02 pm
It is a very good decision, as Africa should be taken on board in the process.
Thanks for making this decision.
Alexander Schubert 01.25.10 at 12:45 am
How boring it would be to advocate for LGBT rights in Castro Street. I look forward to explain the concept of a LGBT TLD “.gay” to our hosts in Kenya.
Alexander Schubert, CEO of dotGay LLC, San Francisco
Luka Wanjohi 01.25.10 at 12:50 am
Its a great honor for our country to host you guys. You are very welcome.
Dünyanın En Zor Oyunu 01.26.10 at 7:34 am
Its a great honor for our country thanx you
paul mungai 02.04.10 at 3:16 am
Great honor for my motherland. looking forward to meeting.
Power 02.10.10 at 6:35 am
Nice for Nairobi?
MalastiC 02.10.10 at 6:37 am
This is great news to us. Thank you ICANN Board for making such a decision.
Medyum 06.04.10 at 6:49 am
This is great news to us. Thank you ICANN Board for making such a decision.