[lac-discuss-en] ICANN Remains Committed to Nairobi and Africa

[Dev Anand Teelucksingh]

>From http://blog.icann.org/2010/01/icann-remains-committed-to-nairobi-and-africa/

ICANN Remains Committed to Nairobi and Africa
by Rod Beckstrom on January 22, 2010

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