The ICANN84 Mentors Forum, hosted by the Internet Society India Mumbai Chapter on 12 April 2025, offered an immersive introduction to ICANN — the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. ICANN is a global non-profit responsible for coordinating the domain name system (DNS), IP address allocation, and the protocols that ensure a secure and unified Internet. At its core is a multistakeholder model that brings together governments, civil society, business, and technical experts to shape global Internet policy collaboratively.
This forum highlighted how ICANN empowers individuals through its Fellowship Programme and NextGen@ICANN, which equip participants with essential skills in digital governance, policy development, public speaking, cross-cultural collaboration, and consensus building. The session featured three seasoned mentors — Maureen Hilyard, Caleb Ogundele, and Charles Mok — who emphasised the human side of Internet governance: empathy, representation, mentorship, and purpose.
Participants left with a stronger understanding of how to engage with ICANN’s working groups, advisory committees, and regional structures. The forum succeeded in showing that ICANN is not just for technical experts — it is a living ecosystem where diverse voices are vital, and where individuals can grow as leaders shaping the digital future.
