ICANN Announces 2026 Leadership Program — Call for Nominations

ICANN has opened the call for nominations for its 2026 Leadership Program, set to take place on 5–6 March 2026 in Mumbai, India, right before the ICANN85 Community Forum. The aim of this initiative is to bring together current and emerging community leaders, deepen their understanding of ICANN’s operations, and enhance their facilitation skills.

Key Deadlines, Coverage & Logistics

The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, 21 November 2025. It’s important to note that the Leadership Program does not provide financial support for travel to Mumbai. However, accommodation costs during the program will be covered, and participants will receive a stipend for the days of the program itself.

Thus, while lodging and daily allowances are managed by ICANN, travel expenses remain the responsibility of the participants or their sponsoring communities.

Why the Leadership Program Matters

The ICANN Leadership Program is designed to help participants navigate the complexity of ICANN’s ecosystem. In addition to reinforcing subject-matter knowledge, it focuses on cultivating facilitation and leadership competencies that are essential for guiding collaborative, multistakeholder processes.

By participating, community leaders gain access to deeper institutional insight and peer networking opportunities, enabling them to better serve their respective groups and contribute to ICANN’s mission of a stable, secure global internet.