ICANN Names Selected Fellows for ICANN84 Annual Meeting

On 23 June 2025, ICANN officially revealed the names of the selected participants for its ICANN84 Fellowship Program. This group of 40 individuals, residing across 35 countries, will take part in the ICANN84 Annual General Meeting scheduled from 25 to 30 October 2025 in Muscat, Oman. The event is expected to bring together a diverse representation of voices and perspectives, reinforcing ICANN’s multistakeholder approach to Internet governance.

The selected fellows come from a broad spectrum of fields, including government, academia, civil society, business, technical communities, end users, security experts, and operators of country code top-level domains. Each candidate brings a unique perspective and set of experiences, contributing to ICANN’s ongoing work on Internet policy development, DNS operations, and the security and stability of the Internet. If the event is held virtually, the fellowship program will adapt accordingly and run online as well.

Supporting Global Participation in Internet Governance

The ICANN Fellowship Program plays a vital role in creating pathways for individuals from underserved and underrepresented regions to become active contributors in the ICANN ecosystem. With a total of 394 applications received for this round, the program continues to attract global interest from professionals eager to deepen their involvement in Internet governance.

Fellows selected for ICANN84 have demonstrated both interest and active engagement in ICANN’s mission. Through the Fellowship Program, ICANN not only provides education and exposure to its processes but also strengthens global capacity by nurturing new voices in Internet policy and infrastructure discussions. This ensures a more inclusive Internet governance model where perspectives from across the globe are acknowledged and heard.

Recognizing Fellowship Excellence: Tarek Kamel and Paul Muchene Awards

This cycle also highlights individual achievements within the Fellowship community. Returning fellow Shanelle McPherson from Jamaica has been honored with the Tarek Kamel Fellowship Recognition Award. This distinction celebrates her outstanding contributions to ICANN’s regional development and pays tribute to Dr. Tarek Kamel, who served in senior leadership roles at ICANN, championing government and intergovernmental engagement.

Another significant recognition, the Paul Muchene Fellow Award, was granted to Tinuade Oguntuyi of Nigeria. This award remembers the legacy of Paul Muchene, a former ICANN Fellow and ICANN org staff member, who passed away in August 2022. The award celebrates individuals who embody his dedication to supporting the ICANN mission and empowering local communities through engagement and education.

Learn More and Get Involved

For those interested in learning more about the Fellowship Program or considering applying in the future, ICANN offers detailed resources on its website. Whether you are new to ICANN’s work or already engaged in Internet policy, the program offers a unique opportunity to connect with global stakeholders and contribute meaningfully to the Internet’s future.