The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has opened its 84th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Convention Centre Dublin, running from October 25–30, 2025. This marks ICANN’s first return to Ireland since 2015 and comes at a pivotal moment for global internet governance.
A Landmark Gathering
ICANN, the multistakeholder non-profit body responsible for coordinating the internet’s unique identifier systems, convenes its AGM each year to set priorities for the stability and security of the global network. The Dublin meeting, hosted locally by INEX (Internet Neutral Exchange Association of Ireland), is expected to draw around 2,000 participants from governments, civil society, business, and the technical community.
The event coincides with preparations for the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20) review, a United Nations process assessing two decades of progress in digital cooperation. It also comes as ICANN advances its New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program, with the next application round for new domain name endings scheduled for April 2026.
Ireland’s Role in Internet Governance
Welcoming the conference, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD said:
“ICANN84 is a great platform for Ireland to position itself at the centre of pivotal global discussions on the governance of the internet, including the World Summit on the Information Society 20-year review.”
Ireland has sought to strengthen its role in digital policy, having hosted the first Internet Governance Forum – Ireland earlier this year. The return of ICANN underscores Dublin’s growing reputation as a hub for international technology dialogue.
Themes and Global Significance
With its guiding principle of “One World, One Internet,” ICANN’s mission is to preserve a stable, secure, and unified internet. Discussions in Dublin are expected to focus on:
- Cybersecurity and trust in the digital ecosystem.
- Domain name system (DNS) resilience and expansion.
- Inclusive governance, ensuring voices from developing regions are represented.
- Balancing innovation with regulation, particularly as artificial intelligence and digital trade reshape the online landscape.
The meeting will also see the induction of new ICANN Board members, shaping leadership for the next phase of internet governance.
Looking Ahead
As debates over digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, and equitable access intensify, ICANN84 provides a crucial forum for dialogue. For Ireland, hosting the AGM reinforces its ambition to be a bridge between global stakeholders in shaping the future of the internet.
Sources: ICANN [2]; PR Newswire [1]; Gov.ie [4].
Direct Answer: ICANN’s 84th Annual General Meeting is being held in Dublin from October 25–30, 2025, with 2,000 participants expected. It is the first time since 2015 that Ireland has hosted the event, which comes at a critical moment for global internet governance.
