I am sending here the updated information regarding the NCSG schedule and activities during Buenos Aires ICANN meeting so you can participate effectively either there  or remotely (remote participation is available).  We are just a week from the meeting and it is time to prepare.

Maryam will keep us updated about those info and reminders (invitations) should be sent soon with all details about the meeting and remote participations.

if people are interested, we can setup a skype channel to use during BA meeting where we can share info, tips , discuss and so on (if you want to join please contact me offlist). In addition to that, info will be shared via our twitter account @NCSG_ICANN and wiki space ncsg.is .

1- Schedule

* for details/agenda  you can check here https://community.icann.org/display/gnsononcomstake/ICANN+53+Meeting+Schedule+-+NCSG 

* with the new NCSG calendar where you can find any NCSG related sessions https://community.icann.org/display/gnsononcomstake/NCSG+Events+Calendar  

* the full ICANN meeting schedule here :http://buenosaires53.icann.org/en/schedule-full 

* For GNSO sessions schedule you can check the attached document , there are also those links in particular for the GNSO weekend working sessions

Saturday 20th June

Sunday 21st June

This ICANN meeting is quite important because the discussion about the final proposal on IANA stewardship transition and also discussion about ICANN accountability. Several public sessions are planned during the meeting , you can find the list here https://www.icann.org/news/blog/volume-6-an-update-on-iana-stewardship-discussions and you can also read this article http://www.bna.com/iana-transition-accountability-n17179927473/

Other topics would be :

- The auctions proceeds from the new gTLD program which will be discussed in high interest topic session in Monday . 

- Public sessions on Internet Governance, ICANN & human rights.

- Whois discussion : about the PPSAI (Privacy and Proxy Services, please check the brief shared by James Gannon in the list ), about whois accuracy etc . here an ICANN blog post listing several documents delivered and work done lately https://www.icann.org/news/blog/whois-continuous-improvements-in-the-works 

3- How to prepare for the meeting

you can prepare by reading some material:

* Reading the  "GNSO background" briefing which will give summary of the different active GNSO working group and policy processes that will be discussed in Buenos Aires.  You can find it here http://gnso.icann.org/en/issues/background-briefings . Several members asked about getting some briefing about working groups in order to join them, the background briefing is the appropriate document for that.

1. list of ongoing processes in GNSO and their status is here: http://gnso.icann.org/en/meetings/projects-list.pdf 
   
2. GNSO policy activities: http://gnso.icann.org/en/council/policy  

* listening to the ICANN policy update webinar to get the latest information about all policies within ICANN (not just for GNSO): you can find the recordings here https://community.icann.org/display/soaceabout/Pre-ICANN+53+Policy+Update+Webinar

* And checking the latest relevant announcement  here: https://www.icann.org/news/announcements also ICANN blog, blog.icann.org

you will find there the latest announcement, reports and any relevant information

* During the meeting, while you can participate in situ or remotely it will be efficient to list which sessions you would like to join , having in mind that for many you can check the recordings later  which availability may differ (mp3 recordings and/or adobe connect and/or transcripts)  

3- Meeting with the board

we have meeting in Tuesday 23rd June with the ICANN board and as topics list :

• Does the board have any plans for new/revised/additional naming policy pr programs outside of the new gTLD program?
• Does the board feel that the IANA functions should remain within ICANN in perpetuity, if so should the community not have the right to periodically review the performance of the IANA and if required seek bids rom alternate providers?
• When performing its work, what situations does the board feel it it exercising its fiduciary responsibility, and does the board take into account the community input when making such decisions., has the board received formal guidance on the boundaries if their fiduciary responsibility with regards to the IANA transition?
• On the topic of ‘Public Interest Commitments’ how does the board feel that PICs interact with existing bottom up policy making at ICANN. Does the board feel that there may be a conflict between PICS and multistakeholder policy development. How does the board plan to enforce PICs, specifically in the case where there may not be community agreement over the actions contained in the PIC?When will the community be given the opportunity to review the PICs process in a bottom up manner?
• On the topic of gTLD auction proceeds, does the board plan to accept the community suggestions via the CCWG current being chartered or will the board unilaterally decide the uses for the sequestered funds? In the case of a unilateral decision what will be the boards basis for the decision, and what inputs will the board be soliciting apart from the CCWG initiated by the GNSO

4- Additional Info

please fill the doodle poll if you are going to attend ICANN meeting, it will be a good opportunity to meet there; http://doodle.com/x7iis5k9vruahn7

Finally if you have any question, please send a message offlist

Thanks!

Best Regards,

Rafik Dammak

NCSG chair

Follow updates at ncsg.is & @ICANN_NCSG

Remote participation details: if you don't the toll-free number for your country in the list, you can ask for dial-out (offlist) to [log in to unmask] 

· Sunday 21 June– NCSG Policy Committee meeting 

Room: Retiro C

17:15 - 19:15 (20:15 – 22:15 UTC)