<div dir="ltr">Dear Fellow NCUC members,<div>First I want to thank Wisdom Donkor for nominating me for the NCUC Africa EC position and for the support I have received.</div><div><br></div><div>Please see below my  candidate statement.</div><div><br></div><div><br><div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.295;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">STATEMENT NCUC EC AFRICA</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.295;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Name: Benjamin Akinmoyeje</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.295;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Region: Africa</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.295;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Conflict of Interest: None </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.295;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">1    </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">   Why do you want to serve on the EC? </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">My choice to serve as NCUC EC Africa representative stems from my CROP application work plan - where I had indicated participate in the election process,  </span><span style="font-size:8pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">[MC1] </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">as an outcome of the opportunity and my years of engagement in NCUC. I also would like to see improved participation of members from the Africa region in the policy development process. I believe the core NCUC mandate is of higher service to the Africa region, so it is unfortunate to see limited participation by Africans in NCUC policy development conversations. My duty is to try and increase African engagement and also mainstream African issues on the frontlines.  With other ECs, I hope we can articulate ICANN’s mandate in a manner that is engaging and practical to the region. This will allow us to have a policy development process that is not only based on academic knowledge, but also practical.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">NCUC visibility in the region can be highly improved.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;font-size:11pt;white-space:pre-wrap">Issues such as affordable access, Internet shutdowns represent the critical issues for Africa.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Taking into consideration the missions and visions of NCUC and recognizing the many technological challenges Africa is confronted with, there is a strong need to strengthen institutional effort in addressing some of the many policy developmental challenges in light of strengthening policy developmental capacity across Africa. Improved participation of Africans on NCUC and ICANN will foster collaboration among members, improve and facilitate a mentorship program for African members and above all champion the course of NCUC among the internet governance communities across Africa and other regions.</span></p><br><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.295;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">2.     </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> Provide a brief biography of recent experience, associations, and affiliations relevant to serving on the Executive Committee. Describe the relevance of your personal and professional experience to serve on the NCUC Executive Committee, and identify any conflicts of interests you might have.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">I have a specialization in ICT4D and Digital Health with over 10 years’ experience working in international development. I am currently a DAAD postgraduate research scholar at the Namibia university of Science and Technology and Regional Coordinator of</span><a href="http://ict4si.org/" style="text-decoration-line:none"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,255);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">ICT4si.org</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> .</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Active member of the Multistakeholder Advisory Group of NIGF.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;font-size:11pt;white-space:pre-wrap">Alumni of the first African Summer School of Internet Governance - AfriSIG,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">AfriNIC and ICANN fellow, member of ISOC Nigeria Chapter.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">I am a member of Nigeria Coalition of Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI), consistently advocating for affordable and inclusive Internet access.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">I belong to the coalition of Africa Center for Citizens Orientation (ACCO), championing improving access for women and girls to up-to-date ICT education and some existing ICT facilities in Abuja and northern Nigeria.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">My area of research is Persuasive Technologies for health behavioural change and personal informatics. I have over ten years’ experience working as an ICT4D manager in an international NGO and in public health in Nigeria. I participated in the NetMundial Meeting, Netmundial Initiative in Sao Paolo in 2014 which led up to the IANA Transition process.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">I have been active in NCUC as member of the Membership engagement team. I am an ICANN fellow, AFRINIC fellow, Diplo Foundation alumni, and alumni of the inaugural Africa Internet Summer School.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Contributed to a few NCUC and NCSG call for comments especially those relating to the Africa region.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">I am always eager to help and to collaborate to achieve the greater good as a group. I have introduced a handful of new members to NCUC and ICANN.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-left:36pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Experience within ICANN</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-left:36pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Fellowship Alumni AfrICANN group</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-left:36pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">CCWG Accountability</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-left:36pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">GNSO Next-Gen RDS PDP WG</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-left:47pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">·         Draft Proposal of the New Fellowship Program Approach – </span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";background-color:transparent;font-style:italic;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">commented on the NCSG draft statement.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-left:47pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">·         Rights Protection Mechanisms (RPMs) in all gTLDs PDP Working Group – </span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";background-color:transparent;font-style:italic;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">member – regularly on call of this WG</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-left:47pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">·         Defunct Next-Gen WHOIS/RDS PDP WG, however following closely the EPDP process. – </span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";background-color:transparent;font-style:italic;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Member of draft teams (DT) on Domain Sales and WHOIS Data elements.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-left:47pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">·         Making comments as part of the NCSG, formed a team on the ICANN Africa Strategic Plan 2016-2020 version 3.0 – </span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";background-color:transparent;font-style:italic;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">volunteered to on the comment drafting team</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-left:47pt"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">·         NPOC Policy committee - </span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";background-color:transparent;font-style:italic;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">volunteer</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-left:36pt"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-left:36pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">He is a member of other committees</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-left:59pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">1.</span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">   </span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><span class="gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">TWG on drafting Nigeria eHealth Policy</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-left:59pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">2.</span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">   </span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><span class="gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre">   </span></span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Nigeria Open Government Partnership -  Non State Actors Group</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-left:59pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">3.</span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">   </span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><span class="gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre">   </span></span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">A4AI Consumer and Pricing Working Group</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-left:59pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">4.</span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">   </span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><span class="gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre">  </span></span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Global Network for Cybersolution (CSO)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;margin-left:59pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">5.</span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">   </span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><span class="gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre">   </span></span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Nigeria ICANN Multi Stakeholder Group</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt;margin-left:59pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">6.</span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">   </span><span style="font-size:7pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><span class="gmail-Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre">    </span></span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Member and (Cybersecurity) Alumni Diplo Foundation</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.295;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">3 </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> The EC performs several functional responsibilities for the Constituency. What level of time commitment can you bring to your EC role on a weekly and overall basis? Describe any concerns or limitations on your ability to attend online meetings of the Executive Committee and ICANN Meetings in person.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Generally, I can commit 8 hours per week and I am readily available for emergency calls or assignments. I am very much committed to the course and development of the visions and missions of NCUC and ICANN. I am a full-time researcher and a student of Informatics.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.295;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">4  </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> Communication with the membership is critical. How would you keep members apprised of your EC-related activities?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">As a member EC representing the African region, I will identify the critical policy issues which are on the table for discussion and simplify them for the understanding of my African audience and newcomers. I will use available channels of communications such as emails, newsletters, blogs, and targeted social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Google Hangout. Also, I will work with existing NCUC communications strategies and members to advance the work I am doing in the NCUC EC. I hope to drive engagement by linking my EC activities to some of the real-life issues and benefits of NCUC activities to the African users, especially on the issues of Access, Local Content, Human Rights, Development, Privacy, and Multilingual Internet. These issues, when addressed, will ultimately grow the domain name business in Africa. Ultimately reinforcing the stability, security and resilience of the global network</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">We need to organize more Pre- Post ICANN events in Africa Region to help improve the region’s members and their involvement.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">In collaboration with the NCUC ‘s e-platform group, I hope to develop an ICANN and IG-related activities schedule to keep members abreast of events going on.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">I will become active on social media, especially Twitter, during or after ICANN events and calls.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.295;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Language  is a major constraint to fully engage the full potential of Africans participation, as we have about 50% francophone in Africa to actively engage. I hope to use French as a channel to reach more participants. I intend to work with mentors like Mamadou and </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> Muriel Alapini to push this engagement agenda.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.295;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Gender - gap in participation from the region are yet to be tapped into, we have higher female participation from my region  in other IG space, why not in NCUC, this is what I want to improve.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.295;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">I will facilitate productive and sustainable mentoring relationships. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.295;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">ICANN/ NCUC-Africa Outreach is a major project for me to increase our fan base on the continent.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.295;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Become active  on social media, especially twitter during or after ICANN events and calls.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.295;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">5        </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:700;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">How do you foresee NCUC’s function, scale, or role changing in the future? What areas of ICANN policy, if any, need more attention and why?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.295;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">With the ongoing Evolving  ICANN’s Multistakeholder  Model - it is certain NCUC engagement will evolve in the process.</span><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial;background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">With the ongoing Evolving ICANN’s Multi-stakeholder Model - it is certain NCUC engagement will evolve in the process.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Personally, I see NCUC’s function evolving in the future, as we bring more participation of academia, CSOs and other non-commercial users from developing countries on board. As we connect the next billion to the Internet and NCUC as the home of the non-commercial users; we need to engage our members to become stronger advocates for the issues of concerns to the constituency (civil society's communities and individual users) in ICANN policy development processes and trending Internet Governance issues. I believe we need to awaken the competent hands in NCUC, that have gone silent and activate new voices, the balance of these two groups will determine how strong NCUC is among stakeholder group within ICANN must also move to champion education about domain name rights, freedom of speech, etc. of civil societies and other bodies with common interests. NCUC within ICANN will have to seek collaborations from ICANN constituents who have common goals on different policy issues for the purpose of the greatest impact. NCUC with ICANN must support those UN SDG goals that coincides with NCUC mission.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration-line:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Areas ICANN policy needs attention</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">EPDP on the Temporary Specification for gTLD Registration Data - Phase 2; this next phase, it requires the delicate balance between data protection, privacy advocate and need for innovation + data on the Internet.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Review of All Rights Protection Mechanisms in All gTLDs PDP</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">ICANN Africa Strategy, this region requires more of ICANN’s engagement to help grow the DNS market.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">New gTLD Auction Proceeds Cross-Community Working Group: the mechanism to utilize the resources should help improve and grow the Internet where it is lacking, especially in Africa.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">It is with excitement that I look forward to serving the NCUC community to engender participation of all diverse groups, especially those from developing countries and newcomers to ICANN.</span></p><br><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.295;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:8pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Benjamin Akinmoyeje</span></p><br class="gmail-Apple-interchange-newline"></div></div></div>