Technology

Building Bridges for the Future of the Internet: The Third APAC DNS Forum Set to Unite Tech Leaders

Jakarta, Indonesia - May 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A pivotal event is set to take place in Bali, where the third Asia-Pacific (APAC) Domain Name System (DNS) Forum will bring together a global assembly of internet experts and stakeholders. Slated for July 23-24, 2024, The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) in collaboration with Pengelola Nama Domain Internet Indonesia (PANDI) will host the forum to fortify the fabric of global internet connectivity and interoperability at this critical conference.

A Symposium of Significance: Charting the Internet’s Trajectory

Under the significant banner “Building Bridges: Strengthening Collaboration to Shape the Internet's Future,” the event aims to facilitate discussions among regional and international experts. The gathering will be rooted in exploring and fostering sturdy partnerships, vital for maximizing the internet’s boundless potential and navigating its complex challenges. The DNS, as the backbone of the global internet, supports the breathtaking spectrum of possibilities and innovations that the digital domain offers. Continuing to fulfill these essential functions requires synchronous cooperation across diverse markets, technologies, and interest groups. Without this collaborative spirit, the future functionality of our globally interoperable internet risks being compromised.

Preserving economic vitality and erasing linguistic barriers are at the heart of the forum's agenda. By expanding the scope of domain names, the initiative aims to link disconnected communities around the globe. The APAC DNS Forum will delve into the ways the region could embrace these opportunities to spearhead digital transformation. Furthermore, the forum will critically examine how legislative initiatives could impact the internet and the significance of an inclusive, Multistakeholder model of internet governance.

A United Future: ICANN and PANDI's Collaborative Vision

John Sihar Simanjuntak, Chairman of the PANDI Board, underscores the forum’s theme by highlighting the strengthening alliance between ICANN, PANDI, and the broader regional community. Such synergies are indispensable for the internet’s advancement. Simanjuntak expressed gratitude towards the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Informatics for their support and emphasized how integral the forum will be to future dicussions. Topics include examining how blockchain technology can be adapted within the global internet governance framework.

ICANN has previously initiated similar forums in other regions such as Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East. All these forums share the objective of encouraging collaboration, networking, and exchanging ideas between ICANN and the global DNS community to navigate the ever-evolving domain name industry and internet landscape.

Jia-Rong Low, Vice President and Managing Director of ICANN APAC, expressed pride in bringing the APAC DNS Forum to Indonesia to extend the successful regional event format. Low anticipates the forum will serve as a think-tank, offering profound insights into the opportunities and challenges unique to the internet in their region. This will enable attendees to benefit greatly from the shared knowledge and experiences.

The Hybrid Forum Experience: Bridging Physical and Virtual Participation

The dynamic hybrid APAC DNS Forum 2024 will be held at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua. The forum attempts to strike a balance between in-person interaction and digital accessibility, embodying the very subject at its core – a united internet community.

Registration for both physical and virtual participation is now open. The forum organizers are also set to conduct four webinars in June and July, addressing topics relevant to the theme of the forum, with the full schedule to be announced by the end of May 2024.

Businesses and individuals interested in contributing to the forum’s success can explore sponsorship opportunities. For more details about the forum and participation options, visit the event website.

Charting the Role of ICANN

ICANN has the vital mission to ensure a stable, secure, and unified global internet. To communicate with someone over the internet, unique identifiers like names or numbers are required, and they must be singular so that computers can accurately locate one another. ICANN's role in coordinating these unique identifiers is crucial for global connectivity. Established in 1998 as a non-profit entity, ICANN operates with a community of diverse participants from all corners of the world.

The Evolution and Impact of PANDI

Pengelola Nama Domain Internet Indonesia, famously known as PANDI, was founded in 2006 and received a reassignment from the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) in 2013 as the registrar for .id. It is a consortium represented by a variety of stakeholders, including government officials, internet industry operatives, and academics. The surge in .id domain names to 951,421 as of December 31, 2023, solidifies its status as the largest country-code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD) in Southeast Asia. The .id domain encapsulates the essence of Indonesia, identity, and ideas, and is equipped with a disputes resolution authority handled directly by PANDI.

Conclusion

The upcoming APAC DNS Forum 2024 symbolizes a gathering of minds, aiming to fortify and navigate through the intricate web that delineates the present and future of internet architecture. As digital corridors continue to expand and intertwine, such conferences embody the bridge-building necessary to link ideas, innovations, and internet users across the world.

The event website can be visited for detailed information on the APAC DNS Forum 2024 and how you can be a part of this pivotal event.