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ICANN - Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers

04/18/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/18/2024 04:26

ICANN Launches a Diversity and Inclusion ToolkitDavid Olive

I am thrilled to announce the launch of ICANN's Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit, a pivotal resource to support the implementation of the Work Stream 2 (WS2) recommendations. This toolkit is the result of WS2 Recommendation 1.6, which calls for ICANN organization staff to provide support and tools for the Supporting Organizations, Advisory Committees, and other community groups to assist them in assessing their diversity. It is designed to empower our community groups in assessing, measuring, and promoting diversity within and across their membership.

The Diversity Toolkit not only fulfills the goals of Recommendation 1.6 but also contributes significantly to the implementation of other WS2 Diversity recommendations, including the assessment of diversity criteria, the establishment of objectives and strategies, and the regular updating of diversity assessments within each community group.

The Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit's goal is to actively contribute to creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, understood, and appreciated. Specifically, the toolkit aims to:

  • Define Diversity and Inclusion: Clearly articulate how ICANN defines diversity and inclusion.
  • Emphasize Their Importance: Clarify the significance of diversity and inclusion within the ICANN community.
  • Assess the Situation: Promote analysis of diversity perspectives of community groups through surveys that were created by the community.
  • Promote Action: Offer practical tips and best practices to enhance diversity and foster inclusivity.

This flexible and practical resource allows users to navigate the Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit online based on their specific needs. Whether it's making positive changes in attracting diverse community members, addressing specific diversity elements, or enhancing personal understanding of key issues, the Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit provides actionable guidance. In addition to its contents, the toolkit includes links to complementary online sources for a deeper dive into specific concepts, enriching the users' understanding of diversity and inclusion.

The release of the Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit also supports one of ICANN's Operating Initiatives, "Evolve and Strengthen the Multistakeholder Model to Facilitate Diverse and Inclusive Participation in Policymaking." The toolkit therefore exemplifies our commitment to nurturing a multistakeholder environment that embraces diversity in all facets.

As we launch this toolkit, we invite all ICANN community members to actively use it as a practical resource. By following the guidance provided in the toolkit, we collectively contribute to the evolution and strengthening of ICANN's multistakeholder model, fostering an inclusive community that reflects the diversity of the global Internet governance landscape.

Stay tuned for updates, and let's embark on this transformative journey together!

Authors

David Olive

SVP, Policy Development Support & Managing Director - Washington, D.C.
Read biography

David Olive

SVP, Policy Development Support & Managing Director - Washington, D.C.

David Olive is the Senior Vice President of Policy Development Support at the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). He leads the team responsible for developing and coordinating policies with the Internet community to support the security, stability, and interoperability of the Internet.

Prior to joining ICANN in 2010, David served at Fujitsu Limited in Washington, D.C., as General Manager and chief corporate representative where he led the formation of public policy on Internet communications technology. He advised executives on business planning, corporate and business development, and public policy for the Internet, electronic commerce, telecommunications, science, and technology.

Before Fujitsu, David served as a U.S. Department of State Foreign Service Officer where he specialized in trade, investment, and technology policy. He was a recipient of the Department's Meritorious Honor Award for distinguished service.

David has served with many technology and business organizations including the Commercial Board of Directors of TechAmerica, Board of Directors of the Computer and Communications Industry Association, the U.S.-Japan Business Council, International Chamber of Commerce, and more.

David earned his bachelor's degree from Georgetown University and graduate degrees from Johns Hopkins University and Princeton University. He has completed executive leadership programs at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government and Kadir Has University in Istanbul, Turkey.