That address must be unique so computers know where to find each other. ICANN helps coordinate and support these unique identifiers across the world. ICANN was formed in 1998 as a not-for-profit public-benefit corporation with a community of participants from all over the world.
The Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) serves as the voice of Governments and International Governmental Organizations in ICANN's multi-stakeholders representative structure. The committee’s key role is to provide advice to ICANN on issues of public policy, especially where there may be an interaction between ICANN's activities or policies and national laws or international agreements. GAC members discuss issues with the ICANN Board and other ICANN Supporting Organizations, Advisory Committees and other groups and deliver regular Advice.
The HLGM takes place once every two years in conjunction with an ICANN public meeting and in addition to the usual GAC meeting. The HLGM provides the opportunity to:
• Reaffirm the critical role that governments play in providing advice to the ICANN Board on public-policy issues as it relates to the secure and stable functioning of the Domain Name System.
• Enable all parties to gain a clearer understanding of the role of governments in ICANN processes, including the GAC.
• Discuss current public policy issues and challenges at a very senior level. These discussions can occur between governments, as well as between governments and the ICANN leadership group.
• Expose very senior administrative officials and senior elected officials (Ministers, members of legislative bodies) to ICANN, allowing them to gain a greater understanding of the organization and the issues it deals with.
• Reach out to administrations and governments who are not yet, or not currently, represented on the GAC or in other ICANN forums.
The meeting is also marking the 20 years of ICANN and the hosting of the 4th High Level Government Meeting for Government Advisory Committee(GAC).