Extending a Hand to Global Internet Communities - ISOC Lebanon

sdnog continues to be committed to supporting communities in need, particularly those facing challenges with internet infrastructure and domain management. Our mission is to collaborate with and provide assistance to various regional and national organizations to ensure they have the technical support and resources necessary to maintain their internet services. Recently, we were excited to begin a partnership with the Lebanon Chapter of the Internet Society (ISOC), who oversees the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Lebanon, .lb. This work aligns closely with our relationship with the Sudan Chapter of ISOC, which is responsible for managing the .sd domain for Sudan.

Background: The Story of .LB

The .lb ccTLD has a rich history dating back to the early days of Lebanon's internet presence. Its management by the Lebanon ISOC chapter reflects the community-driven approach that both Lebanon and Sudan have championed for their respective ccTLDs. Despite its importance to the country’s digital landscape, .lb has faced unique challenges, especially amid Lebanon’s current difficult circumstances. The Internet Society Lebanon Chapter provides a comprehensive account of the .lb domain's journey on their website, detailing its origins, growth, and the ongoing efforts to ensure its stability. You can read more about the story of .lb here.

First Steps in Collaboration

On Thursday, October 24, 2024, our team, represented by Sara Alamin and Mohamed Alfafz, held an introductory meeting with the .lb team, represented by Jack Bakaev. This initial meeting was organized by Hana Sabbagh from ISOC Lebanon. The objective was to explore how sdnog, with its expertise in domain and network management, could assist Lebanon’s ISOC chapter in addressing the current challenges.

During the meeting, Jack Bakaev shared insights into .lb’s operational history, as well as the pressing issues they are currently facing. From technical hurdles to the impact of Lebanon's economic and political climate, the team outlined various obstacles to managing the ccTLD effectively.

Moving Forward: A Plan of Action

The meeting concluded with a commitment to follow up with another call on Thursday 31 Oct 2024. that will involve additional volunteers from .lb. Our aim is to develop a concrete action plan detailing how sdnog, in partnership with the ISOC chapters, can assist in strengthening the resilience and reliability of Lebanon’s internet infrastructure. From knowledge exchange to technical assistance, sdnog stands ready to help in whatever way it can.

As we move forward, we look forward to not only supporting .lb but also reinforcing our role as a community-oriented organization dedicated to improving the internet ecosystem in the MENA region and beyond.