Internet Governance Forum | IGF

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) serves to bring people together from various stakeholder groups as equals, in discussions on public policy issues relating to the Internet. While there is no negotiated outcome, the IGF informs and inspires those with policy-making power in both the public and private sectors. At their annual meeting delegates discuss, exchange information and share good practices with each other. The IGF facilitates a common understanding of how to maximize Internet opportunities and address risks and challenges that arise.

The IGF also gives stakeholders from developing countries the opportunity to engage in the debate on Internet governance and it contributes to capacity building, allowing these stakeholders to build knowledge and skills that will facilitate their participation in existing Internet governance institutions and arrangements. Ultimately the involvement of all stakeholders, from developed as well as developing countries, is necessary for advancing dynamic public policies in Internet governance.

Internet governance was one of the most controversial issues at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) held in two phases, in Geneva, 2003, and in Tunis, 2005. Cognizant of the fact that any Internet governance approach should be inclusive and responsive, the WSIS requested the Secretary-General of the United Nations to convene a new forum for multi-stakeholder policy dialogue.As a platform for discussions, the Forum brings various stakeholder groups to the table as equals to exchange information and share good practices. While the IGF may not have decision-making mandates, it informs and inspires those who do. It facilitates a common understanding of how to maximize Internet opportunities and address risks and challenges.