Internet Governance Forum (IGF)

Please visit our IGF 2016 page for information about the event happening 6-9

December 2016 in Mexico. The Internet Governance Forum: Best Practices Built By You The Internet’s influence has touched people all over the globe. In 2003 and 2005, the United Nations organized the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). One of the most critical outcomes from this landmark summit was the creation of the Internet Governance Forum, or the "IGF". Each year there are global, national, and regional IGFs events happening around the world. Every IGF offers a unique space for a an amazing range of people to share information and develop solutions on key Internet issues. It was purposefully designed not to be a decision-making body, which allows people to speak freely, on an equal footing, without limitations linked to the negotiations of formal outcomes. What comes out of the IGF, however, plays an essential role in shaping decisions taken by other groups that helps the Internet run. The first global IGF was held in 2006 in Athens. Since then, global IGFs have been held in Brazil, India, Egypt, Lithuania, Kenya, Azerbaijan, Indonesia and Turkey. In 2016, the IGF will be held in Guadalajara Mexico. Take Part in the 2016 Internet Governance Forum If you plan on coming to the 2016 IGF you can register on site. If you want to take part from the comfort of your own home, you can log on and take part remotely here. You can see a complete list of IGF workshops and presentations here. How The IGF Changed Things After almost a decade, the IGF remains a cornerstone of international Internet and local governance with participation from over 140 countries. The approach of the IGF is simple: Anyone who has a stake in the future of the Internet can go and be heard. It was founded and operates on the principles of being bottom-up, transparent, and inclusive. Without it, there would be no common ground where people who have a stake in the future of the Internet could develop local solutions with a global impact, addressing issues such as: Challenges and opportunities for Human Rights online Spam Security & Privacy Pervasive Online Surveillance Infrastructure Development How to make Internet governance more inclusive Best Practice Forums One of the benefits of the IGF is you can go there to share ideas and find out what's working and what's not in other parts of the world when it comes to challenges facing the Internet where you live. In 2015 the IGF held Best Practice sessions on things like IPv6 adoption, IXPs, Violence against women and more. Get the detailed reports from the 2015 IGF Best Practice Forums. The Internet Governance Forum Where You Live Local IGFs focus on issues that face a city, town or country and help people to bring solutions forward to a global level. National and regional IGFs have become so popular they've started happening all across the globe, generating conversation among everyone who wants a voice in the future of the Internet where they live. You can join too! Find out if a national or regional IGF is happening near you. Support the IGF By helping the IGF, you're contributing to all the positive opportunities the Internet can bring people when they have access and know how to make the most of it. However you choose to support the IGF, we are deeply grateful. Make A Donation The IGF functions through support from its participants and friends. To continue its growth and progression, it needs to have a robust and sustainable income stream. The Internet Governance Forum Support Association (IGFSA) is a channel for additional funding from individuals, companies and foundations to keep the IGF the go-to event for everyone who is interested in the Internet and its governance. You can become a member of the IGFSA. Donations are also welcomed. Attend the IGF You can take part in the next IGF and help bring solutions to some of the most critical issues facing the open Internet. Talk About Internet Issues in Your Area Got a blog? On Twitter? Facebook? Tumblr? G+? Let the world know what they are and what you think the solution is and how the IGF can help. Attend the IGF Where You Live Register for a national or regional IGF near you. Become an Internet Society Volunteer and Join a Chapter The Internet Society is made up of members and Chapters around the world - each one working to make a difference in where they live. By becoming a member, you gain access to a network of people who can help you reach out to local policy and decision makers to and encourage them to develop solutions to Internet issues that matter to you. Apply to Become An IGF Ambassador Our Ambassadors are concerned young citizens who are interested in bringing solutions to some of the toughest problems facing the Internet where they live. Find out how to apply.