Fwd: [IGF] IGF NEWSLETTER JUNE 2026
Olivier MJ Crépin-Leblond
Note this year's retained "Policy Networks":
- Policy Network on Artificial Intelligence
- Policy Network on Cybersecurity
- Policy Network on Digital Inclusion
- Policy Network on Open Digital Infrastructure
Kindest regards,
Olivier Crépin-Leblond
DC-CIV Chair
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| Subject: | [IGF] IGF NEWSLETTER JUNE 2026 |
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| Date: | Wed, 1 Jul 2026 16:54:15 +0000 |
| From: | IGF Secretariat via Info <in...@intgovforum.org> |
| Reply-To: | in...@intgovforum.org |
| To: | Intgovforum Info <in...@intgovforum.org> |
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🌐IGF Monthly Newsletter June 2026 Your monthly update on IGF news, activities, and upcoming events. |
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Dear IGF Community, Welcome to this month’s newsletter! Below you’ll find updates on new publications, IGF Secretariat’s activities, NRI highlights, intersessional work, capacity development, and upcoming events. |
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🗂 Secretariat Updates
IGF 2026 Call for Session Proposals, Village Booths, & Remote Hubs
All stakeholders are invited to submit proposals to organize sessions at IGF 2026, apply for an IGF 2026 Village Booth, and apply to host an IGF 2026 Remote Hub. Session organizers are encouraged to design interactive sessions and ensure their proposals support meaningful participation in a hybrid format. Submission deadline: 31 July 2026, 23:59 UTC.
Visit the open calls here:
IGF 2026 First Open Consultations & MAG Meeting
The IGF 2026 First Open Consultations and MAG Meeting took place last week (24–26 June) at UNON in Nairobi, bringing together the MAG, host country representatives, and the wider IGF community to shape the 2026 programme.
24 June – Open Consultations: Discussions focused on lessons from IGF 2025 stocktaking, alignment of IGF 2026 with major global processes such as WSIS+20 and the Global Digital Compact, and initial inputs on the overarching theme and strategic priorities. Participants also exchanged views on how to strengthen coherence across the IGF ecosystem and enhance capacity development and stakeholder engagement.
25 June – MAG Meeting: The MAG confirmed outcomes from prior virtual meetings and intersessional work, reviewed collaboration across Dynamic Coalitions, NRIs and the Youth Track, and advanced discussions on the overall programme architecture. Key items included integration of ecosystem activities into the annual meeting, proposals for strengthening government engagement, and preparation of public calls, including session, village booth, and remote hub proposals.
26 June – MAG Meeting: The final day focused on endorsement of the Call for Session Proposals and evaluation procedures, followed by strategic discussions on priorities for the 2026 cycle. Participants also reviewed the Expert Group Meeting (EGM) recommendations on increasing policy impact through mechanisms such as Policy Labs, and agreed on next steps and milestones leading to the September 2026 consultations.
ICANN Board of Directors Approve 1M USD Contribution to the IGF
We are grateful to share that the ICANN Board of Directors has approved a $1 million contribution to support the IGF — a significant investment for the IGF's long-term sustainability, operations, and inclusive global dialogue.
This contribution reflects a strong commitment to the multistakeholder model that has guided Internet governance for two decades. It comes at a pivotal moment, following the WSIS+20 process, which secured IGF's permanent mandate and marked an important milestone for the global Internet community.
The funds will strengthen the capacity of the IGF Secretariat, support more predictable operations, advance capacity-building efforts, and support meaningful participation of stakeholders from developing countries.
Thank you, ICANN, for your continued support of the IGF and the multistakeholder model.
IGF at WSIS Forum in Geneva (6-10 July 2026)
As the WSIS process enters a new chapter following the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolution 80/173, join the IGF Secretariat and members of the IGF community for an interactive discussion on the future of digital governance.
The session will explore how emerging technologies are reshaping societies and what actions are needed to ensure that the Internet remains inclusive, people-centred, and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Drawing on expertise from the IGF’s intersessional work and broader multistakeholder community, speakers will examine digital inclusion, technological innovation, emerging risks, and the role of multistakeholder cooperation in addressing rapid technological change.
IGF MAG Approves Four Policy Networks for 2026
The IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) has approved four Policy Networks as part of the IGF's 2026 intersessional work programme:
The decision follows a review of over 60 community proposals, with the selected Policy Networks reflecting key priorities for multistakeholder dialogue and cooperation throughout the 2026 IGF cycle.
The MAG and the IGF Secretariat extends its sincere appreciation to all members of the community who submitted proposals for intersessional work. The proposals were carefully reviewed and demonstrated a remarkable level of expertise, commitment, and innovation across a wide range of digital policy issues. As many submissions addressed similar themes and objectives, the selected Policy Networks are expected to provide opportunities for broad community participation and collaboration. The MAG encourages all proposal submitters and interested stakeholders to remain engaged and contribute their expertise through the approved workstreams.
The Nairobi MAG meeting resulted in designation of MAG co-facilitators for the policy networks and in the coming days more information on the implementation will be provided.
MAG members also expressed broad support for evolving the IGF's intersessional work architecture by merging the Policy Network and Best Practice Forum formats into a single Policy Network framework that incorporates a best-practice component. This approach aims to streamline intersessional activities while maintaining space for practical experience-sharing and policy-oriented outputs.
New Capacity Development Page on IGF Website
In response to a request raised during the IGF Expert Group Meeting in April this year, the IGF has launched a dedicated Capacity Development page on its website. The page consolidates the Forum’s diverse initiatives aimed at strengthening meaningful participation in Internet governance processes worldwide.
The page provides an overview of key support mechanisms, including training and workshops, youth and newcomers’ engagement, parliamentary and judiciary tracks, Schools on Internet governance, NRIs support, travel assistance, internships and fellowships, etc. It also highlights the IGF’s broader commitment to inclusive, multistakeholder capacity building, with a particular focus on underrepresented communities and stakeholders from developing countries, LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS.
By consolidating these resources in one place, the new page offers a clear entry point for stakeholders seeking to engage with and benefit from the IGF’s year-round capacity development work.
Visit the IGF Capacity Development page HERE.
New Business Engagement Page on IGF Website
The IGF has launched a new Business Engagement page on its website to strengthen private sector participation in global Internet governance discussions.
The initiative brings together business leaders, industry associations, and policy experts to contribute perspectives ahead of and during the annual IGF. It focuses on key issues such as AI accountability, data governance, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure investment, platform regulation, and the role of business in advancing the SDGs.
The aim is to foster dialogue across stakeholder groups, improve understanding of emerging digital policy trends, and support collaboration through knowledge-sharing and peer exchange.
IGF Secretariat Hosts Students from The University of Leiden
On 26 May, the IGF Secretariat had the pleasure of welcoming a group of over 90 Master’s students and faculty members from Leiden University’s International Relations and Democracy programme to the UN Palais in Geneva.
The students received an introduction to the IGF, its history, multistakeholder mechanisms, broader ecosystem, and the opportunities and challenges ahead for digital governance.
Following a presentation by the Head of the IGF Secretariat, Chengetai Masango, the session concluded with an engaging and insightful Q&A. The thoughtful questions and perspectives shared throughout the discussion reflected the strong academic foundation and critical thinking skills developed through the programme.
It was a pleasure to exchange views with the next generation of policymakers, diplomats, and leaders shaping our digital future.
Thank you to Leiden University for an inspiring visit!
IGF Secretariat Welcomes Two New Interns
Ariana Espinoza Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Ariana is a political scientist with a focus on international relations and political communication. Her interest in social media and internet politics led to research on the political use of a social media platform in Peru. Recognizing the uneven access to connectivity, she is motivated to contribute to the IGF’s mission of promoting a more inclusive and equitable Internet, with a particular commitment to amplifying female and Andean voices in Internet policy discussions.
Julia Williams Julia is from Minneapolis, USA, and is completing her undergraduate studies in international relations. Her interest in Internet governance stems from research on the military applications of AI and was further shaped by a fellowship with Diplo Foundation. She is particularly interested in the multistakeholder model and youth inclusion in global digital policy and joins the IGF Secretariat to deepen her experience in AI policy and Internet governance. |
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🌍 Intersessional Work, National, (Sub)Regional & Youth Initiatives (NRIs), and Capacity Development
National, (Sub)Regional & Youth Initiatives (NRIs)
NRI Toolkit Review Last month, NRIs commenced their review of the NRIs Toolkit after its 10-year existence. On 29 June, the NRIs will meet to discuss and select elements of improvement of the Toolkit before substantive work on its modernization begins.
NRIs Brochure Translated To enhance the accessibility of the NRIs brochure, it is now available in Arabic, Croatian, French, German, Italian, and Spanish, thanks to the generous efforts of volunteer translators:
We extend our sincere appreciation for their contributions in helping make this resource more accessible to communities around the world.
Parliamentary Track
On 24 June, UN DESA, including the IGF Secretariat, held consultations with representatives of the Parliament of Kenya. The meeting involved direct engagement with officers from both chambers and focused on preparations for the IGF Parliamentary Track at the 21st annual IGF in Nairobi.
The discussions covered the overall objectives and modalities of the Parliamentary Track, including the development of the programme and the role of the Speakers of both chambers. The Parliament of Kenya expressed its commitment to joining the IGF Host Country team and actively contributing to the organization of the Parliamentary Track. It also indicated its readiness to work closely with UN DESA and the IGF Secretariat, and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in shaping the programme and engaging parliamentarians from around the world.
The Parliament also expressed interest in participating in preparatory regional and global briefings for parliamentarians ahead of the Nairobi meeting, with a view to ensuring meaningful engagement with the IGF’s multistakeholder processes.
Judiciary Engagement
On 22 June, UN DESA, including the IGF Secretariat, met with representatives of the Kenyan judiciary at the Supreme Court to present the IGF 2026 strategy for judicial engagement and discuss the judiciary’s role in the 21st annual IGF in Nairobi.
The IGF Secretariat outlined the initiative’s objectives, including promoting interregional dialogue among judicial institutions, strengthening judicial participation in multistakeholder digital governance processes, raising awareness of issues such as AI governance and data protection, and building capacity through the exchange of experiences and good practices.
Representatives of the Kenyan judiciary expressed strong interest in contributing to and participating in IGF 2026.
Youth Track
IGF 2026 Youth Track Workshop I Report
As generative AI evolves, so do the risks. The workshop explored the shift from political deepfakes to AI-powered "nudification" tools that create non-consensual sexual content, and the implications for human rights, gender equality, online safety, and information integrity.
Bringing together youth advocates, policymakers, and digital rights experts, the discussion highlighted emerging legal approaches, accountability mechanisms, and the need to ensure that governance frameworks keep pace with technological change.
IGF Dynamic Coalitions Webinars
IGF Dynamic Coalition on Children’s Rights in the Digital Environment Webinar: To Ban or Not to Ban – How to Protect Children Online? The enforcement of several country’s social media age ban for under 16s has intensified a global debate on how best to protect children online while ensuring their meaningful participation in the digital space. Across regions, policymakers, researchers, civil society, and industry are grappling with questions of regulation, accountability, and rights-based approaches to online safety.
This IGF DC webinar will explore emerging evidence and policy perspectives. Speakers include Amanda Third, reflecting on Australia’s experience six months after implementation; Sonia Livingstone, providing a child rights framing; and contributors from European expert processes, including insights from the EU Special Panel and Germany’s national child participation work led by Jutta Croll and Torsten Krause.
IGF Dynamic Coalition on Digital Economy: AI for Good. AI for All. The IGF Dynamic Coalition on Digital Economy will host an online dialogue on 17 July 2026 exploring how artificial intelligence can contribute to sustainable development while avoiding the risk of deepening existing digital, economic, and societal divides.
Bringing together all stakeholders, the discussion will examine the role of AI in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), strengthening inclusive governance, and shaping the future of global digital cooperation.
The session aims to generate practical recommendations to help ensure that the benefits of AI are accessible, equitable, and shared across all countries and communities.
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📅 Upcoming Events
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Connect with us
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