What is the NRIs Main Session hosted at the annual IGF?
The NRIs as a network, are committed to organize a joint, main session at the annual IGF meeting. Collaboration with the members of the IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) is welcomed while respecting both groups working modalities. The planning process is carried by the NRIs representatives and/or coordinators designated by their multistakeholder organizing committees, in an open, inclusive, transparent and bottom-up manner.
The main objectives of this session, as outlined in the NRIs session Guidelines, are:
- To contribute to the meeting quality and comprehensiveness by bringing local, national and regional perspectives, challenges and good practices
- To showcase the diversity among the countries and regions across the world, on matters related to the Internet governance
- Through joint work over one IGF cycle, the NRIs to continue building firmer sense of community
The main session engages NRIs from different regions. Its format is interactive and dialogue-based. The session is interpreted to six UN languages and transcribed. So far, five NRIs main sessions were hosted in Mexico at IGF 2016, Switzerland at IGF 2017, France at IGF 2018, Germany at IGF 2019 (see image left), online during IGF 2020, at IGF 2021 in Poland and at IGF 2022 in Ethiopia.
| About NRIs Main Session Planning |
Who is planning the session? The session is planned by the NRIs network through the NRIs focus working group composed of NRIs coordinators and representatives designated by the NRIs multistakeholder organizing committees. One NRIs can have more than one designated representative, should the committee decides so. The IGF Secretariat's NRIs Focal Point needs to be informed about this decision by the NRIs coordinator. The Focal Point will then subscribe designated representatives, as members of the NRIs main session focus working group, to the mailing list. As soon as it is formed, members of the NRIs main session focus working group will be made available on this page.
How is it planned? The planning is done through regular (bi)monthly meetings over a dedicated mailing list. The group's advice is brought to the attention of the entire NRIs network via the NRIs mailing list for final endorsement. The NRIs mailing list is open to everyone to subscribe and is the best way to stay informed about all NRIs-related activities.
Can anyone join the work? The IGF is an open and friendly collaborative space for everyone. Observers are most welcome to join the working group by approaching the IGF Secretariat with a request. However, the decisions are made by the NRIs-designated representatives.
The NRIs main session vividly illustrates diversity that exists among countries and regions across the world, on matters related to Internet governance. It points to related challenges and potentials, and inspires digital cooperation. As such, it stands in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
