In light of recent discussions regarding the IGF Code of Conduct and policies governing participant engagement in IGF meetings, we wish to reaffirm the principles that guide the IGF and ensure that it remains an open, transparent, and inclusive platform for global dialogue on digital public policy issues.
The IGF provides a unique space for multistakeholder engagement, where participants from diverse backgrounds—including governments, civil society, the private sector, academia, and the technical community—engage in discussions on pressing digital governance issues.
During IGF 2024, a concern was raised regarding adherence to this Code of Conduct in a workshop on human rights-related issues. The IGF is a meeting open to all stakeholders convened by the Secretary-General and thus held under UN auspices. Discussions on human rights take place throughout the UN; specific bodies such as the Human Rights Council operate under complex rules of procedure, allowing for the examination of individual countries’ record in this field. In the IGF context, human rights discussions have taken place since the beginning, without, however, examining the record of individual cases or countries.
The same principles also apply to commercial practices. The IGF has been a platform to discuss many issues such as the merits of proprietary software as opposed to open software, of net neutrality or zero rating, without looking at the practices of individual companies.
To uphold the integrity and inclusivity of these discussions, the IGF has therefore long maintained a Code of Conduct that applies equally to all participants. This Code is designed to foster a space where conversations remain focused on issues rather than individuals, groups, organizations, or governments, preventing discussions from becoming politicized or personalized in a manner that could undermine constructive dialogue.
All participants agree to abide by this Code of Conduct as a condition of their registration. The provision in question—requiring that remarks focus on issues rather than specific actors—has been in place for most of the IGF’s existence and is applied consistently to all participants. It is not a measure to restrict legitimate discourse but rather to ensure that discussions remain issue-oriented and that the IGF continues to serve as a neutral forum for debate on critical global issues.
The IGF Secretariat has addressed concerns related to the Code through engagement with the involved parties, ensuring that all discussions remain within the agreed-upon framework. The Secretariat’s role in such instances is to uphold the established rules and facilitate a constructive environment for dialogue.
As a bottom-up, multistakeholder mechanism, the IGF continuously evolves through input from its community. Stakeholders who wish to propose amendments to the Code of Conduct can do so through its established open consultation processes. The IGF provides a space where diverse perspectives are respected and where discussions on digital governance, including those on human rights, can take place in a meaningful and inclusive manner.
We appreciate the engagement of all stakeholders and remain committed to fostering an environment that supports open and constructive debate in accordance with the IGF’s foundational principles.