The IGF is actively engaged with and acts as a reference point on digital policy for UN System bodies in several ways.
- UN Agency Participation at Annual IGFs: UN entities have regularly organized sessions at the IGF's annual meetings, either as standalone sessions to highlight their Internet governance-related work, or to address specific of-the-moment digital issues in collaboration with other organizations. From 2021 through 2023, diverse UN agencies have taken part in IGF-organized "UN Open Forums" whose focus is spotlighting agencies' digital initiatives and identifying areas for greater inter-System collaboration.
- UN Agency Participation in IGF Intersessional Work: UN entities have been traditionally active and are increasing their participation in the IGF's intersessional activities. Examples include the IGF 2021 Policy Network on Environment (PNE), where UNEP has been a contributor, and the IGF Dynamic Coalition on Internet Universality Indicators, with UNESCO as a main organizer.
- UN Agencies & the IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG): Representatives of intergovernmental organizations, including UN System entities, are invited to participate in MAG discussions as co-equals with the body's membership. ITU, UNESCO, UN-ESCWA and WIPO are among those officially represented on the MAG. UN entities also regularly brief IGF stakeholders during the open consultations of MAG meetings [UN inputs to IGF open consultations].
- Cross-Agency Information Sharing: The IGF is a regular participant of monthly UN system-wide meetings of the UN Group on the Information Society (UNGIS) and UN Cyber Hub, spaces for UN entities to exchange updates and leverage synergies.
