The resilience of critical infrastructure is essential for global stability, as it underpins delivery of essential services within and across borders. Yet, these infrastructures are increasingly targeted by malicious cyber actors, posing risks to essential services that can cascade across regions and undermine international peace and security. Ensuring preparedness through robust cyber resilience measures is therefore vital. Effective protection of critical infrastructure requires overcoming silos between diplomatic and technical communities, strengthening national and cross-border CERT-to-CERT cooperation, fostering multi-stakeholder engagement, and stimulating diplomatic-technical communication channels. Additionally, ensuring effective national cyber incident response capabilities is key to mitigating ICT incidents affecting critical infrastructure. Developing such capabilities requires a clear national legal framework and mandate, well-defined administrative and operational structures, and adequate resources, including skilled personnel and technical capacities. Table-top exercises and scenario-based resilience planning can also play a crucial role in stress-testing incident response mechanisms, identifying vulnerabilities, and improving coordination across sectors. While national approaches will vary and adapt to their specific context, international cooperation – such as the exchange on good practices, confidence building measures, and the implementation of relevant international norms and international law – can enhance national and regional efforts. Building on the outcomes of the previous IGF Open Forum on safeguarding transnational critical infrastructure, this session will bring together experts from governments, civil society, and the private sector to take forward the four key ‘calls to action’ identified in that session. Specifically, the discussion will focus on identifying concrete pathways to: ● Strengthen diplomatic-technical collaboration by promoting cooperation between technical and diplomatic communities and enhancing cross-border CERT-to-CERT engagement. ● Institutionalize structured communication channels at the national level to facilitate timely responses to ICT incidents. ● Building national ICT incident response capacity by developing clear national legal frameworks, mandates, and response structures, while leveraging international cooperation to support capacity-building efforts. ● Identify pathways for multi-stakeholder cooperation, exchange of good practices, and enhancing information-sharing on emerging cyber threats to critical infrastructure through multilateral fora. By focusing on practical next steps, this session aims to move beyond problem identification toward actionable solutions that enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure and contribute to a more secure and stable digital future for all.

To ensure seamless interaction between onsite and online participants, after the interactive panel discussion, the organizers will prioritize questions and interventions from the online audience before turning to onsite participants, ensuring inclusivity and equal engagement across both groups. Utilizing Slido online polling tools, we will collect input and written resources on the subject of critical infrastructure protection from all attendees. This will provide opportunities for all attendees to actively contribute and exchange ideas on this topic. The organizers will also leverage complementary online tools and platforms such as Slido and online polling tools to collect input and encourage engagement during the session. These tools will enable us to collect questions, gather feedback, and facilitate interactive polls in real time, enhancing engagement and fostering a sense of community among participants, regardless of their location. By incorporating these interactive elements and encouraging active participation from both online and onsite attendees, we aim to create a dynamic and inclusive discussion where diverse perspectives are not only valued, heard, and but also recorded to subsequently inform formal UN deliberations within the OEWG and more broadly.

Digital Governance Reimagined: Bridging Youth Ambitions with Policy Vision is a high-level dialogue between Members of the European Parliament and emerging young leaders. Together, they will explore evolving models of digital governance in line with IGF 2025 priorities.
The session will address how to build digital trust and infrastructure resilience in the face of cybersecurity threats, misinformation, and growing geopolitical tensions. Discussions will also explore strategic digital sovereignty, including the role of future network technologies (such as 5G/6G and open source systems) in shaping a secure, inclusive digital future.
Special attention will be given to aligning youth driven ideas with long term policy frameworks that strengthen Europe’s capacity for open, democratic, and sovereign digital leadership.
The session is designed for robust interaction and participation in a hybrid meeting environment, ensuring that both onsite and remote attendees can engage fully. This hybrid approach not only maximizes accessibility but also enriches the dialogue by integrating diverse perspectives and experiences from across the digital spectrum.

This main session is examining the importance of securing Internet access and protecting core Internet resources in contexts of conflict and crisis situations and is organised by the IGF Best Practice Forum on Securing Access to the Internet and Protecting Core Internet Resources in Contexts of Conflict and Crises, one of the IGF intersessional activities of the 2025 cycle. The session at the IGF serves as a cornerstone for the BPF's activities that span beyond the annual meeting in June.

The session is driven by the draft problem statement that there is a clear and pressing need to clarify applicable norms, and the roles and responsibilities of different parts of the multistakeholder Internet community - and the institutions within it - in securing core Internet resources and ensuring civilian access to the Internet during conflicts and crises. 

Session objectives

• discuss and gather stakeholder input to complete and refine the problem statement
• examine applicable norms and normative frameworks, as well as any gaps or missing links
• identify next steps and inform the direction of future actions under the BPF 

Call for written input : Stakeholders and invited to provide written feedback on the draft problem statement. Details are in the Call for written input. 

Session outline

1. Opening and setting the scene
   1. Welcome and introduction
   2. Presentation of the BPF, the BPF 2025 topic and Objectives of the session
   3. Message of the UN Office on Disarmament Affairs
   4. Presentation of the BPF's draft problem statement and initial community feedback
2. Case studies
   1. Brief case studies will cover examples of destruction of infrastructure and disruption of access in conflict context, caused by natural disaster, and disruption in the management of core resources.
3. Discussion round 1:   Normative Frameworks 
   1. Reflecting on the different cases, what existing norms apply to the context of securing access and protecting core Internet infrastructure? Are they sufficient? Is there a need for adapting norms? Are there gaps to be filled?
   2. Does the existing work on the norm to protect the public core apply to this context? If so, how?
   3. Do Human Rights norms and International Humanitarian Law provide another angle to look at this context?
4. Discussion round 2: Accountability Frameworks and the Role of Stakeholders
   1. What accountability frameworks would support compliance with the relevant norms? Which institutions have a role in this contexts? What is the role of different stakeholders?
5. Next Steps and future actions under the BPF
6. Wrap up

Moderation, topic leads, panel

• Dennis Broeders, University of Leiden
• Madeline Carr, University College London
• Chantal Joris, Article19
• Jalal Abukhater, 7amleh
• Marwa Fatafta, Access Now
• Pablo Hinojosa
• Valeria Betancourt, MAG Member, BPF co-facilitator, remote moderator
• Anriette Esterhuysen, BPF co-facilitator, session moderator
• Wim Degezelle, BPF consultant, IGF Secretariat 

BPF webpage :  https://www.intgovforum.org/en/content/bpf-cybersecurity

As the WSIS+20 review approaches at the United Nations later this year, the Open Forum roundtable will dive into key aspects in the history of WSIS and explore notable achievements in the WSIS Outcomes.  The Open Forum roundtable brings together representatives from ICANN, ITU, UNESCO and Smart Africa, to share their perspectives and insights on WSIS+20. This session seeks to emphasize the significance of multistakeholder collaboration and partnerships, especially between the technical community, governments and intergovernmental organizations. Furthermore, explore the synergies among the WSIS and the SDGs, and also among the IGF, WSIS+20 High Level Event and the Global Digital Compact. The session will highlight ongoing activities and collaborations, as well as potential areas for future partnerships. 

Session Objectives:

1. Highlight key priorities for the WSIS+20 review such as the IGF and the importance of the multistakeholder model of Internet governance
2. Showcase the Impact of partnerships and multistakeholder collaborations in achieving the WSIS Outcomes
3. Highlight alignment of the WSIS Outcomes and the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs
4. Increase Awareness of WSIS+20 Review through the perspectives Government, IGO, the Technical Community, and other stakeholder groups
5. Look Beyond 2025: Discuss opportunities to address gaps and challenges 

The IGF Policy Network Internet Fragmentation (PNIF) is an IGF intersessional activity launched in 2022 to address the issue of Internet fragmentation. Its aim is to raise awareness of actions that may risk fragmenting the Internet, and to facilitate inclusive, multistakeholder dialogue on the issue. 

In its earlier cycles, the PNIF developed the PNIF Framework for Discussing Fragmentation, which conceptualises three key dimensions: Fragmentation of the Internet User experience, Fragmentation of Internet Governance and Coordination, and Fragmentation of the Internet’s Technical Layer. The Framework is intended to serve as a guiding tool to support dialogue on Internet fragmentation and on technical, political and commercial developments that may influence it.

A key takeaway from the PNIF session in Riyadh and the broader PNIF work in 2024 was that "avoiding Internet fragmentation remains a significant concern, requiring a balanced, inclusive and forward-looking approach," along with "sustained efforts to foster an inclusive and holistic dialogue on the topic". 

Meanwhile, UN Member States, through the Global Digital Compact (GDC), have committed to “Promote international cooperation among all stakeholders to prevent, identify and address risks of fragmentation of the Internet in a timely manner.”

The session, and the PNIF 2025 cycle, are focused on further strengthening the inclusive dialogue on Internet fragmentation. A key question is how the multistakeholder community can continue to monitor trends, discuss developments, raise warnings, and educate about the potential causes of fragmentation—both within the context of the GDC and beyond.

Speakers

• Ms Joyce Chen, Senior Advisor Strategic Engagement, at APNIC (onsite)
• Mr Naim Gjokaj, State Secretary, Montenegro (onsite)
• Mr Michel Lambert, General Manager,  eQualitie, APC (remote)
• Mr Dhruv Dhody, Internet Architecture Board (IAB) (onsite)
• Ms Marilia Maciel, Director of Digital Trade and Economic Security, Diplo Foundation (remote)

Moderation

• Bruna Martins dos Santos, PNIF co-facilitator  (on-site)
• Sheetal Kumar, PNIF co-facilitor (remote)
• Tereza Horejsova, MAG member, PNIF co-facilitator (remote)
• Wim Degezelle, PNIF consultant (on-site) 

Session structure

• Overview of the PNIF and its objectives (10 minutes) - 
• Session objectives  
• GDC commitment and SDG 16 (5 minutes) 
  • “(c) Promote international cooperation among all stakeholders to prevent, identify and address risks of fragmentation of the Internet in a timely manner (SDG 16);”
• Speaker discussion relating to the ‘status’ of the commitment and what has been done since the GDC was adopted, how the multistakeholder dialogue on fragmentation evolves and how the IGF & PNIF could contribute  (20 minutes)  
  • “What collaboration efforts have been taking place regarding internet fragmentation?” 
  • “What inclusive dialogues have been taking place regarding internet fragmentation?” “Where are they taking place, how are they multistakeholder and inclusive?”
  • If there is a gap, what could we do to address the gap?
  • “Who is mapping/tracking internet fragmentation?”
  • What could the PNIF do in this regard? (report on by the 1st of November)?
• Open discussion (15 minutes) 
• Next steps (15 minutes) 

PNIF webpage :  https://www.intgovforum.org/en/content/policy-network-on-internet-fragmentation

The rapid global advancement of artificial intelligence technologies has exerted profound impacts on economic and social development as well as human civilization, bringing tremendous opportunities to the world. However, with the explosive growth of the new generation of AI technologies, emerging issues such as ethical controversies, security risks, and privacy breaches have posed significant risks to economic development and social operations. Closely aligned with the theme of the 20th United Nations Internet Governance Forum, the theme of this open forum is Building an International AI Cooperation Ecosystem Based on Extensive Consultation, Joint Contribution, and Shared Benefits, which addresses two critical dimensions: fostering a sound policy environment for AI and building an innovative cooperative ecosystem for AI. It aims to provide valuable insights and solutions for promoting international AI cooperation and nurturing a thriving AI development ecosystem. By jointly constructing a community of shared future in cyberspace, this initiative seeks to contribute to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

1) The Session has an onsite moderator and online moderator, each is responsible for moderating the onsite and online speakers and attendees. And both moderators will ensure all speakers and attendees no matter online and onsite will have the equal opportunity to speak, raise questions and engage in each session of the workshop. 2)The session will be moderated by the online and onsite moderators. The moderators will invite each speaker to express their views on a set of questions and guide the debate amongst speakers and the audience, moderators will invite questions from the onsite audience and online participants, the question time will last about 20 minutes in order to provide sufficient interactions amongst speakers, audience and online participants. 3)The social media platforms including WeChat, Youtube, X, Facebook and Weibo etc., will be used to increase the participation and to carry out online streaming of the session.

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) represents a global, multi trillion-dollar opportunity based on essential digital systems that allows users to participate in the digital economy and society. As our future digital backbone, it is critical DPI protocols be future ready, interoperable, scalable and global. What is the best way to achieve this? Do the answers lie in open-source AI? If so, what does AI and other DPI products mean as a public good? What roles should the private and public sector play in advancing open-source AI?

1.An online moderator will be present to ensure online attendees may fully participate and have their opinions be included in the discussion. An onsite organizer will act as rapporteur to fully integrate the views of both online and onsite attendees. 2. The organizer and moderators will all be tasked with monitoring the live zoom chat to address any questions from online attendees. The session will be well structured to receive interventions from online and onsite attendees in an alternating manner to allow for equitable representation from both groups. 3. PowerPoint and screen sharing will be used so both online and onsite attendees have access to the same materials while the session is ongoing as well as to ensure experiential parity in information shared.

As the WSIS+20 Review negotiations are approaching, this Open Forum will serve as a platform to bring together diverse stakeholders to discuss how to strengthen and update the WSIS framework into a "WSIS Plus" that is fit for purpose in addressing today's digital challenges. The session will focus on fostering inclusive, multistakeholder dialogue to ensure that the WSIS+20 Review process delivers a framework that is responsive to the needs of all stakeholders, integrates the Global Digital Compact (GDC) commitments, and addresses emerging digital governance issues. The Open Forum will be conducted in an open, brainstorming-style format, encouraging broad participation and open discussions. It will provide a space for stakeholders to share their perspectives, identify key priorities together, and hopefully propose actionable recommendations for a strengthened WSIS Plus framework.

This Open Forum will be conducted as an interactive way, with a focus on open discussions and multistakeholder participation. The session will include: • Opening Remarks: Brief introductions by moderators and key stakeholders, including updates on the WSIS+20 Review. • Open floor discussion on: A facilitated open discussion where all participants can share views, ask questions and propose recommendations on: o Strengthening multistakeholder engagement o Addressing subject matter gaps in the WSIS architecture o Addressing institutional gaps in the WSIS architecture • Closing Remarks: Summarize key takeaways of the discissions.

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF), including its extensive networks, has been an effective space enabling all to participate in Internet governance dialogues, informed discussions and serves as an incubator and compass for discussing current and emerging  Internet-related policy issues, connected with emerging technologies since 2006. This work has informed and contributed to the WSIS process, the implementation  of action lines, in addition to addressing national and regional Internet priorities. 

This multistakeholder platform is a unique space as an all-year-round event, with intersessional works such as national and regional IGFs (NRIs) and self-organised Dynamic Coalitions. The intersessional work represents a network of networks—bringing together technical communities, international organizations, businesses, civil society, and government representatives who continuously exchange views on key digital issues related to the Internet, that are shared during the global IGF annual event and contribute to shaping its outputs and messages.

The IGF and NRIs, with goals and targets for an Internet and digital governance,  are aligned with the WSIS vision for people-centred development and a sustainable future for all.

The mandate of the IGF, as defined in the Tunis Agenda for the Information Society, has demonstrated itself to be an effective platform to leverage a networked multistakeholder approach to contribute to the ongoing multilateral processes. In line with paragraph 72(b) of the Tunis agenda, the IGF could have a role in the coordination of digital governance spaces, improving the dialogue and the links between global, regional and national initiatives, and also overcoming fragmentation and duplication of fora and siloed discussions in international bodies.

Furthermore, the Global Digital Compact (GDC), which includes a comprehensive framework for global governance of digital technologies, data and AI, highlights the role of the IGF in relation to global digital governance and especially the role of NRIs for GDC implementation - acting as key enablers and catalysts for change in local digital spaces.

Building on the above, this Main Session has two objectives: 
First, to share the experiences of various stakeholders that demonstrate the usefulness and illustrate the concrete and meaningful impact of the IGF on the evolution of the digital ecosystem in different national or regional contexts, in different sectors of the society. 

Second, to discuss how the IGF should continue to contribute to the achievement of a people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented Information Society, and therefore, how it should play a central role in the WSIS and GDC processes.

1. What has the IGF meant to you and what do you want it to mean for you in the future?
2. How has the IGF multistakeholder model and its realizations (IGF, NRI, DC, BPF, PN, etc.) made an impact in your organization or Internet issues in your country or region? 
3. How can the IGF play a more impactful expanded role to contribute to the implementation of the WSIS goals and the GDC?

Speakers:

• Hans Petter Holen, RIPE NCC 
• Prof. Ambassador Bitange Ndemo, Ambassador of Kenya to Belgium and the European Union
• Renata Mielli, Chair of CGI.br - Brazilian Internet Steering Committee
• Funke Opeke, Equinox (Mainone), Nigeria
• Qusai Al Shatti, Arab IGF
• Chat Garcia Ramilo, Association for Progressive Communications 
• Luca Belli
• Isabelle Lois, Vice-chair CSTD

Moderator:

• Avri Doria, independent

This session highlights how UNGIS is driving digital cooperation for sustainable development through strategic partnerships. Global digital cooperation is essential to ensuring that digital transformation benefits all communities. While UNGIS recognizes that resolving interconnected global challenges requires new formats and modes of cooperation, stronger and broader partnerships, it continues to remain a key platform for the UN system to work together, providing strategic guidance and facilitating coordination among stakeholders to achieve the SDGs and objectives of the WSIS process, as well as the commitments of the Global Digital Compact. This session will explore the role of digital transformation in addressing global challenges and advancing the SDGs, as well as the objectives of the WSIS process. The session also provides a platform for discussing the ongoing WSIS+20 review, focusing on how digital cooperation can further strengthen global efforts and align with the commitments of the Global Digital Compact, ensuring inclusive growth and sustainable development for all UNGIS and the WSIS process have long recognized that digital technologies are cross-cutting facilitators and enablers of economic growth and sustainable development.

The moderator will regularly engage with both online and onsite speakers, ensuring equal participation. We will encourage online attendees to ask questions, provide feedback, and share insights through a live chat feature, which will be monitored and addressed in real-time by the moderator.

This session, organized by ITU and chaired by Ms. Cynthia Lesufi, Chair of the ITU Council Working Group on WSIS&SDG, invites stakeholders to share their perspectives on ITU’s contributions to the WSIS+20 review. The discussion will address key areas, including progress and challenges since the Geneva Plan of Action, the alignment of the WSIS Process with the 2030 Agenda, and the future of WSIS beyond 2025. The session will highlight ITU’s work over the past two decades and emphasize the importance of inclusive, multistakeholder engagement in supporting a comprehensive and forward-looking review of the WSIS Process.

Hybrid session.

Ahead of the WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025, a special 90-minute briefing session will be held at IGF 2025 in Lillestrøm, Norway. This session will present the Outcomes of the Open Consultation Process (OCP) for WSIS+20, highlighting key findings, stakeholder contributions, and the finalized program, themes, and objectives of the upcoming High-Level Event. The session will provide an interactive platform for IGF participants to engage with WSIS+20 organizers, share announcements, and ask questions about the event’s structure, expected outcomes, and opportunities for participation. It will serve as a crucial moment for global stakeholders to align on priorities and ensure an inclusive and impactful WSIS+20 celebration and review.

To ensure a seamless hybrid session, we will: 1. Facilitate interaction through a dedicated online moderator, Q&A, and equal participation for onsite and online speakers. 2. Enhance the experience with a structured agenda, AV setup, and interactive breakout discussions. 3. Use Zoom, Mentimeter for polls/Q&A