The 21st annual meeting of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) will take place from December 14 to 18, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya, and will bring together various stakeholder groups, including Governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, the technical community, academia, and international organizations, for wide-ranging dialogue on public policy issues relating to the Internet and digital technologies.
Established by the United Nations in 2006 under the auspices of the Secretary-General, and hosted institutionally by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the IGF serves as the world’s leading multistakeholder platform discussing the future of the digital ecosystem. It is expected to bring together participants from more than 160 countries.
The organizers say the 2026 forum will build on the outcomes of the first 20 IGF meetings and continue efforts to strengthen inclusive and collaborative approaches to Internet governance at a time when artificial intelligence, digital platforms, cybersecurity, and cross-border data governance are transforming societies and economies.
The annual forum is expected to feature more than 250 sessions over five days, with thousands of participants engaging in discussions on issues including AI governance, digital inclusion, online safety, cybersecurity, data protection, information integrity, digital public infrastructure, human rights online, and the future of the multistakeholder model of Internet governance.
The IGF Secretariat has issued an open call for thematic input in which it invited stakeholders from across the world to contribute their perspectives on the most pressing issues, priorities, and challenges in the governance of digital technologies.
Such contributions will inform the development of the overarching theme and subthemes of the 2026 IGF as well as the design of the programme and the identification of priorities for intersessional work.
As part of the submissions, stakeholders were also invited to propose ideas for intersessional work, such as Policy Networks and Best Practice Forums, that could be carried out in the lead-up to IGF 2026.
The IGF Parliamentary Track, for instance, is a dedicated programme designed to strengthen the role of parliaments in shaping digital policies informed by the broader multistakeholder community. The track will continue its activities in 2026, with collaborative sessions at the various regional and annual IGF meetings, and will expand partnerships with interested stakeholders.
The IGF has also in recent years introduced a judiciary engagement as a dedicated space for members of the judiciary to engage in focused dialogue, exchange experiences, and contribute judicial perspectives in the lead-up to and during the annual IGF meeting.
Building on this foundation, the IGF will expand its judicial intersessional activities that foster dialogue and cooperation on key digital policy issues, support capacity development, and contribute to more action-oriented outcomes across regions and legal systems.
Particular attention is expected to be paid to the governance of AI, as governments and international organizations seek regulatory approaches that encourage innovation while protecting human rights, including the rights to privacy and freedom of expression, as well as democratic processes.
The increasing use of AI in elections, content moderation, education, and public administration has intensified calls for transparent, accountable, and rights-based governance frameworks.
The 2026 process also includes extensive intersessional work through policy networks, best practice forums, dynamic coalitions, and national, regional, and youth Internet Governance Forums.
These initiatives enable stakeholders to contribute research, policy recommendations, and practical experiences throughout the year, ensuring that discussions at the annual meeting reflect a broad range of perspectives.
Alongside the global meeting, regional initiatives are expected to play an important role in developing policy positions. In Africa, preparations are underway for the 15th Africa IGF, which is scheduled to take place in Accra, Ghana, from November 2 to 5, 2026, where policymakers, civil society organizations, parliamentarians, youth representatives, technical experts, and the private sector will discuss priorities for the continent’s digital future before contributing to global IGF processes.
The IGF has increasingly become a critical platform for addressing the intersection of technology and public policy, providing opportunities for governments, industry leaders, researchers, and civil society to exchange ideas on issues ranging from Internet access and digital rights to cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
Observers expect the 2026 forum to place renewed emphasis on bridging digital divides, strengthening trust in digital technologies, enhancing cooperation across sectors, and ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation are shared equitably across regions and communities.
