On behalf of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, I have the pleasure to invite you to the Tenth Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), which will be held in João Pessoa, Brazil, from 10 to 13 November 2015.

As underlined in the Tunis Agenda (2005), the IGF is a multistakeholder, inclusive and transparent forum, which facilitates discussions on public policy issues related to Internet governance. The Forum welcomes all stakeholders in the Internet ecosystem, including all entities accredited by the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), as well as other institutions and individuals with relevant expertise, experience and interest.

After consultation, the main theme of the Tenth IGF is Evolution of Internet Governance: Empowering Sustainable Development. This theme is very timely, as the United Nations General Assembly will be adopting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in September and reviewing the implementation of the WSIS outcomes in December 2015, during its 70th Session. The General Assembly will also be reviewing the extension of the IGF mandate within its overall WSIS review.

Inspired by recent experience and lessons learned, discussions during the four-day Tenth IGF meeting will address issues under the following sub-themes: Cybersecurity and Trust; Internet Economy; Inclusiveness and Diversity; Openness; Enhancing Multistakeholder Cooperation; Internet and Human Rights; Critical Internet Resources and Emerging Issues. The 100 or more sessions, organized by interested stakeholders, are expected to facilitate comprehensive debates among participants from different parts of the world.

The Tenth IGF also aims to enhance linkages among discussions, recommendations and policy options, coming from the various national and regional IGF sessions and the rest of the Internet ecosystem. Furthermore, relevant Internet governance organizations are encouraged to take forward key ideas raised during the Tenth IGF.

I strongly encourage all stakeholders - representing Governments, private sector, civil society and the technical community - who have not participated in past IGFs - to join us and bring new voices and ideas. Those who are unable to be present physically in João Pessoa can join through remote participation.

Finally, I extend my sincere gratitude to the Government of Brazil, the previous host of the Second IGF, for also hosting the Tenth IGF.

WU Hongbo

Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs

United Nations