IGF 2025 Open Forum #40 Reimagining digital governance for child rights and safety

In an increasingly digital world, the safety and rights of children online have become paramount concerns. This has also been reflected at the IGF, with an increasing number of stakeholders and sessions focused on children. However, with rapid technological development and broader socio-political shifts, the question arises whether traditional approaches are achieving their objectives. This session will bring together a diverse range of perspectives to critically examine how various stakeholders are – and should – engage to shape a digital environment that protects, respects, and fulfills children's rights. The discussion will include investors, companies that develop or deploy digital technologies, regulators, civil society, and international organizations and examine the unique roles and leverage points of these stakeholders for creating a safer digital environment for children, from early childhood to adolescence. Speakers will share promising practices and pressing challenges from around the globe. Key issues to be addressed include the challenges of ensuring measures are informed by children’s views, the need for transparency and accountability in corporate practices, the role of regulatory powers and frameworks in safeguarding children's rights, and new opportunities for innovation and collaboration, emphasizing the potential for multi-sectoral partnerships to drive meaningful change. Participants will gain insights into the complexities of digital governance and the collective efforts required to ensure that children's rights are prioritized in the digital age. This session promises to be a thought-provoking and action-oriented discussion, fostering a deeper understanding of how we can build a safer and more inclusive digital future for children.

Interaction will be facilitated through a combination of live Q&A sessions, moderated discussions, and real-time polling. Onsite and online participants will have opportunities to ask questions and share their insights. An online moderator will monitor the chat and questions, ensuring that online participants' contributions are integrated into the discussion. This approach ensures a cohesive and interactive experience for all attendees. To ensure the best possible experience, the session will be designed with a clear agenda, including time allocations for each speaker and interactive segments that function seamlessly for online and onsite participants. Additionally, the use of visual aids and presentation materials will enhance understanding and engagement for both onsite and online audiences. We plan to use a combination of online tools such as Zoom for video conferencing (in order to monitor chat in real time), and Menti for real-time polling and Q&A. These platforms will help facilitate active participation and interaction, ensuring that all attendees can contribute to the discussion and engage with the content effectively.