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IGF 2022 Overarching Theme & Themes Following its First Open Consultations and Meeting of the 2022 planning cycle, the IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) has decided on an overarching theme for the 17th IGF: “Resilient Internet for a Shared Sustainable and Common Future”. The banner title references both the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and Our Common Agenda. In parallel, the constituent themes of the meeting have been conceived to closely align with the calls to action of the UN Secretary-General’s proposed Global Digital Compact. The five themes this year, which will guide upcoming calls for session proposals and the structure of the IGF programme, are “Connecting All People and Safeguarding Human Rights”; “Avoiding Internet Fragmentation”; “Governing Data and Protecting Privacy”; “Enabling Safety, Security and Accountability”; and “Addressing Advanced Technologies, including AI”. Read More Here
Intersessional Activities & NRIs: PNs & BPFs Announced Policy Networks & Best Practice Forums (BPFs) A new IGF PN on Internet Fragmentation (PNIF) is being introduced this year, while the PN on Meaningful Access (PNMA) will continue in 2022, as will the BPFs on Cybersecurity and on Gender & Digital Rights. All are invited to contribute to these continuing and emergent intersessional work streams, and sign up to their mailing lists. Dynamic Coalitions (DCs) There’s an issue-based DC for everyone: Children’s Rights, Community Connectivity, Internet of Things, Data Driven Health Technologies, and Public Access in Libraries, are only some of the 22 coalitions to explore. Learn about their work. DCs collaborate throughout the year, including through coordination meetings, which this year are set to focus on strengthening the involvement of coalitions in the IGF meeting programme planning, increasing links with other intersessional activities, and raising the profile of DC outputs, among other issues. See coalitions’ joint update to the IGF Expert Group Meeting (EGM). More Information on the DCs Page National, Regional and Youth IGF Initiatives (NRIs) The network of national, regional and youth IGF initiatives continues to meet regularly and discuss joint activities ahead of the global IGF in Addis Ababa. Substantive areas of mutual interest are mapped and looked at holistically by the NRIs to focus their sessions on. “Safeguarding and strengthening the core principles of a trusted Internet” will be the topic of the NRIs main session, while a selection of topics for collaborative sessions is underway. See the top ranked digital themes across NRIs, and check out the NRIs status update provided to the IGF EGM. More Information on the NRIs Page
Syllabus for Schools on Internet Governance Published This newly-published syllabus is an advisory document for convening a school on or teaching Internet governance, and can be used as a general reference guide on the structure of IG courses. Developed by the IGF Secretariat together with the community of Schools on Internet Governance (SIGs) around the world, the syllabus contains sections on core IG modules, teaching methods, and how to find the expertise that’s right for your course. Not limited to IG practitioners and students, any professional and interested groups are encouraged to browse this resource. The syllabus is currently under review by the Dynamic Coalition on Schools on Internet Governance (DC-SIG) and the broader community. More Here
Capacity Development IGF capacity development activities are expanding on the significant results achieved in 2021, with plans for: capacity development workshops, support to remote hubs, support to IGF participants and session organizers, and cooperation with schools on Internet governance as well as systematic engagement with legislators and youth. More Information on the Capacity Development Page
IGF Expert Group Meeting in New York The IGF’s Expert Group Meeting (EGM), held 31 March to 1 April, has wrapped up at the Permanent Mission of Finland in New York. The gathering of more than 30 multistakeholder and international experts discussed the future of the IGF in the context of ever-evolving digital cooperation, including initiatives by the UN, such as the Roadmap for Digital Cooperation and envisioned Global Digital Compact. A report of the meeting and its recommendations will be made available in the coming weeks. EGM background documents and other resources are available online. IGF 2022 Second Open Consultations & MAG Meeting The Second Open Consultations and Meeting of the Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) will take place on 6-8 July 2022 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. Registration and other details are forthcoming on the IGF homepage. For Your Action! Sign up to IGF Mailing Lists Watch the IGF 2022 Space for Upcoming Public Calls Key Dates and Deadlines 5 April | Virtual MAG Meeting III 7 April | MAG Working Group on Strategy Meeting See the Full IGF Calendar Please feel free to share this newsletter with others. Follow us |