As the world moves toward a Global Digital Compact (GDC), ensuring that National and Regional IGF Initiatives (NRIs) have a voice in global digital governance is crucial. This session provides a platform for NRIs, policymakers, and civil society to discuss: (i) NRIs' contributions to shaping national and regional digital policies. (ii) Challenges in influencing global digital policy frameworks.(iii)Strategies to enhance Global South participation in digital cooperation. (iv) The role of youth and intergenerational dialogue in shaping sustainable governance models. Through this roundtable discussion, the session will explore solutions, highlight successful NRI-led initiatives, and develop policy recommendations to strengthen collaboration between NRIs, governments, and international organizations.

Dedicated moderators will ensure seamless participation between onsite and online attendees. Online participants will engage via live Q&A. Breakout discussions will include onsite and virtual participants for a collaborative exchange of ideas.

The IGF represents an important forum to engage with stakeholders before Member States' negotiations that will take stock of the achievements and decide on the next steps for the World Summit on Information Society. In the Global Digital Compact, Member States reaffirmed their commitment to the outcomes of WSIS reflected in the Geneva Declaration (2003) and the Tunis Agenda (2005). It also invited to identify how these processes and forums can support the contribution of all stakeholders to the implementation of the Compact. The session will provide an opportunity to touch upon the Compact's implementation map and to exchange views on how to tap into synergies between the Compact and the upcoming WSIS+20. It will give participants a chance to hear the latest developments from institutional panelists and reflect on how we can make sure that WSIS and GDC actions are adhered to and monitored actively. In sum, the Open Forum will seek to stress the demand-side of WSIS and GDC by listening to the needs of advocates and users.

The moderator will give the floor to online participants for questions or replies. As the meeting begins, we will share a feedback form with both on-site participants (hard copy) and online attendees (form) to crowdsource ideas and proposals on how to build on synergies between GDC and WSIS+20. The last 15 minutes of the session will be for Q&A from the audience, and online participants will get a chance to engage with panelists and exchange views. Tooling: we will use Google Forms/Microsoft forms to poll attendees and, if time allows, Mentimeter or other live-polling tool to get immediate feedback

With billions of people across the globe logging on each day, the “trust and safety” field is rapidly growing as a key enabler for digital citizens’ ability to connect and interact within each other—within and across borders. This session will bring diverse stakeholders together to discuss the role of online safety best practices and international standards in driving digital trust and resilience. This event is an opportunity to hear directly from diverse stakeholders in how to strengthen such work. The Digital Trust and Safety Partnership (DTSP) has developed best practices and an assessment methodology that are progressing toward an international standard, ISO/IEC 25389, the first of its kind intended to control or manage content- and conduct-related risks. The aim of this open forum is to seek feedback from the global Internet community about the DTSP Best Practices, and how they can evolve effectively. Are they sufficient in capturing growing social and policy interest in internet safety? What is missing, and how should the best practices evolve to keep pace with emerging change, regulatory trends, and threats to the open Internet? How can we build on such work to address regulatory interest in safety and risk mitigations? And, what role can cross-industry best practices, norms, and principles play in broader policy conversations when it comes to promoting safety, expression, and the open Internet?

Dedicated Moderator: Assigning a moderator to monitor online participation and relay questions/comments to onsite speakers in real-time. Discussion between online and onsite participants: We will invite stakeholder representatives to attend remotely and participate in the session. we will send public invitation and individualized ones. We will have a hybrid friendly agenda and since it’s a roundtable as well as engagement session every person in the room and online will be able to participate. We first start with comments online and then come to the room we also promote the session as a hybrid to have as many online participants as possible We usually have breakout sessions for optimal engagement, we might do a small scenario based breakout session that engages online participants effectively but also gives the onsite participants time to reflect on the prompts. We will have a sign up sheet beforehand and will send background materials to the participants as well as the prompts

This session will be a discussion around building global cooperation for inclusive internet governance, focusing on insights from the technical community, challenges, and charting the road ahead. Global cooperation is increasingly necessary, as the world faces challenges such as the rapid adoption of Generative AI, gaps in access to technology between the Global North and the Global South, and increasing inequalities. However, creating opportunities for collaboration among governments, experts, civil society, and stakeholders with diverse backgrounds is not an easy or straightforward process. The Global Network of Centers was created as a proposed solution to this challenge. Starting in 2012 at an international Symposium on Internet-Driven Developments: Structural Changes and Tipping Points (SCTP) the NoC has seen many iterations, different governance structures, and adapting focus on activities. In 2025, the NoC continues to grow and foster collaboration among researchers and policymakers, among other activities. In this Open Forum, participants from different Centers representing different regions and collaborative outcomes will share key insights from the NoC’s collaboration model and explore what other academic centers can learn from this experience of fostering connections among institutions actively engaged in internet governance research over the past decade. At a time of increasing fragmentation, this panel seeks to highlight the fundamental elements that unite us, promote inclusivity, and strengthen global collaboration to ensure an internet that serves humanity’s best interests. The discussion will also showcase significant projects and initiatives developed within the NoC around the globe, examining their impact on international efforts and the work of global organizations operating in this domain. This forum would be directly linked to the activities outlined in the Network of Centers 2024-2026 Roadmap, which is attached to this proposal.

1) The onsite and online moderators will be in constant communications to ensure everyone looking to participate can do so. Participants will be encouraged to raise their hands (in person or virtually) for orderly moderation. 2) As the NoC has done in past hybrid events, having an engaged online moderator communicating with the onsite moderator is key. Everyone will have the same access to visual aids and the opportunity to participate in the conversation in an orderly and relevant fashion. Our moderators will also strive to create a conversational and interactive environment, while carefully keeping time to make the most of the session. 3) We will use on-the-call polls, a word cloud app, and chat prompts to increase engagement.

The United Nations Statistics Commission is the highest body of the global statistical system, bringing together Chief Statisticians from member states around the world, as well as international organizations working on statistics. The 56th Session of the Commission that took place in March this year endorsed the Copenhagen Framework on Citizen Data—a major step forward in strengthening partnerships between National Statistical Offices and communities. This milestone in creating a more inclusive statistical system highlights the need to elevate standards for data production while reinforcing statistical systems as instruments of tolerance and diversity. By engaging citizens, data production can be more than just numbers—it can provide the infrastructure for freedom of expression by establishing connections with population groups that are often left out or underrepresented when assessing societal needs and concerns. What information should be collected? How should it be collected? How should it be used? What does the information mean? These are just a few questions that the population itself can answer, as they are the ultimate beneficiaries of service delivery. This session focuses on the pioneering experience of Ghana exploring the potential of citizen-generated data in improving the engagement of citizens in the measurement and assessment of public service delivery. By engaging citizens in data collection and sharing the insights derived, National Statistical Offices can foster a participatory approach that strengthens the connection between data provision and active involvement in decision-making processes. The expansion of internet coverage and the rise in technological literacy enable the use of ‘apps’ to collect information from specific population groups. The session aims to: • Enhance understanding of the benefits and challenges associated with integrating citizen data into public service assessments. • Identify best practices for non-extractive, people centred data engagement models. • Develop actionable strategies to leverage internet connectivity for inclusive data collection.

The 2025 IGF will be a hybrid event. Your session should provide a rich, inclusive experience both for participants on-site and online. For information, the IGF Secretariat and the Host Country will provide the technical tools and virtual link to support the hybrid component of your session. Planning for an interactive session engagement is an important criterion for your proposal’s acceptance. Please respond to the following questions: 1) How will you facilitate interaction between onsite and online speakers and attendees? 2) How will you design the session to ensure the best possible experience for online and onsite participants? 3) Please note any complementary online tools/platforms you plan to use to increase participation and interaction during the session. The session will be fully hybrid, ensuring equal participation for both onsite and online attendees. Virtual connections will be facilitated through Zoom, with a dedicated online moderator overseeing the virtual audience, relaying questions, and encouraging active engagement. To promote interaction, live polling and a moderated Q&A session will be included, allowing both in-person and online participants to contribute equally. Virtual attendees will also be encouraged to use chat features to share insights, which the moderator will incorporate into the discussion. Panelists will engage directly with both onsite and virtual audiences, with clear visual and audio integration to ensure inclusive participation. To further enhance interactivity, digital engagement tools like Slido or Mentimeter will be used for live polls and Q&A. Additionally, a collaborative document (such as Google Docs or Padlet) may be utilized to capture key takeaways and reflections from participants in real-time, ensuring ongoing engagement even after the session concludes.

Context: The proposed session at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) aims to engage key stakeholders from various sectors in discussing the intersection of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). This framework is central to ensuring that DPI utilization can accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while addressing potential risks. The session will leverage the diversity of the IGF platform to gather valuable feedback and foster user-centric co-creation. This session aims to advance the DPI Safeguards Framework by integrating diverse insights and practical experiences from stakeholders across different sectors. The collaborative format is designed to ensure that the framework not only addresses theoretical risks but also resonates with the practicalities of implementing DPI in varied contexts. The DPI Safeguards Initiative will utilize the unique IGF platform to engage professionals and stakeholders, focusing on the associated safeguards required. Session Format: The session will be structured into three parts

Online participants will be able to contribute the same way as onsite participants.

As governments worldwide explore the potential of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to enhance service delivery and inclusion, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a critical enabler. AI-powered solutions, such as chatbots, offer new ways to improve accessibility and efficiency in public services. However, their deployment also raises challenges related to ethics, transparency, and sustainability. This session will focus on the implementation of the DPI Chatbot in Kenya, a joint initiative by FAIR Forward, GovStack and ITU, as a case study to explore how AI can be responsibly integrated into DPI. The discussion will address governance models, data protection, sustainability, and the potential for scaling AI-driven public services. Key Topics: 1. AI in DPI: Opportunities & Challenges – How AI-powered tools, like chatbots, can enhance government service delivery while addressing risks such as bias and misinformation. 2. Lessons from the DPI Chatbot in Kenya – Insights from the chatbot’s implementation, including governance, scalability, and user impact. 3. Data Governance and Privacy – Ensuring responsible use of personal data and maintaining public trust. 4. Sustainability and Inclusion – Addressing the environmental and socio-economic impacts of AI in public infrastructure. 5. Scaling AI in DPI – How countries can adapt and replicate AI-driven solutions in their own digital public infrastructures.

Hosting the session in a hybrid format ensures broader participation, inclusivity, and global impact. As AI in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is a global concern, enabling virtual attendance allows policymakers, technologists, and civil society representatives from diverse regions, especially those from the Global South, to contribute insights and learn from Kenya’s experience. The onsite discussion fosters dynamic engagement, while online participation extends accessibility to those unable to attend in person, ensuring wider knowledge exchange and collaboration. Interactive features like live Q&A, polls, and chat-based discussions will enhance engagement, allowing both in-room and remote participants to actively contribute. A hybrid format also ensures that session takeaways are recorded, shared, and leveraged beyond the event, maximizing impact and supporting the scalability of AI-driven DPI solutions globally.

While freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy, certain forms of disinformation and harmful content pose significant threats to public health, public order, safety, and even national security—undermining the very fabric of democratic societies. This session will bring together key stakeholders for a solutions-oriented dialogue on addressing these risks while upholding fundamental rights. The session on disinformation will follow this format: Keynote Address: Setting the stage for discussion. Panel Discussion: Featuring experts, fact-checkers, government representatives, and platform representatives, who will reflect on disinformation and the support for quality journalism. The discussion will be moderated by a Council of Europe representative.

Hybrid meeting

The session will offer participants in situ and viewers worldwide opportunity to discuss what measures should be taken to operationalise safeguards and remedies against discrimination in use of AI systems, and engage with groups most at risk and equip human rights supervisory bodies. The Study on the impact of artificial intelligence systems, their potential for promoting equality – including gender equality - and the risks they may cause in relation to non-discrimination adopted by the Gender Equality Commission (GEC) and the Steering Committee on Anti-discrimination, Diversity and Inclusion of the Council of Europe (CDADI) in 2023, and numerous other studies have highlighted the risks that AI systems pose to equality, including gender equality, and non-discrimination, online and offline, in a variety of sectors. These range from employment, through the online targeted distribution of job adverts, to the provision of goods or services in both the public and private sectors such as online loan applications, or to public security policies or the fight against fraud. For example, the report Bias in Algorithms from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights shows how easily speech detection algorithms can be biased against certain groups. The groups that are most affected by bias in AI systems are very often the same groups and individuals as those at risk of discrimination in society. These groups, as well as women, also experience structural inequality, and struggle to meaningfully participate in forums that develop, deploy and regulate new digital technologies and promote inclusion in AI. The CoE and EU are jointly building the capacity of equality bodies and representatives of groups most affected by discrimination, including by biases in AI systems. The EU and CoE want to provide them with a platform at IGF to share their experiences, and engage in the governance of AI, including sharing ideas on how to ensure sufficient safeguards against discrimination and access to effective remedies. Hyperlinks: CoE study on impact of Artificial intelligence: https://rm.coe.int/study-on-the-impact-of-artificial-intelligence-syste… FRA study on Bias in Algorithms: https://fra.europa.eu/sites/default/files/fra_uploads/fra-2022-bias-in-…

The session will commence with a short introduction to the Council of Europe and EU standards and how these organisations work with member states and other key stakeholders to implement them, showing some concrete tools and examples of advancing equality, including gender equality, and inclusion in the use of AI systems. Among the opening speakers will be a representative of CSO partners affected by discrimination in society and by entrenched in biases in AI systems, as well a representative of women’s organisations advocating for gender equality in technology, and representative(s) of equality bodies. The introduction will continue with a 50-minute discussion with all participants to explore other examples of tools and practices that seek to enhance inclusion of groups effected by biases in AI systems and means to advance equality protection in AI deployment, including through use of regulation, practical approaches and multi-stakeholder cooperation. During the session short interactive questions (e.g. with the use of Mentimeter) will seek to motivate and involve in-person and online participants. The online moderator will facilitate the online chat session and raise comments in the in-situ meeting or invite online participants to take the floor if technically feasible.

In the GDC outcome, the IGF was positioned as “the primary multi-stakeholder platform for discussion of Internet governance issues,” and the importance of the IGF was reaffirmed. On the other hand, some experts have also pointed out urgent needs such as strengthening inclusiveness and improving the capacity for policy advocacy. Yoichi Iida, who took IGF2023 host country Co-Chair and G7 Digital and Tech WG Chair in the same year of 2023, looks back at the latest discussions on Internet Governance, including the Global Digital Compact, the G20 Digital Economy Track, and the NET Mundial + 10, and discusses with multi-stakeholder speakers what is needed to make the IGF more robust and effective toward WSIS+20 Review.

1) How will you facilitate interaction between onsite and online speakers and attendees? Our session plan to take questions from online participants. 2) How will you design the session to ensure the best possible experience for online and onsite participants? Our session plan to take questions from floor actively both online and onsite participants. 3) Please note any complementary online tools/platforms you plan to use to increase participation and interaction during the session. Our session explores to using some AI technology to increase participation.

The importance of Internet and digital technology in the lives of minors is increasingly prominent, bringing various opportunities as well as numerous challenges to their growth. How internet companies can fulfill their social responsibilities through technological innovation and better serve the vast number of minor users has become a focal point of social concern. In response to this concern and to promote responsible technological innovation by internet companies, the China Federation of Internet Societies, in collaboration with UNICEF and the Communication University of China, launched the "Responsible Technological Innovation for Minors" case study in 2024. After multiple rounds of review, five outstanding cases have been selected. These cases have achieved significant success in providing safer, healthier, and more beneficial products or services for minors. Sharing these successful experiences at this forum will help inspire the whole society's awareness of innovation and responsibility towards minors. This forum will mainly discuss the following issues and topics: 1. The importance and challenges of internet and AI-related science and technology in the lives of minors. Explore how emerging technologies profoundly impact the growth of minors, analyze the opportunities and challenges they bring, and emphasize the importance of balancing development and protection in technological innovation. 2. The social responsibility and technological innovation of internet companies. Discuss how internet companies can fulfill their social responsibilities through responsible technological innovation, provide safe, healthy, and beneficial products and services, and ensure the well-being of minor users. 3. Sharing and summarizing experiences from exemplary cases. By showcasing the selected outstanding cases, share their successful experiences in serving minors, set benchmarks for the industry, and promote more companies to adopt responsible technological innovation practices. Challenges and opportunities related to the topics of this forum: On one hand, the main challenges include risks to minors' privacy and data security, internet addiction and mental health issues, the spread of harmful information, the digital divide and fairness issues, and the balance of ethics and laws. Therefore, internet companies need to actively address these challenges through technological innovation and social collaboration, promote the establishment and improvement of industry standards, and create a healthy and safe online environment for minors while achieving a win-win situation for social value and corporate responsibility. On the other hand, internet technology, through innovative products and services, provides a safer, healthier, and more beneficial online environment for minors, such as content filtering, addiction prevention, and privacy protection through AI and big data technologies, thereby empowering minors' creativity, digital literacy, and educational equity. Additionally, responsible technological innovation by internet companies can not only fulfill social responsibilities but also enhance brand image and promote sustainable development. In summary, the application of internet-related science and technology in the lives of minors brings both opportunities for protection and development and challenges in privacy, mental health, and content safety. Through responsible technological innovation, internet companies can protect minors' rights while promoting social progress and industry development. The main agenda of the forum is as follows (60 Min): 1. 2 minutes: The host introduces the theme and purpose of the forum and the participating guests. 2. 10 minutes: A representative from the organizing unit or a child protection expert shares the latest research findings on responsible technological innovation for children. 3. 15 minutes: On-site guest speeches. Topics include but are not limited to: (1) Minors' online privacy and data security. (2) Internet excessive use and mental health. (3) Technological innovation and social responsibility. (4) Policies, regulations, and industry standards. 4. 10 minutes: Online guest speeches. Topics include but are not limited to: (1) Experiences and measures of well-known internet companies in different countries regarding responsible technological innovation for children. (2) Relevant standards, policies, or regulations in different countries or regions. 5. 10 minutes: Representative internet companies share their experiences and practices. 6. 8 minutes: Open discussion and Q&A: All participants, both on-site and online, have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss their views, and the guests will answer these questions. 7. 5 minutes: Summary speech: A representative from UNICEF delivers the closing remarks.

(1) As a hybrid forum, there are both onsite speakers and attendees, as well as online speakers and attendees. In order to attract more attendees, we will invite and encourage people to participate online through Zoom meeting software. The onsite and online moderators will closely cooperate and be responsible for activating the atmosphere of onsite and online discussions, respectively. The online moderator will collect online questions in a timely manner and convey them to the onsite moderator to ensure smooth communication between the onsite and online attendees. (2) Multiple volunteers will be arranged onsite for video filming to ensure that each speaker's speech video can be live streamed online through Zoom. The moderator and speakers onsite can see the online participants' questions in real-time through the LED screen on site. The online moderator interacts with online attendees, promptly pushing meaningful questions through the screen to the moderator or speakers onsite, and strictly controlling the speaking time to ensure the participation of each speaker and the progress of the forum. In addition, we will promote the forum in advance so that online participants can prepare questions and relevant materials in advance, which may facilitate more interesting discussions onsite. (3) The organizer will design and create graphic and textual links, promotional posters, etc. around the theme of the forum, and spread them through social media platforms such as WeChat, Twitter, and Facebook to attract more attendees and stimulate everyone's thinking in advance, creating an atmosphere of joint participation.

Governance in cyberspace remains a significant global challenge, marked by its complexity and the interconnected nature of the issues at stake. Key areas such as international cooperation, ensuring stability in cyberspace, and building resilience require a robust, inclusive multistakeholder dialogue. The United Nations Open-Ended Working Groups on the “Security of and in the Use of Information and Communications Technologies” (UN OEWG 2021–2025) has been a critical platform to enhance dialogue in shaping the UN framework for responsible State behaviour in cyberspace. As the framework on responsible state behaviour has matured, it has become a cornerstone for fostering trust and cooperation among states. However, its long-term effectiveness hinges on ensuring implementation, accountability, and adaptation to evolving cyber threats. The year 2025 holds particular significance, as it not only marks the 10th anniversary of the UN framework but also the conclusion of the UN OEWG 2021–2025 negotiations, making it a critical moment for the international multistakeholder community to assess progress and chart the way forward. As discussions have started to evolve around the establishment of a future Open-Ended, Action-Oriented Permanent UN mechanism for the security of and in the use of information and communications technologies (ICTs) within the UN OEWG 2021-2025, this session seeks aims to take stock of recent progress and offer an opportunity to reflect on how such a mechanism can build on existing achievements. Specifically, the session aims to explore how a future UN mechanism for ICT security can strengthen and advance the UN framework for responsible state behavior in cyberspace. Panellists will review key milestones from multiple and complementary perspectives, discuss lessons learned, and examine the range of proposals - such as a Cyber Programme of Action (PoA) which remains the most established proposal currently under consideration for a permanent UN mechanism. The session will address key achievements as well as contestations within the OEWG 2021–2025 discussions on the framework for responsible state behavior. It will assess how these insights can be leveraged in a permanent UN mechanism for cybersecurity governance. Specifically, it will explore what structures, processes, and approaches are needed to advance the framework. By exploring mechanisms that ensure cybersecurity governance remains inclusive, transparent, and sustainable, this session will contribute to the global dialogue on effectively governing and securing cyberspace for the benefit of all, aligning with broader Internet Governance Forum (IGF) discussions on digital cooperation. By bringing together policymakers, civil society, technical experts, and private sector representatives, this session aims to produce actionable recommendations for the development of a permanent, adaptable UN mechanism for cybersecurity governance to advance the framework for responsible state behavior in cyberspace. By combining perspectives of various stakeholders, the session aims to ensure that the future mechanism is inclusive, practical, and resilient, ready to respond to the dynamic nature of the digital landscape.

To ensure seamless engagement between onsite and online participants, we will, if possible, use a dual-screen setup (where possible) to allow participation from online panellist and display live comments and questions from online attendees. This will allow onsite speakers to engage with the virtual panellist and audience in real time. Moderators will also actively curate and direct online contributions to ensure meaningful interaction. Moreover, we are planning a designate a Q&A session where both online and offline attendees can ask questions. Moderators—both onsite and online—will facilitate this process by alternating between in-person and virtual questions to maintain balanced participation. To foster inclusivity, we plan to begin the discussion with the online audience before moving to in-person contributions. This approach ensures that virtual participants feel engaged from the outset. Finally, If feasible, we aim to embed the livestream on the EUISS/Youtube website and make it permanently available on the EUISS Youtube Channel/ website post-production. This would allow us to reach a broader audience, including those unable to join online or offline during the day, ensuring wider accessibility.

This presentation explores the critical role of governance-driven trust registries in addressing challenges of trust, accountability, and transparency in decentralized digital ecosystems. It outlines a comprehensive model for digital governance and trust establishment, emphasizing the need for risk assessment, conformance programs, and governance frameworks. The paper introduces trust registries as a flexible, scalable alternative to traditional hierarchical trust models, enabling the validation of claims through decentralized authority statements within a shared governance structure. This presentation explores the role of governance and trust registries in addressing this complexity and outlines their importance in enhancing ecosystem trust. Specifically, it: Defines the roles of governing authorities, governed parties and trust registries within an ecosystem. Details the processes to establish a governance framework upon a trust registry is based. Discuss the complementary relationship between trust registries and the ecosystem’s governance framework. Highlight technical considerations and standards that can support the implementation of proper governance and trust registry operation. Conclude with actionable steps for the ecosystem leadership to explore governance and trust registry solutions with its stakeholders. Key topics include the distinction between organizational, ecosystem, and registry of trust registries, as well as their role in enabling high-integrity digital interactions. By decoupling authority from centralized models, trust registries democratize trust establishment, fostering inclusivity, interoperability, and scalability. Technical considerations, standards compliance, and governance alignment are discussed as essential components for successful implementation.

Session will include slides and a demonstration that should provide a rich and inclusive experience for on-site and online participants.

In an increasingly digital world, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and trustworthy online environment requires collaboration across sectors and borders. This session will explore the critical role of multistakeholder cooperation in upholding information integrity and digital governance, as outlined in the Global Digital Compact. It will highlight the importance of regular collaboration between national online safety institutions and international regulatory bodies with other stakeholder groups, as exemplified by the Global Forum of Networks, to exchange good practices and protect human rights such as privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information. Media and information literacy will be showcased as a powerful example of how this approach can be operationalized to foster peace and resilience and user capacity-building in the digital sphere. Digital platforms have democratized access to knowledge and culture, provided a platform for meaningful political engagement, and fostered global connectivity. However, they can also fuel disinformation, ideological polarization, and hate speech, thereby undermining the enjoyment of human rights in the digital environment. To address these challenges, UNESCO's “Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms: safeguarding freedom of expression and access to information through a multi-stakeholder approach” provide a roadmap for various stakeholders, including national regulators, digital platforms, international organizations, civil society, media, and academia, to ensure that digital governance processes are inclusive, transparent, and grounded in human rights. To uphold international human rights standards, fulfil the commitments of the UN Global Digital Compact and reinforce the principles set out in the Guidelines, UNESCO has supported the establishment of two key networks: The Global Forum of Networks, established in 2024 with the support of UNESCO, provides a structured mechanism for policy dialogue and coordination among national and regional regulators. It also aims to enhance the capacity of regulators to meet future challenges related to technological developments and to help anchor their approaches to online safety in human rights. In the same vein, the I4T Global Knowledge Network—a coalition of over 50 international think tanks and research institutions—helps strengthen digital governance with robust research and independent expertise. The panel will explore these and other mechanisms for operationalising a multi-stakeholder approach to digital governance in a way that invites meaningful participation from regulators, private companies, academia and civil society, as well as platform users. In line with the latter, the session will share lessons learned from UNESCO's SocialMedia4Peace project, which emphasises a whole-of-society approach to digital platform governance. It underscores the importance of long-term and systemic user empowerment to help societies build resilience to harmful content, critically evaluate information, and assert digital rights. The session will focus on: • The challenges and opportunities for regulators to implement digital governance frameworks that are grounded in human rights and keep pace with technological advances, including frontier AI. • Challenges posed by fragmented regulatory landscapes for digital platforms and strategies to improve interoperability and coordination between national and regional regulators. • The responsibility of private companies for human rights due diligence and risk assessment, transparency and accountability, and their role in shaping global digital governance. • The role of independent research and civil society in strengthening governance frameworks and generating evidence for improved practices. • User empowerment through inclusive, multistakeholder, and human rights-based approach: steps to integrate media and information literacy into platform policies and initiatives, regulatory frameworks, and national education systems to foster digital resilience and informed online participation.

This session is being organized by the Global Forum of Networks and will have the support of the UNESCO for the moderation and facilitation onsite, also for the online moderation. The session aim to have 15min max of questions and answers and the online and in site team will ensure to address the questions from the audience. The organizers will create QR code that will displayed in the projection during the session, as well as its link in the chat for the online participants. Thus, the online moderator can select the most pertinent questions for the onsite moderator. The tool for these forms will be Microsoft Forms.

In an era where big tech and artificial intelligence are reshaping the information landscape, ensuring access to reliable, diverse, and accurate information has never been more critical. Over the past nine months, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, in collaboration with the Forum on Information and Democracy, has convened over 100 experts from a variety of backgrounds to develop actionable policy guidance for states to safeguard the availability and accessibility of quality news and public interest information. At this year’s IGF, we will launch this policy guidance for the internet governance community, presenting key recommendations on media viability, visibility, and vigilance as well as protections for journalism in the age of Big Tech and AI. The session will examine the responsibilities of online platforms, internet corporations and AI actors in ensuring public interest content is available and accessible. This open forum invites you to engage with our expert-driven recommendations and explore innovative solutions to help reform the media and technology landscape for the public interest. Join us in shaping the future of digital information governance!

The session will be fully interactive, ensuring meaningful engagement for both in-person and online participants. A mix of presentations, expert discussions, and open Q&A will encourage active participation. Online attendees will be able to join with opportunities to ask questions and contribute to discussions in real time. The session aims to foster a truly inclusive dialogue, allowing diverse perspectives from different regions and stakeholder groups to shape the conversation.