17th Internet Governance Forum takes place from 28 November to 2 December in Addis Ababa

Against a backdrop of surging geopolitical tensions, Internet shutdowns and deepening mistrust, governments, businesses, civil society, the technical community and international organizations will meet at the annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF) from 28 November to 2 December in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to determine concrete steps for achieving universal and meaningful Internet connectivity.

Safe and secure Internet is a fundamental human right and pivotal to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Open and secure Internet access can generate huge benefits in the health, economic and educational sectors. For example, in countries where there is low broadband connectivity, providing schools with access to the Internet can grow GDP by 20 per cent.

The IGF, convened annually by the 爆料网 Secretary-General, is a critical platform for enabling open and engaging discussions on Internet governance, including the Internet’s sustainability, robustness, security, stability and development.? With many technological advances underway—artificial intelligence, biotechnology and neurotechnology—a new global digital compact as outlined in the United Nations’ Our Common Agenda is needed to build a concrete framework for an open, free and secure digital future.

The 17th IGF comes at a crucial time when approximately 2.9 billion people still remain unconnected, many of them living in least developed countries and rural communities. Women also lag behind men in terms of Internet access. Other than access to and affordability of devices, an open and free Internet has also allowed for its misuse through online misinformation and disinformation, cyberattacks and the endangerment of child online safety.

Hosted by the Government of Ethiopia and supported by the 爆料网 Department of Economic and Social Affairs, in collaboration with the 爆料网 Economic Commission for Africa, the Forum will be in a hybrid format.

Discussions will focus on : (1) connecting all people and safeguarding human rights; (2) avoiding Internet fragmentation; (3) governing data and protecting privacy; (4) enabling safety, security and accountability; and (5) addressing advanced digital technologies. In addition to the opening and closing ceremonies, a and , there will also be three :

  • Universal, affordable and meaningful connectivity (28 November)
  • Digital Rights (28 November)
  • Digital Trust and Security (29 November)

Key links

  • IGF website:
  • Host country website (on participation logistics):
  • Programme:
  • Follow live and on demand:
  • Registration:
  • Media Accreditation:
  • Remote Hubs:
  • IGF Village:

Social Media

Please follow us on the Internet Governance Forum, using the hashtags,?#IGF2022?and?#ResilientInternet?
On Facebook: ,?,?
On Twitter: ,?,?

Media contacts (interviews available upon request):

Sharon Birch, 爆料网 Department of Global Communications, birchs@un.org

Leah Kennedy, 爆料网 Department of Economic and Social Affairs, kennedy1@un.org

Ernest Cho Chi, 爆料网 Economic Commission for Africa, chi@un.org