ICANN Heads to IGF 2025 as Internet Governance Faces a Defining Moment

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) will participate in the 2025 Internet Governance Forum (IGF), taking place from 23 to 27 June 2025 in Lillestrøm, Norway. As the IGF convenes for its 20th annual meeting, this pivotal year offers an opportunity to assess progress and reaffirm commitments to a global Internet that remains stable, secure, resilient, and interoperable.

Held under the theme "Building Digital Governance Together," IGF 2025 arrives at a critical time for the global Internet community. The forum serves as a key milestone on the road to WSIS+20, the 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) scheduled for later this year. Discussions in Lillestrøm will help shape the priorities and principles that will help the United Nations member states to negotiate the outcome of WSIS+20.

ICANN's delegation, headed by President and CEO Kurtis Lindqvist, will participate in a range of sessions focused on critical Internet governance issues, including Domain Name System security, Universal Acceptance, multilingual Internet access, the continued evolution of the multistakeholder model, and others. These engagements reflect ICANN's core mission of coordinating the Internet's system of unique identifiers to ensure a single, secure, and interoperable global Internet.

ICANN's participation will underscore the importance of technical coordination in keeping the Internet operational. From domain names to Internet Protocol addresses, ICANN's work provides the foundation for a reliable and resilient online environment. This work enables billions of people to connect and communicate across borders and technologies.

The IGF also highlights the essential role of the technical community in Internet governance. As a distinct stakeholder, the technical community contributes operational expertise integral to implementing the policies and protocols that sustain the Internet's functionality and interoperability.

ICANN remains committed to supporting the IGF as a space for meaningful multistakeholder dialogue. In an increasingly complex and contested digital environment, the IGF must be renewed and adequately resourced to continue fostering informed cooperation across stakeholder groups.

ICANN Participation at IGF 2025

24 June

16:00-17:00 UTC +2
Open Forum: Demystifying WSIS+20
(Organized by ICANN and the Government of Finland)

26 June

11:30-12:30 UTC +2
Workshop #226: Strengthening Multistakeholder Participation
Subtheme: (Building) Digital Cooperation

Join the Discussion

ICANN invites all stakeholders to take part in IGF 2025. With both in-person and remote participation options available, the forum remains a valuable space for addressing the Internet's most critical challenges and opportunities.

To learn more about registration and participation, visit the official IGF 2025 website.

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