Internet Governance Forum Opens in Norway on June 23 2025
The 20th annual meeting of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) officially opened today in Lillestrøm, Norway, marking two decades of global dialogue on digital policy. Organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and hosted by the Government of Norway, the forum runs from 23 to 27 June.
The milestone gathering comes as the world accelerates efforts to implement the Global Digital Compact and reflects on progress since the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20). In a video message, UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the IGF for promoting “inclusive collaboration on internet public policy” and called for continued dialogue rooted in human rights and dignity.
Held under the theme “Building Digital Governance Together,” the IGF 2025 brings together more than 8,000 participants from over 160 countries, including representatives from governments, civil society, business, academia, and international organizations. United Nations Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua emphasized the need for a digital future “rooted in trust, equity, and human dignity.”
Over five days, sessions will focus on four key themes: digital trust and resilience; responsible innovation; universal access and rights; and global digital cooperation. Participants will explore strategies for combating disinformation, closing the digital divide, and promoting ethical AI development.
With a strong emphasis on inclusivity, this year’s IGF amplifies voices from youth, the Global South, and marginalized communities—reinforcing its status as the world’s most inclusive digital policy forum.
Karianne Oldernes Tung; Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance
