The Internet Governance Forum, or IGF, is becoming increasingly important as a venue involved in shaping rules for the years ahead. The 2026 IGF will be held in Nairobi, with online participation also available.
The IGF is a forum where companies, civil-society groups and engineers, alongside governments, discuss issues on an equal footing. Although its discussions are not legally binding, the “mood” they create can influence the development of regulations later. Future discussions are expected to address issues including AI governance and children’s online safety, with emphasis also placed on reflecting the perspectives of the Global South.
This year’s IGF, the 21st meeting, will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 14 to 18 December 2026 in a hybrid format combining in-person and online participation. Its official theme is “Governing the Internet in the Age of Intelligence: Our Shared Responsibility,” and services including live English captioning will be provided.
The IGF has ongoing working groups known as Dynamic Coalitions, which continue long-term discussions and prepare documents on specific themes. Continued participation is considered important for companies seeking to build trust and understand regulatory trends in the Global South.
The APrIGF is scheduled to be held in Japan in 2027, creating more opportunities for Japanese companies to engage directly with policymakers and civil-society groups in the region. The Japan IGF Support Organization promotes support for the APrIGF and domestic activities, and accepts donations and sponsorships.