WHY THE UN’S INTERNET GOVERNANCE FORUM STILL MATTERS TWENTY YEARS ON - Join the Atlantic Council’s Democracy + Tech Initiative for a conversation on the importance of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and the role it has played for the past twenty years in providing an open, inclusive, and diverse space for discussing internet policy and governance.

The open, global, and interoperable internet is increasingly at risk. Geopolitical tensions and the rapid evolution of digital technologies are driving a shift toward closed, proprietary systems. As a result, the multistakeholder model that has long shaped internet governance is being sidelined, leaving critical decisions about the digital future in the hands of a few powerful actors, with limited transparency or accountability.

Global leaders, technologists, civil society voices, and policymakers will gather in Norway from June 23 to 27 for the twentieth Internet Governance Forum (IGF). There, they will shed light on challenges related to internet freedom and openness, as well as voice concerns about internet standards and governance worldwide.

This event, held in the lead up to IGF, will highlight the value of the annual forum and why digital democracy depends on keeping the internet open, global, and inclusive. The conversation will also showcase the Atlantic Council’s work to champion a free and open internet.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 06/12/2025