Forus Call to Action

The Forus network as part of the CADE initiative advocates for digital rights, and civil society equal and meaninfgul participation in Internet Governance spaces. Through the #Let'sTalkDigital campaign, we have engaged diverse voices to address the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation and inclusivity. At IGF 2025, Forus will continue this work by facilitating discussions on digital rights, inclusion, and governance, ensuring civil society actively contributes to decision-making. As we push for a more inclusive digital future, IGF 2025 presents a key opportunity for civil society to amplify its voice and influence global digital governance. Engaging in this space is crucial to ensuring that policies and frameworks reflect the needs and priorities of all communities, especially those often left out of decision-making processes. Read below ways your civil society network can participate to #IGF2025!

What is the IGF?
The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is the United Nations’ flagship space for inclusive, multistakeholder dialogue on the governance of the internet. It brings together governments, civil society, the private sector, academia, and the technical community to discuss internet-related public policy issues and shape a digital future rooted in human rights, equity, and global cooperation.

Why Should Civil Society Participate?

As the 20th annual anniversary meeting will be shaping the future of IGF with the coming WSIS+ 20 meeting in December 2025, a wide range of sessions and tracks have been developed within the main theme of Building Governance Together. 

Influence Global Digital Agendas
This milestone 20th edition will feed into the WSIS+20 review and UN digital governance debates. It’s a strategic moment to push for digital policies that reflect civil society values.

Raise the Visibility of Civil Society Priorities
Whether you work on:

• Digital rights & freedoms

• Access & affordability

• Cybersecurity & privacy

• Gender & digital inclusion

• Emerging tech & AI governance

There are dedicated sessions, coalitions, and advocacy spaces at IGF for you to engage.

Build Alliances & Collective Power
IGF is where global coalitions are formed. It offers:

• Side events and networking spaces - organise yours!

• The IGF Village to showcase your work

• Open forums to coordinate advocacy campaigns and joint positions

Multistakeholder Approach: Challenges & Opportunities
The IGF is designed to give all stakeholders—governments, CSOs, and tech experts—equal space to contribute. However, in practice, civil society, particularly from the Global South, often struggles to gain sufficient visibility and influence. That’s why it’s crucial for CSOs to engage strategically, push for meaningful participation, and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable digital governance space.

How to Engage

• Attend Online or In-Person (hybrid format, 23–27 June 2025)

• Join the #CADE sessions there and a booth at the IGF Village, so looking forward to meeting you there!

• Join a Dynamic Coalition or Best Practice Forum (e.g. on AI, Gender, Cybersecurity)

• Shape global agendas ahead of WSIS+20 and the Global Digital Compact

📝 Registration Information
All participants—online and onsite—must register via the UN Accreditation System. Create or log in to your UN account to do so:
https://indico.un.org/event/1016806/

🔗 All logistics info (travel, visas, accommodation) available at:
www.igf2025.no

📍 Venue: Nova Spektrum, Lillestrøm (near Oslo, Norway)