On July 18, 2006, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan announced the convening of the first Internet Governance Forum (IGF). The announcement followed a proposal submitted by the Working Group on Internet Governance (WGIG), which called for the establishment of a platform for inclusive, multi-stakeholder dialogue on Internet governance issues. This initiative led to the creation of the IGF at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), held under the auspices of the United Nations in Tunisia in 2005.
Since its establishment, the IGF has sought to promote inclusive and responsive Internet governance by bringing together governments, the private sector, the technical and academic communities and civil society. The Forum provides a platform for discussing key issues related to the development, security, accessibility and governance of the Internet, as well as broader digital policy challenges. Although the IGF does not adopt legally binding decisions, its discussions, exchanges of expertise and recommendations help inform policy development at both national and international levels.
The IGF’s work extends across global, regional and national levels. The annual global Forum is convened under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General, with the support of the host country. Complementing this global platform, national and regional IGF initiatives bring together local stakeholders to address specific challenges, share experiences and contribute regional perspectives to the broader international dialogue. Together, these initiatives form a global network that promotes collaboration across border and encourages inclusive participation in shaping digital policies.
Armenia became part of this network on September 7-8, 2015, when it hosted its first Armenian Internet Governance Forum (ArmIGF) in Yerevan. The inaugural Forum addressed a range of important topics, including the multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance, the .հայ domain, the global Universal Acceptance movement, cybersecurity, net neutrality, online child safety and the role of the Internet in supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Today, more than 175 countries and regions have established national, regional or youth IGF initiatives. According to official 2026 materials, the global network now includes more than 180 initiatives. Armenia remains an active participant in this international community, with the 11th ArmIGF scheduled to take place in Yerevan on November 6, 2026.
This year’s agenda focuses on some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the digital landscape, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence, data protection, digital trust, multi-stakeholder Internet governance and other emerging issues shaping the future of the digital world.
Armenia’s continued engagement in the IGF process provides an important opportunity to connect national priorities and local challenges with international discussions, facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience and strengthen regional digital cooperation. Ultimately, the value of the IGF extends beyond the issues discussed: it lies in bringing diverse stakeholders together to develop shared perspectives and collaborative solutions that help ensure an open, secure, accessible and inclusive Internet that serves the needs of society.
