ICANN Commits US$1 Million to Support the Future of the Internet Governance Forum

ICANN has revealed that its Board of Directors approved a one-time contribution of US$1 million to the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). The financial support is intended to help strengthen the forum’s long-term sustainability, support its operations, and expand participation from stakeholders across different regions of the world.

The announcement comes after the completion of the World Summit on the Information Society 20-year review (WSIS+20) process, during which United Nations member states agreed to make the IGF a permanent forum. This decision further reinforces the IGF’s role as a key platform for global discussions on Internet governance.

Enhancing Stability and Global Participation

According to ICANN, the contribution will help the IGF Secretariat carry out its responsibilities more effectively. The funding is expected to support operational continuity, improve administrative stability, strengthen capacity-building activities, and encourage broader engagement from governments in developing countries.

ICANN noted that the contribution is designed to provide greater predictability for the forum’s planning and day-to-day operations. The organization emphasized that a stable and well-supported IGF is essential for maintaining effective collaboration among stakeholders involved in Internet governance.

Reinforcing the Multistakeholder Approach

For more than 20 years, the IGF has served as an open and inclusive platform for discussions on Internet governance, reflecting the vision outlined in the WSIS Tunis Agenda. Throughout this period, ICANN has actively participated in the forum and has benefited from the exchange of ideas taking place there, particularly in raising awareness of the Internet’s unique identifier systems, the operation of the Internet, and topics related to ICANN’s mission.

ICANN stated that supporting the IGF aligns with its mission and strategic objectives, including its ongoing commitment to the multistakeholder model of Internet governance. The organization highlighted the forum’s importance in bringing together governments, businesses, civil society organizations, the technical community, academia, and Internet users to discuss issues that shape the future of the Internet.

ICANN’s Role in the Global Internet Ecosystem

ICANN’s mission is to help ensure a stable, secure, and unified global Internet. The organization coordinates and supports the unique identifiers that allow networks and devices worldwide to connect and communicate.

Founded in 1998 as a nonprofit public benefit corporation, ICANN works with a global community of stakeholders to help maintain the Internet’s interoperability and continued growth.