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Experiences from IGF 2025
- Dhruv Dhody IAB Member
2 Jul 2025
At the Internet Governance Forum 2025 in Norway (23-27 June), the presence of the IETF was well-received as part of the broader effort to strengthen the connection between technical and policy discussions, helping to build trust, increase visibility and highlight the role of the technical community in Internet governance.
The IGF is a global platform for multistakeholder dialogue on the future of the Internet. The event brings together diplomats, regulators, digital rights advocates, technical experts, private sector leaders, civil society and academia, united in a shared commitment to the Internet and its future. The IETF and the broader technical community play an important role in policy conversations—by listening, engaging, and bringing a grounded understanding of engineering and operational realities of the Internet.
The 20th edition of the IGF came at a meaningful moment, as we near two decades since the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). It was a chance to look back at how far Internet governance has come, take stock of where things stand today, and have honest conversations about where we’re headed—especially with the WSIS+20 review process now underway. At the IETF 122 meeting in Bangkok, the Internet Architecture Board (IAB) held a special session about it.
Continuing that momentum, the IAB also hosted a networking session at IGF 2025 to help bridge the gap between technical standards work and policy discussions. While technical standards and protocols shape the foundation of the Internet, there can be a disconnect between policy discussions and technical decision-making. This session created a space where people from across the Internet governance and technical communities could meet, mingle, and talk in a more relaxed setting. It brought together folks from a range of stakeholder groups, all interested in engaging with the technical community.
The session was moderated by IAB member Mark Nottingham and began with IETF Chair Roman Danyliw introducing the IETF—explaining its open, bottom-up process and how individuals, not organizations, drive standardization. IAB member Mirja Kühlewind then outlined the roles of the IAB and the Internet Research Task Force (IRTF) within the broader Internet architecture. Olaf Kolkman from the Internet Society (ISOC) highlighted the value of their policymaker programs in facilitating engagement between policy and technical communities.
Sarah Jennings from the United Kingdom government offered a government perspective, shaped by her experience in the IETF. She pointed out that building stronger connections between governments and the technical community depends on communication, education, and investing in relationships. And, it all begins with recognizing the unique value each brings to the table when they engage in meaningful ways.
The session wrapped up with an open microphone, where participants raised thoughtful questions and shared observations on strengthening engagement, as well as about challenges and opportunities. These exchanges reinforced the need for policymakers to participate in technical spaces—and vice versa.
Our involvement at IGF extended beyond our own events. We also joined the WSIS+20 community discussions and shared feedback with the co-facilitators on their recent elements paper. Some of us will also be heading to Geneva next week to take part in the WSIS+20 High-Level Event, part of the broader review process, which also includes a review of IGF’s mandate.
We also engaged in a wide range of workshops and panels, including those about digital emblems, censorship, Internet fragmentation, cybersecurity, encryption, age verification, sustainability, and the governance of AI. These discussions offered valuable perspectives that inform both our technical work and our understanding of global policy dynamics.
To represent the technical community as a key stakeholder in the multistakeholder model, I spoke at the IGF closing ceremony. I highlighted how the technical community has long stood for open, transparent, inclusive, and diverse participation, the very principles the IGF is built on and ones we must continue to uphold. It’s not just our processes that are open and global, the Internet itself is built that way, and it’s up to all of us to keep it that way.
Our time at IGF 2025 reinforced just how essential it is for technical voices to be part of Internet governance conversations and for policymakers to engage with the technical community in return. As these discussions evolve, it’s vital for the IETF and IAB to stay present, listen actively, and meaningfully collaborate in the multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance.