IGF 2025

Session Overview

This 90-minute session at IGF2025 will provide a retrospective of the Internet Governance Forum, to celebrate the IGF's journey over two decades to celebrate the IGF's journey over two decades, to reflect upon its significant achievements and the challenges it has navigated, to honor the diverse community that has shaped it, examining its history, impact, and possible future directions. The session will include a short video, tributes to key figures who have passed away, a panel discussion by the MAG Chairs, and community participation to create an engaging and meaningful reflection on the IGF's journey.

Session Structure
1. Opening and Welcome (5 minutes)
a. Brief welcome by the session moderator
b. Introduction to the session's purpose and format
c. Recognition of the significance of IGF2025 as the 20th annual meeting

2. Visual Retrospective: "IGF: 20 Years in Motion" (5-minute video)
a. A specially curated 5-minute video showcasing highlights from past IGF meetings (2006-2024), featuring a visual journey through different host locations

3. Short keynote: The Enduring Relevance of the IGF (3 minutes)
4. Tribute to Those who have passed away (10 minutes)
A respectful remembrance of key figures in the IGF ecosystem who have passed away:

Dr. Kofi Annan
Dr. Tarek Kamel
Bill Graham
Frances Muguet
Marylin Cade
Makane Faye
Nigel Hickson
5. Voices from the Helm: Panel Discussion with Past MAG Chairs (40 minutes)
A moderated panel discussion featuring past chairpersons of the IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG):
Moderator: Carol Roach
Panelists:

Nitin Desai (Remote)
Markus Kummer
Jānis Kārkliņš
Lynn St. Amour
Anriette Esterhuysen
Discussion Topics:

Evolution of the IGF's role and impact over the past two decades
Key challenges faced during different periods of the IGF's history
Most significant achievements and milestones
Lessons learned from the multistakeholder approach
Reflections on how the IGF has adapted to changing internet governance landscapes
Vision for the future of the IGF in the next decade
An interactive segment where IGF stakeholders can share their memorable moments:

Participants invited to approach designated microphones in the session room
Each speaker limited to 2 minutes
Encouraged to share personal experiences, turning points, or impactful moments from the IGF
Remote participants can contribute via the online participation platform
Moderator to ensure diverse representation of stakeholders and regions
Brief reflection by moderator after each set of 3-4 speakers
6. Closing and Looking Forward (5 minutes)

Summary of key themes from the session
Acknowledgment of all contributors
Connection to the WSIS+20 meeting in December 2025
Invitation to continue the conversation throughout IGF2025 and beyond.