On behalf of the Secretary-General, it is my pleasure to invite you to the Sixth Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), which will be graciously hosted by the Government of Kenya. The sixth meeting of the IGF will be held in Nairobi from 27-30 September 2011.
The meeting is open to all entities accredited by World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), as well as other institutions and persons with proven expertise and experience in matters related to Internet governance.
The overall theme of the meeting will be ‘Internet as a Catalyst for Change: Access, Development, Freedoms and Innovation'. This theme reflects the outcome of a broad and inclusive consultation process. This theme also reflects the mandate of the IGF to develop a common understanding of the best way for all stakeholders to realize the boundless opportunities offered by the Internet. The meeting in Kenya will build on the work of the previous IGF meetings thereby facilitating a comprehensive dialogue between all stakeholders across a wide and diverse range of agendas.
Following an open consultation process as well as through the meetings of the Multi-stakeholder Advisory Group (MAG), the agenda of the Sixth Meeting of the IGF is as follows:
- Internet Governance for Development
- Emerging Issues
- Managing Critical Internet Resources
- Security, Openness and Privacy
- Access and Diversity
- Taking Stock and the Way Forward
I am pleased to note that the value of the IGF continues to be well recognised by the Member States at different international events. The United Nations General Assembly renewed the mandate of the IGF for another five years in December 2010.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my gratitude to the Government of Kenya for hosting the Sixth Annual Meeting of the IGF.
I look forward to seeing you in Nairobi at the event.
(Signed)
Sha Zukang
Under-Secretary-General
Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA)