IGF 2026 PNC
Securing Internet Access & Core Resources in Conflicts and Crises Contexts
A multistakeholder effort to safeguard civilian connectivity and protect core Internet resources when they’re most at risk.
What is this work about?
The Policy Network on Securing Access to the Internet and Protecting Core Internet Resources in Contexts of Conflict and Crises ("PN Cybersecurity") is the evolution of the IGF Best Practice Forum (BPF) on Cybersecurity, carrying its work forward in substance and in format. It brings together all stakeholders - governments, the technical community, private sector, civil society, and intergovernmental organizations - to ensure people can connect, and stay connected, when it matters most. The main focus areas of the PN are:
- Protect civilian Internet access during conflicts and crises.
- Strengthen the resilience and protection of core Internet infrastructure and operations.
- Align practice with human rights and humanitarian law considerations.
- Advance effective, inclusive multistakeholder responses.
This community-driven process is open to everyone to join and participate. Building on the BPF's 2025 work, including its problem statement and the three work areas identified through community consultation, the PNC will carry this foundation forward into deeper, more structured multistakeholder work for the IGF 2026 cycle. All stakeholders will be invited soon to join and help shape this next phase.
Why it matters and What we do
Connectivity underpins access to life-saving information, coordination of aid, freedom of expression, and economic activity. Shutdowns, throttling, and infrastructure damage can compound harm. There is a need to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the multistakeholder Internet community and the institutions that are part of it, with regard to securing access to the Internet for civilians and protecting core Internet resources in contexts of conflict and crisis.
Last year, the following three streams were examined:
Emergency Connectivity Mechanism
Exploring a rapid-response, multistakeholder mechanism to secure or restore connectivity in crisis settings
Legal & Normative Framework
Clarifying how shutdowns and disruptions during armed conflict should be treated under international humanitarian law and human rights law.
Governance & Multistakeholder Practice
Understanding how the multistakeholder model performs in crises—and how to improve it.
How to join
Join PNC
This is a new chapter for work that began under the BPF Cybersecurity. All stakeholders are invited to join the PNC open mailing list and begin shaping this next phase of the work. Continuous consultations will be conducted through the PNC mailing list. You can also reach out to the IGF Secretariat to explore ways of engagement.
Receive updates
All PNC-related updates will be made available through its open mailing list.
They are also part of the IGF's monthly newsletter.
Subscribe here to the PNC mailing list. You are encouraged to also subscribe here to the IGF Newsletter mailing list.
Contribute to developing outputs
Further details on the PN's work plan and consultation process will be published soon.
