Newsletter Volume 1 No. 3, July 2020

In this newsletter:

• Preparations for IGF 2020
• IGF News
• Intersessional Activities
• For Your Action!

Following stakeholder input during the 2nd Open Consultation and MAG meeting in June and subsequent discussions within the Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG), a plan for virtual IGF 2020 was developed:

IGF 2020 will happen in two phases

Phase 1: 23 October - 6 November 2020

• Introductory sessions to the four thematic tracks (data, environment, inclusion, trust)
• Newcomers sessions
• Dynamic Coalition sessions
• Open Forums
• NRI sessions
• Day Zero events

Phase 2: 9-17 November 2020

• Opening and closing ceremonies
• Main sessions
• Workshops
• High-level leaders track
• Parliamentarians roundtable

There is ongoing discussion about how best to schedule Best Practice Forum sessions, music night ‎and the IGF village, as well as a range of other networking sessions. IGF ‎stakeholders will be informed as soon as these remaining decisions are made.‎

Overarching theme of IGF 2020

As the Government of Poland will apply their proposed theme of "Internet United" for the IGF 2021 when they host it next year, there is a new overarching theme for IGF 2020:

• "Internet for human resilience and solidarity"

An innovation for this year's virtual meeting: a motto

In recognition of the extraordinary nature of 2020, and the increasing reliance of people to use the Internet to stay connected with each other during the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be an inaugural motto for this year’s IGF:

• "Virtually together"

More information about the virtual IGF schedule is available in the IGF MAG Chair’s July blog post.

Since the last newsletter, the Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) has held three virtual meetings to prepare for IGF 2020. Summary meeting reports are available for 30 June, 7 July and 21 July.

The IGF’s role in facilitating discussions about Internet-related public policy means that IGF representatives are frequently requested to participate in other events. In July, the IGF MAG Chair has contributed to discussions at the UN High-Level Political Forum 2020 and the WSIS Forum 2020.

A reminder: the deadline for nominations for the 2021 MAG is 25 August.

Best Practice Forums (BPFs)

The BPF on Cybersecurity's Workstream 1 has published a July update on its work plan, which includes the 21 agreements it plans to analyse.

The BPF on Data and New Technologies in an Internet Context has issued a call for case studies, with a deadline of 1 September. See also the BPF’s 25 June meeting summary.

The BPF on Gender and Access 9 July meeting summary is now available.

The deadline for completing the survey published by the BPF on Local Content has been extended until 15 August.

Dynamic Coalitions (DCs)

In the latest news from DCs:

• The Dynamic Coalition on Internet & Jobs is conducting a survey, "Job creation opportunities & Internet"
• The Youth Coalition on Internet Governance has published a report of its session at EuroDIG 2020

Consider hosting or participating in a remote hub.

Know of people who could make a great contribution to IGF 2020? Let the IGF Secretariat know!

Key dates and deadlines

See also: Full IGF calendar

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