About

IGF Kyoto 2023

What is the Internet Governance Forum (IGF)?

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is one of the most important fora in the field of internet policy, hosted by the United Nations, where a wide range of stakeholders engage in dialogue on an equal footing on all issues related to the internet.

The IGF has been held annually since the first meeting in 2006.
The 17th IGF, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in November 2022, attracted approximately 2500 participants from the government, private sector, academia and civil society.
A video message from Mr. Matsumoto, Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications,Japan was shown at the closing ceremony, and he delivered the message that the internet is the foundation for inclusive social participation and must be protected and developed together, and that discussions based on a multi-stakeholder approach are important for addressing various issues.
Also, he formally announced that Japan will host next year’s IGF in Kyoto, Japan from October 8 to 12, 2023.

IGF2022 Opening Ceremony
IGF2022 Opening Ceremony
Video message from Mr. Matsumoto, Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, at the closing ceremony
Video message from Mr. Matsumoto, Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, at the closing ceremony
High Level Session
High Level Session
IGF Reception（Music night
IGF Reception（Music night

IGF Kyoto 2023

This year, the 18th IGF will be held in Kyoto.
Approximately 300 sessions will be held with a wide range of participants, including ministerial-level officials, parliamentarians from around the world, and young participants. Free discussions will be held on all aspects of the internet.
In addition, the "IGF Village" will be open, where many companies will exhibit and introduce the state-of-the-art technologies related to the internet.
Furthermore, we plan to hold a reception to showcase Japanese traditional performing arts so that participants from overseas can enjoy Japanese culture.

The Main Theme

The main theme of IGF Kyoto 2023 is "Internet We Want - Empowering All People -", wishing for the development of a free and open internet that will not leave anyone behind.
Moreover, in order to discuss all the challenges associated with the internet, the 18th IGF has eight sub-themes:

Sub-Themes

  • (1) AI and Emerging Technologies
  • (2) Avoiding Internet Fragmentation
  • (3) Cybersecurity, Cybercrime, and Online Safety
  • (4) Data Governance and Trust
  • (5) Digital Divides and Inclusion
  • (6) Global Digital Governance and Cooperation
  • (7) Human Rights and Freedoms
  • (8) Sustainability and Environment

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications,Japan,through the host of IGF Kyoto 2023, hopes to explore a more inclusive and effective IGF, and will make every effort to hold discussions for the maintenance and development of free, open, secure and undivided internet, and will promote the importance of international collaboration in the digital society domestically and internationally.