This year’s Internet Governance Forum (IGF) focuses on the topic of Resilient Internet for a Shared Sustainable and Common Future. IFLA will be present, working to underline how libraries represent an essential link in the chain between internet access, resilience, and inclusiveness. 

As set out in our Get into IGF Guide, the Internet Governance Forum is the key global meeting for different stakeholders to come together and discuss both latest developments and upcoming priorities around the way the internet works. The 2022 edition is held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and will look at topics around resilience, sustainability, and inclusiveness.

Over almost 20 years of engaging with the IGF, IFLA has worked to build the case for public access in libraries both as a stepping stone and a complement to household connectivity, to underline the role of libraries in delivering access to content and skills, and to promote library values in the way the internet works.

2022 will be no different, with IFLA engaged both in a session of the Dynamic Coalition on Public Access in Libraries focused on libraries’ role as a venue for promoting engagement and debate around digital issues, and working closely with UNESCO on internet inclusivity.

IFLA will be represented by two members of our Sub-Saharan African Regional Division Committee, Sarah Kaddu (its chair) and Damilare Oyedele. Local librarians in Ethiopia will also be encouraged to attend and play an active role across other sessions.

We look forward to sharing more from the event, and you can also join online using the buttons above!