IGF 2025 Open Forum #34 How Do Technical Standards Shape Connectivity and Inclusion?

Technical standards shape global connectivity by determining how networks interoperate, how data flows, and how people access the Internet. While these standards are critical for interoperability and affordability as well as for creating an inclusive digital environment, their development often excludes key stakeholders, particularly from Global Majority countries, civil society, and marginalized communities. This session will explore how open and interoperable standards can help bridge the digital divide, with a focus on infrastructure like undersea cables, network protocols, and security frameworks. Participants will examine the barriers to inclusive participation in standard-setting bodies such as ITU, IETF, IEEE, and W3C and discuss strategies for greater transparency and engagement. The session will also highlight how multistakeholder cooperation in technical governance supports the WSIS Action Lines (C2, C3, C11) and SDGs by reinforcing digital inclusion and human rights. Through expert discussions and interactive engagement, the session will provide actionable recommendations for improving transparency in standard-setting, fostering collaboration between governments, industry, and civil society, and ensuring that technical frameworks prioritize accessibility and connectivity for all. By promoting open, interoperable, and inclusive standards, this session aims to advance a more equitable, secure, and resilient global digital ecosystem.

1) On-site support staff and online moderators will ensure that there is a seamless level of interaction between panellists present at the venue and those participating through a virtual meeting platform. Attendees both in-person and online will also be invited to ask questions through the available platforms. Ample time will be carved out for engagement from audience members. 2) We will aim to set rules of engagement for all attendees (inform them about the different ways they can interact during the event with the speakers and fellow participants, both online and offline, let online attendees know how they should use the chat feature, help them understand when to stay muted/unmuted, advise all participants on how and when they should ask questions, tell them who to contact in case any technical or practical issues arise). We would also assign designated online and on-site moderators, and prepare compelling content and structure of the agenda while being wary of meeting length. 3) We have not had any complementary tools or platforms planned at this time (subject to change).