IGF 2025: How Do Technical Standards Shape Connectivity and Inclusion?

Join the FOC during the following IGF Open Forum taking place in Workshop Room 2 / Online on Friday, 27 June from 9.00 – 10.00 CEST.

Session Description:

Technical standards are the backbone of global connectivity, enabling data to flow seamlessly across borders and ensuring access to digital services. Yet, standard-setting processes often lack inclusive participation—particularly from the Global South, civil society, and marginalized communities. This session will examine how open and interoperable standards can improve connectivity, reduce digital inequalities, and enhance access to affordable digital services, especially in underserved regions.

A key focus will be the role of standards in global communication infrastructure, such as undersea cables, and in areas like data transmission, network compatibility, and cybersecurity. As technologies evolve (optical fiber, wavelength division multiplexing, quantum communications, etc.) standards must adapt to ensure reliability and resilience.

Despite their importance, bodies like the ITU, IETF, IEEE, and W3C often operate with limited stakeholder input. This session will explore barriers to participation in standard-setting and propose strategies to enhance transparency, accessibility, and representation. It will also highlight how inclusive digital cooperation can align technical standardization with broader goals—such as human rights, digital inclusion, and the SDGs—supporting WSIS Action Lines C2 (Information and Communication Infrastructure), C3 (Access to Information), and C11 (International and Regional Cooperation).

Through expert insights and interactive dialogue, participants will identify actionable steps to make standard-setting more open, collaborative, and equitable, advancing a secure, inclusive, and resilient global digital ecosystem.

Moderator: Laura O’Brien, Senior International Counsel, Access Now

Opening Remarks: Rasmus Lumi, Director General, Department of International Organisations and Human Rights, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia

Speakers:

• Divine Agbeti, Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority of Ghana
• Stephanie Borg Psaila, Director for Digital Policy, Diplo Foundation 
• Natálie Terčová, At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC), ICANN / Founder and Chair of IGF Czechia
• Alex Walden, Global Head of Human Rights, Google
• Rose Payne, Lead, Policy and Advocacy, Global Partners Digital