Public Statement by the Internet Governance Forum Support Association (IGFSA)
The Internet Governance Forum Support Association (IGFSA) warmly welcomes and sincerely thanks the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) for its one-time US$ 1 million contribution to the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). This commitment, which is earmarked for the IGF Secretariat, demonstrates strong recognition of the importance of the IGF as a global multistakeholder platform for dialogue, collaboration, and policy development on critical Internet and digital governance issues.
ICANN’s support comes at a pivotal moment as the global community continues to reflect on the future of the IGF, including discussions around its long-term sustainability and role in the evolving digital ecosystem. This contribution is an important step toward strengthening the IGF Secretariat’s capacity to continue serving as an open, inclusive, and impactful platform.
Since its inception the IGFSA has been channeling support to the IGF Secretariat and we are honoured to be trusted with being the fiscal agent for some substantial contributions to the IGF from the private sector.
At the same time, IGFSA wishes to emphasize that support is needed not just for the IGF Secretariat, but also for the broader IGF ecosystem, in particular for the more than 160 National and Regional IGFs. Since its establishment, the IGFSA has played a critical role in mobilizing resources for supporting National and Regional Initiatives (NRIs), enabling participation from diverse and underrepresented communities. Through its efforts, the IGFSA has helped ensure that the IGF ecosystem remains inclusive, particularly by supporting NRIs from developing regions, but also by supporting NRIs from countries in the global North who are not able to benefit from funding earmarked for developing countries.
It is precisely because it is an independent, community-driven organization that the IGFSA needs continued support.. The IGFSA is key to maintaining a diversified funding base for the IGF Secretariat but particularly for NRIs. It is unique in that it facilitates small, individual contributions as well as larger grants.
IGFSA therefore calls on stakeholders across the technical community, private sector, civil society, and governments to continue supporting its work. Collective efforts—whether through membership, partnerships, or financial contributions—are essential to sustaining the broader IGF ecosystem.
IGFSA looks forward to continued collaboration with ICANN, the IGF Secretariat, and the wider multistakeholder community to strengthen the future of the IGF and advance an open, secure, and inclusive Internet for all. We also want to recognise that ICANN continues to make direct contributions to many NRIs which has been vital to their sustainability and impact.
Issued by the Internet Governance Forum Support Association
Nairobi, 24 June, 2026
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