Executive Committee Summary Records Summary Record of 89th meeting of the Executive Committee – 1 August 2025

Nov 17, 2025 | Meeting Summary Records, Reports and Meeting Minutes

Internet Governance Forum Support Association (IGFSA)

89th meeting of the Executive Committee

1st August 2025

  1. The Executive Committee held its 89th meeting on 1st August, 2025. The meeting took place online. with the following participants: Amrita Choudhury (Chair), Anriette Esterhuysen, Amado Espinosa, Chris Mondini, Wisdom Donkor and Fiona Asonga and from the Secretariat team: Jennifer Chung and Phyo Thiri Lwin. A quorum was established for the meeting, with four out of the eight Executive Committee members taking part.
  2. During the call, the agenda was reviewed. The draft agenda was presented and adopted.
  3. The summary record from the previous EC meeting was shared in advance. No comments or amendments were raised, and it was approved for posting.
  4. Key Takeaways of the Day 0 Session at IGF 2025: Sustainable Funding for IGF & NRIs
    • During the meeting, it was highlighted that the Day 0 session was successful for the imperative for sustainable financing of the IGF and NRIs, emphasizing on funding. It was also mentioned that the participants stressed diversifying sources (governments, private sector, technical community). Momentum was built to position IGFSA as a key enabler for NRI strengthening initiatives, possibly coordinating with UNESCO’s Internet Universality Indicators as a tool to empower NRIs.
    • It was noted that IGF 2025 was well-organized and valuable, though hectic. The IGFSA drew engagement, especially by young delegates; while noting positive interactions and to follow up on potential memberships. The Day 0 session effectively elevated IGFSA’s visibility; follow-up actions needed to capitalize on this exposure.
  5. Funding Request and Disbursement Status – The pending fund requests discussed included:
    • Moldova IGF: It was previously approved at national level and secretariat to proceed with processing.
    • Chad & Togo IGFs: EC acknowledged approval and to proceed by Secretariat while noting timing issues (late request submissions).
    • Liberia IGF: It was noted that the request pending recommended provisional approval subject to eligibility confirmation from the IGF Secretariat and submission of a detailed budget.
    • Youth IGF Colombia: Secretariat to clarify if the amount requested refers to total event budget or IGFSA support, and whether the youth event is standalone or co-located with national IGF.
    • Youth IGF Nepal: It was noted that a large budget request was received recently and the Secretariat is to request detailed line-item budget, program overview, and clarification on other sponsorships; consider whether the event overlaps with national IGF.
  6. Plan for Rest of the Year
    • A proposal was introduced regarding a potential NRI strengthening initiative making use of UNESCO’s Internet Universality Indicators (IUIs). The idea is for NRIs to carry out community-based self-assessments using a simplified version of the indicators in advance of their meetings, and then present and validate these findings during their events. Unlike formal UNESCO-led national assessments, which require substantial resources and government involvement, this approach would be lighter, more flexible, and directly empowering for NRIs.
    • It was noted that UNESCO has expressed interest in this concept and is exploring funding options. IGFSA was highlighted as a natural partner given its established role in supporting NRIs. Members agreed that channeling support for such an initiative through IGFSA would be more appropriate and effective than through external organizations, as it would align directly with IGFSA’s mission of strengthening NRIs.
    • It was also noted that the priorities include convening NRI representatives (via a working group) to develop the UNESCO indicators initiative collaboratively. Secretariat to draft outreach strategy to potential donors (e.g., TCCM members, registrars, RIRs) and revise membership and sponsorship materials. It is also to consider staging a virtual General Assembly later in the year, potentially adjacent to the ICANN Meeting in Dublin.
  7. Discussion on Sponsorship and Outreach plan for FY 2026
    • It is noted to identify the need to broaden the sponsorship base. It was proposed drafting a letter to TCCM members seeking support for NRI strengthening programs. Secretariat is to prepare materials and share a collaborative Google Doc for refining outreach content ahead of the next call.
  8. AOB
    • It was noted that the Secretariat will review the expiration of EC members’ terms, make arrangements for elections if required, and explore options for holding the IGFSA General Assembly in a virtual or hybrid format.
    • Members further emphasized the importance of NRI contributions to the WSIS+20 review, and IGFSA will consider how best to support this process in coordination with the IGF Secretariat.
    • Additionally, the Committee noted that a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been submitted; the Secretariat will follow up to secure the Chair’s signature and finalize the agreement.