IGF cybersecurity network seeks input on protecting internet access during crises

The IGF Policy Network on Cybersecurity and Resilience (PNCR) has opened a call for expressions of interest from stakeholders who want to contribute to its work ahead of the IGF 2026 annual meeting in Nairobi, Kenya.

The network’s 2026 thematic focus is securing civilian internet access and protecting core Internet resources in contexts of conflict and crisis. The work will examine how governments, the private sector, civil society, the technical community and other stakeholders can contribute to maintaining connectivity and resilience during emergencies.

Four areas have been identified for collaboration. The first focuses on developing a multistakeholder emergency response mechanism to help secure civilian Internet access during conflict and crisis. The second will examine existing normative frameworks, including UN norms, international humanitarian law (IHL), international human rights law (IHRL) and norms developed within the internet community, with the aim of identifying areas of alignment and gaps.

The third work area will explore a holistic multistakeholder approach covering preparedness, protection and recovery. The fourth will consider possible IGF input to the UN First Committee Global Mechanism on ICTs in the context of international security.

The PNCR describes its work as a community-driven and open process. Stakeholders can express interest in contributing to one or more of the four work areas through the online call for expressions of interest.