IGF invites Global South journalists to apply for support to cover its 2026 meeting

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) has opened applications for its 2026 initiative supporting journalists from the Global South, with the aim of broadening coverage of digital governance and bringing more local perspectives into international policy discussions.

The initiative will support a limited number of journalists with experience in digital issues to cover the IGF’s 21st annual meeting, scheduled for 14–18 December in Nairobi, Kenya. Selection will take into account regional, gender and other forms of diversity. Support is provided by the IGF Secretariat and depends on available funding.

The programme focuses on reporting that reflects how digital policy issues affect communities across the Global South. Topics include digital trust and accountability, inclusion, online human rights and the ethical implications of emerging technologies. The organisers aim to encourage in-depth coverage across different media platforms, rather than a single perspective on the discussions.

Beyond the annual meeting, the initiative seeks to build an informal network of journalists who can continue exchanging knowledge and reporting on digital governance. Previous cohorts, supported since 2024, have produced stories, interviews and other coverage for international audiences. Prospective applicants can review contributions from the 2024 and 2025 cohorts.

Participants will also have opportunities to connect with journalists, policymakers and experts, and learn about emerging digital policy issues and international cooperation frameworks, including the World Summit on the Information Society, the Global Dialogue on AI Governance and the Global Digital Compact.

Applications must be submitted by 26 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC. Journalists should consult the terms and eligibility criteria before applying through the online application form.