The UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is the world's largest neutral multistakeholder forum that promotes discussion and dialogue on digitisation. It was convened for the first time in 2006 by the UN Secretary-General. Since then, every year 2000 to 3000 representatives from governments, international organizations, business, civil society, the technical sector and academia from all over the world participate in the IGF. The program is defined by the wider internet community through a "bottom-up" process. While there is no negotiated outcome, the IGF facilitates a common understanding on how to best address the opportunities created by the internet, as well as the risks and challenges.

Under the banner "Shape Your digital future!", this year's IGF will be hosted by Switzerland from 18 to 21 December 2017 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. Ms. Doris Leuthard, President of the Swiss Confederation, will inaugurate the IGF, which will include more than 200 events in different formats. The agenda addresses issues such as cyber security, the data economy, sustainable development, human rights on the internet, as well as the influence of digitisation on the economy, the media landscape and politics.

Geneva, as the seat of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) as well as more than 30 international organisations, 350 NGOs and 256 Permanent Missions, is ideally suited to host an IGF that aims to encourage a constructive dialogue, break down barriers, and mobilise stakeholders across all sectors.

Switzerland invites everyone to engage actively in the IGF. Participation is free of charge. Please register online.

Text provided by Federal Office of Communications.

The internationally recognized photographer and Magnum Photos member Martin Parr signs this image taken in 2017 in Santiago, Cuba. A large selection of his work is currently exhibited at the Kunstfoyer in Munich until January 2018 "MARTIN PARR. Souvenir - A Photographic Journey".