Background and Rationale

The Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Internet Governance Forum (IGF) emerged from sustained discussions between the Pacific and Caribbean SIDS in 2011 when they jointly identified the need for a dedicated space for SIDS to participate effectively in global Internet governance dialogues. This collaborative SIDS initiative was officially incorporated into the IGF Dynamic Coalition in 2018 as the Dynamic Coalition of SIDS in the Internet Economy. Their vision took a significant step forward in 2021 when Mr. Rodney Taylor, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), offered the support of the CTU Secretariat to co‑host the inaugural SIDS IGF alongside the 18th CTU Caribbean Internet Governance Forum (CIGF).

The first SIDS IGF successfully established a critical platform for SIDS across the Caribbean, the Pacific, and the Africa, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean and South China Sea (AIMS) regions. It enabled these states to engage meaningfully in global Internet governance discussions without the requirement of formal membership in entities such as the DC‑SIDS. The forum amplified the unique digital challenges and opportunities facing SIDS, contributing to broader global awareness of the need for inclusive dialogue and collaborative approaches to digital development. Although time‑zone differences posed challenges in its virtual format, the event laid essential groundwork for continued cooperation and contributed to the early development of governance, procedural and operational mechanisms that support effective engagement.

Since 2022, the SIDS IGF has been convened biennially through a collaborative partnership involving the CTU Secretariat, the DC‑SIDS and national and regional IGF coordinators across the Caribbean, Pacific and AIMS regions.

Objectives

The 3rd SIDS IGF seeks to consolidate and advance the work undertaken in previous forums. Its objectives are to establish a sustained platform and process through which SIDS can participate actively in Internet governance, collaborate across regions, share experiences and articulate their national and regional concerns related to Internet governance, Internet policy and the digital economy, without the burden of formal membership requirements.

The forum also aims to reinforce a globally recognized and reputable mechanism for engagement, dialogue, cooperation and consensus‑building among SIDS stakeholders. Through this platform, participants will explore the pressing digital economy issues confronting SIDS and pursue suitable solutions.

Additionally, the forum will examine and refine governance structures, procedures and operational frameworks that can support ongoing collaboration and the achievement of long‑term strategic objectives.

Guiding Questions

The discussion will be shaped by key guiding questions, including:

1. What major challenges currently affect SIDS in the evolving digital economy?
2. In what ways can multistakeholder communities enhance collaboration to strengthen Internet governance in SIDS?
3. What policy interventions are required to address emerging digital issues within SIDS?
4. How do digital governance gaps and inequalities impact vulnerable or marginalized groups within SIDS?
5. What mechanisms can facilitate more coordinated regional and interregional cooperation among SIDS?
6. How can SIDS better position themselves to influence global Internet governance processes?

The 3^rd SIDS IGF

The 3^rd SIDS IGF is proposed to be held in the Indian Ocean region, in partnership with the Halley Movement Coalition, which will simultaneously host the collocated Mauritian and Indian Ocean IGF. Building on the foundations established by the first two convenings, the 3^rd SIDS IGF is proposed to undertake a comprehensive stocktaking exercise to assess achievements, challenges and emerging priorities across the SIDS internet governance landscape. This iterative review will serve to sharpen the forum’s agenda and direct focused attention toward the most critical and evolving issues facing Small Island Developing States.

A central thematic priority of the forum will be strengthening cyber resilience, in light of the growing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats that disproportionately affect SIDS given their limited technical and financial capacities. The forum will further examine the rapid advancement of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing and advanced data analytics, as well as the digital implications of climate change and the imperative of digital sustainability. Through these thematic anchors, the 3rd SIDS IGF aims to foster strategic dialogue, promote cooperative solutions and enhance the capacity of SIDS to navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Notably, this convening is proposed as the first in-person IGF for the Indian Ocean region, a collaborative milestone that marks a meaningful step toward strengthening regional ownership, visibility and coordination among island states. The forum is designed to serve as a bridge across the three recognised SIDS groupings: the Caribbean, the Pacific and Africa, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean and South China Sea (AIMS). Mauritius has been selected as the host country as a reflection of its unique strategic position, situated at the crossroads of Africa and Asia and itself a Small Island Developing State within the AIMS grouping, making it a natural and symbolically significant convening point for this landmark engagement.

Format

The forum will be conducted in a hybrid format, utilizing tools such as Zoom videoconferencing and livestreaming on social media platforms to enhance accessibility. The programme may include panel discussions, roundtables, capacity‑building sessions, lightning talks, youth‑focused engagements and thematic multistakeholder debates. These diverse formats are intended to encourage broad participation and ensure rich, inclusive dialogue.

Target Audience

The SIDS IGF welcomes participation from all stakeholders with an interest in Internet governance and digital development. This includes policymakers, regulators, service and content providers, consumer groups, civil society organizations, technical community representatives, academia, professionals, youth, underrepresented groups and members of the general public. The forum is designed to facilitate cross‑sector collaboration and provide a space for both expert and non‑expert participation.

Expected Outcomes

The forum is expected to produce practical and strategic outcomes, including policy recommendations, stakeholder action points and a comprehensive summary report documenting discussions and conclusions. It will also support capacity‑building among participants and foster the development of follow‑up initiatives, partnerships, or collaborative projects aimed at enhancing digital resilience and governance within SIDS.