The auIGF 2026 program will be formed from community input via a session proposal process.
The Australian Internet Governance Forum (auIGF) 2026 will be held at QT Canberra and online over 22–23 September 2026. The event provides an opportunity for stakeholders from government, industry, civil society, academia, the technical community and the broader Australian internet community to discuss public policy issues relating to the Internet in Australia.
The auIGF Multistakeholder Steering Committee (MSSC) invites session proposals for auIGF 2026 that align with this year’s theme “A resilient Internet for all Australians” and one of the two subthemes:
Session proposals are open until 23:59 Sunday 14 June 2026 (AEST, UTC+10)
The auIGF program is shaped by community input. We invite proposals for sessions that will support open, inclusive and practical discussion on the issues shaping Australia’s digital future.
This year, the Program Committee is especially interested in session formats that encourage participation and discussion. Proposals may include, but are not limited to:
Proposed sessions should be designed to involve the audience, not only present to them. Session organisers need to include time for questions, discussion or other forms of participation. While final timings will be determined once the program is drafted, sessions are expected to be between 45-60 minutes.
While auIGF 2026 is a hybrid event, at least one confirmed speaker needs to participate onsite for your session.
The Internet was built on principles of cooperation, autonomy and interoperability, with the goal that the Internet be accessible for everyone.
As digital systems continue to grow more complex and disrupt our digital lives, the institutions and infrastructure that support the Internet must continue to uphold human agency, accountability and reliable information flows.
The auIGF 2026 theme, A Resilient Internet for all Australians, will explore the evolving responsibilities of governments, platforms, the technical community and users in shaping a resilient and people-centred digital environment, while maintaining the Internet’s founding principles.
auIGF 2026 will consider how different stakeholders exercise responsibility across Australia’s digital ecosystem, and how Australians can make more informed choices about their digital lives, while engaging fully with all the benefits of our globally connected Internet.
Proposals under this subtheme may explore:
Shared responsibility across the Internet ecosystem
How a safe, open and effective Internet relies upon shared responsibility and cooperation between governments, industry, the technical community, civil society and users themselves.
Empowering Australians through choice, rights and participation
How consumer rights, data protection, interoperability, identity portability and inclusive market settings can give Australians greater control over their online experiences and a stronger say in how digital systems serve them.
Growing engagement in Internet governance
How Australia can strengthen awareness of Internet governance and active participation beyond traditional expert communities, supporting all Australians to see themselves not just as Internet users, but as advocates, contributors and architects of its future.
Today, the Internet and associated digital technologies are a necessity for doing business, engaging with essential services and many social interactions; the resilience, security and reliability of these systems are a fundamental concern for all Australians.
auIGF 2026 will explore how trust and accountability are established and sustained in our digital environment, and the strategic choices and multistakeholder discussions that will shape Australia’s digital future.
Proposals under this subtheme may explore:
Agency, rights and accountability in an automated age
How governance settings, regulation and design choices can help ensure that evolving technologies support human agency, transparency and accountability, as the impact of AI and automated systems increases across multiple aspects of life.
Building resilience into technical, economic and governance systems
What is needed to strengthen resilience across the Internet ecosystem, including secure and reliable infrastructure, sustainable markets, effective institutions and governance models that can respond to disruption and change.
Preparing today’s systems for tomorrow’s challenges
How existing approaches to identity, information integrity and the protection of human rights can be adapted and strengthened to meet future needs, while building the capacity required to navigate periods of technological and social transition.
Session proposals should include:
Session organisers are responsible for identifying and confirming their own speakers, moderators and facilitators.
Proposals should reflect the auIGF’s open and multistakeholder approach. We encourage session organisers to consider diversity across stakeholder groups, gender, geography, experience and perspective.
The Program Committee will assess proposals based on their relevance to the auIGF 2026 theme and subthemes, the strength of the proposed discussion, the diversity of perspectives represented, and the level of audience engagement built into the session format.
As program space is limited, not all proposals may be accepted. The Program Committee may also work with proposers to refine, combine or adapt session ideas to support a balanced and coherent program.
auIGF - Australian Internet Governance Forum
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