The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2026 Youth Mentorship Programme
Job Description
The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2026 Youth Mentorship Programme
Applications are open for the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2026 Youth Mentorship Programme, a mentorship and learning programme for young people who are involved or interested in Internet governance.
The programme connects emerging youth participants with experienced members of the IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) before the IGF 2026 annual meeting. It is designed to help participants understand the IGF, strengthen their participation in Internet governance discussions and build connections within the global Internet governance community.
About Internet Governance Forum (IGF)
The Internet Governance Forum is a United Nations-convened multistakeholder platform that brings together governments, the private sector, civil society, technical communities, academia and other stakeholders to discuss public policy issues relating to the Internet.
The IGF supports information exchange, good-practice sharing and a common understanding of how to maximize digital opportunities while addressing Internet-related risks. Its work covers the policy, technical, social, economic and rights-related issues that shape the development and use of the Internet.
Youth participation is supported through structures connected to the IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group. The Working Group on Youth Engagement is a MAG-supported group focused on strengthening the participation of young people across the IGF ecosystem.
About The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2026 Youth Mentorship Programme
The programme is an initiative of the IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group Working Group on Youth. It is intended for young people who want to understand Internet governance more clearly, engage with the IGF community and contribute to discussions about the future of the Internet.
Youth mentees will engage with an experienced MAG member through discussions and preparation activities connected to IGF 2026. This engagement is intended to introduce participants to the IGF ecosystem, the role of different stakeholder groups and the way Internet governance issues are considered in multistakeholder spaces.
The programme takes place before the IGF 2026 annual meeting and uses mentorship and online engagement. It has a global scope and focuses on preparing young participants for more informed involvement in Internet governance conversations.
Internet Governance Areas Of Interest
The programme is relevant to young people interested in the policy, technology, rights and development issues that affect how the Internet is governed and used. Relevant areas include:
-
Digital policy and regulation
-
Digital rights and human rights in the digital environment
-
Cybersecurity and online safety
-
Artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies
-
Data governance
-
Internet access, inclusion and digital development
-
Technology policy and innovation
-
Youth participation in Internet governance
What Youth Mentees Will Do
Selected participants will take part in activities that support their understanding of the IGF and their preparation for participation in Internet governance discussions. Their engagement will include:
-
Participating in the 2026 IGF Youth Mentorship Programme.
-
Engaging with an experienced member of the IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group.
-
Taking part in discussions connected to IGF 2026.
-
Participating in preparation activities before the IGF 2026 annual meeting.
-
Developing a stronger understanding of the IGF ecosystem.
-
Learning about multistakeholder Internet governance spaces and the contribution of different stakeholder groups.
-
Building a stronger basis for participation in Internet governance conversations.
-
Showing interest in participating in and contributing to the wider IGF community.
Eligibility & Requirements
-
The programme is intended for young people.
-
Applicants must be involved in or interested in Internet governance.
-
Applicants must demonstrate a genuine interest in Internet governance issues.
-
Applicants must show interest in participating in the IGF community.
-
Applicants should be prepared to engage with an experienced MAG mentor.
-
Applicants should be ready to participate in discussions and preparation activities connected to IGF 2026.
Benefits Of Participation
The mentorship is structured to help emerging youth leaders develop the knowledge and connections needed to participate more effectively in Internet governance spaces. Through engagement with a MAG mentor and participation in programme activities, youth mentees will gain:
-
A clearer understanding of the IGF and its multistakeholder structure.
-
Greater familiarity with the way Internet governance discussions take place.
-
Preparation for more informed participation in IGF-related conversations.
-
Direct engagement with an experienced member of the IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group.
-
Connections within the global Internet governance community.
-
Broader exposure to issues including digital policy, digital rights, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data governance and digital inclusion.
Programme Format And Participation
-
Programme type: Training and mentorship programme
-
Format: Mentorship and online engagement
-
Scope: Global
-
Timing: Before the IGF 2026 annual meeting
-
Mentors: Experienced members of the IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group
-
Focus: Youth participation, understanding the IGF ecosystem and preparation for Internet governance discussions
Application Deadline
Applications close on October 4, 2026.
Requirements
-
The programme is intended for young people.
-
Applicants must be involved in or interested in Internet governance.
-
Applicants must demonstrate a genuine interest in Internet governance issues.
-
Applicants must show interest in participating in the IGF community.
-
Applicants should be prepared to engage with an experienced MAG mentor.
-
Applicants should be ready to participate in discussions and preparation activities connected to IGF 2026.
Benefits Of Participation
The mentorship is structured to help emerging youth leaders develop the knowledge and connections needed to participate more effectively in Internet governance spaces. Through engagement with a MAG mentor and participation in programme activities, youth mentees will gain:
-
A clearer understanding of the IGF and its multistakeholder structure.
-
Greater familiarity with the way Internet governance discussions take place.
-
Preparation for more informed participation in IGF-related conversations.
-
Direct engagement with an experienced member of the IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group.
-
Connections within the global Internet governance community.
-
Broader exposure to issues including digital policy, digital rights, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data governance and digital inclusion.
Programme Format And Participation
-
Programme type: Training and mentorship programme
-
Format: Mentorship and online engagement
-
Scope: Global
-
Timing: Before the IGF 2026 annual meeting
-
Mentors: Experienced members of the IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group
-
Focus: Youth participation, understanding the IGF ecosystem and preparation for Internet governance discussions
Application Deadline
Applications close on October 4, 2026.