To promote awareness of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) amongst policy makers and stakeholders from industry, civil society and academia in Commonwealth member countries.

To establish IGF links around the Commonwealth with the particular aim of securing the engagement of those Commonwealth member countries which have not previously participated in the Internet Governance Forum.

To foster links between Commonwealth national and regional IGFs and the identify areas of common concern such as affordable and secure access for all.

To provide a forum for stakeholders from Commonwealth member countries to discuss and formulate Commonwealth-wide policies, best practice and position papers to be tabled at the IGF in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, on 16 -18 November 2009.

To inform national positions on public policy issues for the good governance of the Internet and provide a forum for Commonwealth members to enable them to work towards formulating Commonwealth wide policies or positions to be tabled at the IGF.

Anticipated Outcomes

Increased participation by stakeholders from Commonwealth member countries in the 2009 Internet Governance Forum in Sharm el Sheikh.

Informed multi-stakeholder discussion on issues relating to Internet governance which will assist Commonwealth member countries in the development of their policy-making process, initiatives, resources and skills.

Promotion within the Commonwealth of active national and regional Internet governance initiatives and partnerships for sharing expertise, resources and best practice.

Working towards an agreed Commonwealth position on the future of the IGF after 2010.