Moldova Internet Governance Forum 2025

Location

Chișinău, Moldova

Date

April 15-16, 2025

Agenda

Topics

MIGF objectives and tasks

The main objective of the Moldova Internet Governance Forum is to consolidate various categories of actors (public sector, civil society, technical community and academia, private sector, international organizations) to discuss, within a multilateral, democratic and transparent process, the most important public policy issues related to the Internet, as well as security in the virtual environment. The MIGF promotes open discussions and dialogue with a view to identifying a common approach on how to promote the Internet and manage the risks and challenges that arise regarding its use and evolution.

The major directions of the Forum activity are:

Protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms on Internet, support of democratic process and the rule of law;
Support of implementation of the Internet governance with the participation of all stakeholders;
Support of harmonization of international regulations and local legislation;
Support of enhancing of Internet users’ rights and capabilities;
Promotion of the universalization of the Internet;
Support of Internet security and reliability, sustainability and credibility;
Support of formation of the decentralized approaches of the Internet governance based on social responsibility;
Support of introduction of innovation, new technologies and services in the Internet sector;
Introduction of the principles of open access and freedom of user’s choice;
Facilitation of the cultural and linguistic diversity in the Internet as well as support of development of local content.

The role of a neutral secretariat of the Internet Governance Forum in Moldova is entrusted to the Association "Comunitatea Internet" - a non-governmental organization that supports and promotes the development of the open, secure, trustworthy, and unified global Internet.

MIGF main goals:

to point out to various stakeholders the opportunities for involvement in Internet governance processes relevant to their business and activities, and to encourage dialogue and, if necessary, help in capacity building for better understanding Internet-related topics;
to empower and interest all stakeholders in Moldova to actively participate in national, and then directly or indirectly, regional and international Internet governance processes;
to identify Internet governance topics important to Moldova.

Speakers

David Frautschy Heredia

Sergiu Gaibu

Anja Gengo

Nicoleta Colomeeț

Alexandru Coreţchi

Joanna Szymańska

Victor Spînu

Veni Markovski

Oleksiy Semenyaka

Anatolie Golovco

All Speakers

The relevance and methodology of the MIGF

Internet governance is defined as "the development and application by governments, the private sector, and civil society, in their respective roles, of shared principles, norms, rules, decision-making procedures, and programs that shape the evolution and use of the Internet" (Agenda for the information society, Tunis, 2005). The Global Internet Governance Forum was formed in 2006 under the auspices of the United Nations and is the result of the World Summit on the Information Society, held between 2003 and 2005. The MIGF event aims to create a national platform for dialogue and interaction with key stakeholders (both offline and online).

Offline participation implies:

Annual meetings of IGF / stakeholder groups;
Engagement in processes related to elaboration, implementation, monitoring or evaluation of Internet Governance policies, as a part of workshops, roundtable meetings, capacity building sessions, public consultations, others initiated by public institutions, international development partners or CSOs.

Online participation implies:

Regular development and dissemination of information materials on updates related to Internet governance issues;
Communication through a mailing list;
Connecting MIGF participants to global and regional level or events dedicated to Internet Governance issues (United Nations IGF, regional and sub-regional forums, ICANN, Internet Society, Freedom Online Coalition, RightsCon, others).

MIGF core principles:

Openness and transparency (allowing all interested parties to participate in the IGF, public insight into all parts of the IGF's work);
Inclusivity (enable active involvement of all stakeholders, including the creation of a dedicated website or webpage, creation of a mailing list and/or an open platform, creation of dedicated social media pages, etc.);
Bottom-up approach (the decision-making process of the MIGF initiative should be bottom-up, where substantive organization of the annual meeting should reflect the needs of the respective community the MIGF are acting within);
Non-commercial (IGF is not intended for sale of goods and services);
Multi-stakeholder (the approach refers to collaboration between all stakeholders - public sector, civil society, technical community and academia, private sector - around the development and implementation of an array of Internet-related principles, norms, rules, decision making procedures, and policies and programs).

Agenda

Below you'll find the Agenda for MIGF
Working languages: Romanian, Russian, English

April 15, 2024. DAY 1
April 16, 2024. DAY 2 (Side Event)

Special Guests, Partners from Moldova and abroad, MIGF Organizing Committee

Victor Spînu, Member of Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, Parliamentary Committee on Economy, Budget and Finance
Sergiu Gaibu, Director of the National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology (ANRCETI)
Anja Gengo, United Nations Secretariat for Internet Governance Forum (UN IGF)
David Frautschy Heredia, Senior Director for European Government and Regulatory Affairs at Internet Society
Mikhail Anisimov, Head of Global Stakeholder Engagement for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
Oleksiy Semenyaka, Community Development Officer and Technical Advisor for the Réseaux IP Européens Network Coordination Centre (RIPE NCC)
Alexei Marciuc, Chairman of the Association “Comunitatea Internet”, National Coordinator for the Moldova Internet Governance Forum (MIGF)

From the Summit of the Future to WSIS+ 20: The Global Dialogue on Digital Governance and Multistakeholder Cooperation and Its National-Level Impact

Veni Markovski, Vice President for Government Engagement – United Nations NY and Interim Head of Government and Intergovernmental Organization Engagement, Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers

Marking the 20-year milestone of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+ 20) and as we enter the implementation phase of the Global Digital Compact (GDC), adopted at the 2024 UN Summit of the Future, the keynote speech will focus on assessing progress and articulating a forward-looking vision for digital governance at both the global and national levels. It will provide a strategic platform to explore how multistakeholder cooperation can drive sustainable digital development and build resilient digital governance frameworks. Crucially, this highlights the importance of aligning local actions with global frameworks and effectively reflecting regional and national perspectives in the development of global digital policy, underscoring the value of the multistakeholder model and the crucial role of substantive participation from governments, international organizations, the private sector, civil society, the technical community, and academia.

In today's world, digital technologies are rapidly integrating into all spheres of life, offering new opportunities while also introducing significant challenges. One of the key aspects of a successful digital transformation is ensuring trust in digital systems and services. This high-level session will bring together engaged actors of the digital ecosystem to explore strategic cooperation approaches for shaping a trusted digital future and advancing a roadmap for responsible and sustainable digital development.

A central focus of the session will be fostering cross-sectoral, regional, and international collaboration in developing and implementing security standards, data protection frameworks, and transparency mechanisms for digital processes. The discussion will highlight impactful partnerships contributing to cyber resilience and the development of trustworthy digital infrastructures. Additionally, the session will highlight the role of emerging technologies and digital innovations in enhancing trust, security, and inclusivity in the digital ecosystem.

Particular emphasis will be placed on aligning national regulatory frameworks with European and international standards to promote legal certainty and interoperability in digital governance. The discussion will also examine the role of multilateral initiatives and forums in shaping strategies for digital trust at national, regional, and global levels, ensuring a coordinated approach to addressing digital risks while maximizing the benefits of innovation.

This session will contribute to the development of a roadmap for strengthening strategic cooperation among key stakeholders to create a trusted, secure, and sustainable digital future. The discussions will support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing digital divides, promoting equitable access to digital opportunities, and ensuring that digital transformation fosters economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

Moderator: Mikhail Anisimov, Head of Global Stakeholder Engagement for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)

Sergiu Gaibu, Director of the National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology (ANRCETI)
Vitalie Tarlev, Digitalisation adviser in the Economic Council to the Prime Minister, Government of the Republic of Moldova
Oleksiy Semenyaka, Community Development Officer and Technical Advisor for the Réseaux IP Européens Network Coordination Centre (RIPE NCC)
Anatolie Golovco, Prime Minister's Office, Government of the Republic of Moldova
Tattu Mambetalieva, Chair at Central Asian Internet Governance Forum (CAIGF)
Bogdan Banjac, The Executive Committee of the South Eastern European Dialogue on Internet Governance (SEEDIG)

In an increasingly digital landscape, Moldova - like many countries - faces rising challenges from misinformation and disinformation, which erode public trust, polarize communities, and threaten democratic values. This session will examine strategic imperatives for enhancing information integrity and societal resilience through inclusive, multistakeholder governance.

Bringing together diverse perspectives, the discussion will explore the evolving dynamics of online information manipulation in Moldova, including the role of artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and emerging technologies. Topics will cover AI-generated content, election-related disinformation, media literacy, child protection online, and the impact of manipulated narratives in conflict-prone or politically sensitive contexts.

This session will offer actionable insights into how Moldova and other countries can strengthen digital resilience and protect democratic discourse, as well as highlight innovative approaches and examine how human-centered digital governance can support a verifiable and ethical digital ecosystem. Emphasis will be placed on transparency, accountability, and proactive cross-sector collaboration to shape a trustworthy digital information space.

Moderator: Dumitru Tira, CEO of Realitatea Media Group

Veronica Maevschi, Issues Affecting Children Program Director, International Centre La Strada Moldova
Antanina Maslyka, Regional Director for Europe at ARTICLE 19
Anastasiya Zhyrmont, Policy Manager (Eastern Europe and Central Asia) at Access Now
Ivan Sveatcenko, Journalist, host of the author's project on YouTube
Diana Okremova, Director at Legal Media Center, Kazakhstan
Igor Zaharov, Public Communication Advisor to the President of the Republic of Moldova

In a context where digital transformation is significantly changing the surrounding world, the state faces challenges in ensuring the constitutional rights of citizens, while access to the internet becomes an integral element in the realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Constitution and international agreements to which the Republic of Moldova has acceded. Key discussion topics of the session will cover the protection of fundamental rights in the context of digitalization, as well as ensuring universal and non-discriminatory access to digital resources.

One of the main themes will be bridging the digital divide, which to some extent affects marginalized groups, rural and remote areas, as well as vulnerable populations. Inequality in access to digital technologies exacerbates social isolation and limits the ability to realize basic rights, highlighting the need for effective measures to eliminate barriers and ensure inclusivity in the digital environment. The session will discuss legislative initiatives and programs aimed at expanding digital accessibility, including both public and private initiatives that promote equal opportunities for all citizens.

Important topics will include constitutional rights and freedoms in light of the provisions of key conceptual documents from international and European institutions regulating the development of legal relationships in the context of digital transformations and the evolution of artificial intelligence, as well as approaches to potential restrictions on human rights in the digital age, including the limitation of constitutional freedoms during the pre-election period and elections.

Contributors will discuss how constitutional principles and guarantees can adapt to new technological realities, what mechanisms are needed to protect digital sovereignty, and how to balance individual rights with state interests. The session will involve leading experts in constitutional law, international experts on digital rights, representatives from government institutions, and the academic community, all working together to develop approaches for a comprehensive vision of future digital regulation.

Moderator: Valeriu Kuciuk, Head of the Representing Department at the Constitutional Court and Law Enforcement Bodies of the Legal Directorate - Parliament of the Republic of Moldova

Dumitru Pulbere, Former President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Moldova
Stanislav Pavlovschi, Senior International Law Expert, Former Judge at the European Court of Human Rights
Irina Iacub, PhD in Law and Associate Professor
Petru Railean, Former Judge of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Moldova
Joanna Szymańska, Head of Programmes and Strategy for Europe at ARTICLE 19
Veaceslav Zaporojan, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Law at the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova

In an age of rapid technological advancements and pervasive digitalization, cybersecurity has become a key element of sustainable development for governments, businesses, and the non-profit sector. The goal of cybersecurity is to protect against emerging threats and risks in a constantly evolving digital landscape. Civil society, the media and activists are increasingly encountering new forms of cyber threats targeting their digital infrastructure, communications and personal data. The impact of these threats goes beyond individual incidents to undermine the resilience of democratic processes, and pose risks to the long-term stability of civil liberties and the rule of law.

This panel session will bring together leading technical and policy experts in digital security who possess substantial experience in supporting high-risk communities across Eastern Europe and Eurasia to build their institutional digital resilience. Participants will explore both practical solutions and successful models of protection, as well as strategic approaches to fostering a resilient digital security ecosystem.

Particular focus will be given to emerging digital risks related to communications and social media behaviour management, grounded and/or clouded data management, standard operating procedures management, and good digital hygiene practices. In addition, shrinking financial support opportunities for CSOs in the region might impose more vulnerabilities. Addressing the institutional vulnerabilities related to these digital assets is a protective factor against the growing (ab)use of digital surveillance tools and digital identity of individuals and institutions for exerting pressure. While highlighting best practices for implementing comprehensive strategic measures aimed at strengthening the culture of digital safety at the individual, institutional, and state levels, the panel discussion will also tackle challenges that users might face due to following digital hygiene rules in a certain context.

Moderator: Michael L. Gray, Senior Program Manager at the SecDev Foundation, Canada

Asomudin Atoev, Regional Project Coordinator at the SecDev Foundation
Nino Gamisonia, Digital Safety and Remediation Expert
Artem Goryainov, Technical Expert
Mariia Mentiu, Digital Safety and Remediation Expert
Oleg Mamunia, Digital Safety and Remediation Expert

Special Guests, Partners from Moldova and abroad, Organizing Committee

Alexei Marciuc, Chairman of the Association “Comunitatea Internet”, National Coordinator for the Moldova Internet Governance Forum (MIGF)
Nicoleta Colomeeț, Director of the Moldovan e-Governance Agency
Anatolie Golovco, Prime Minister's Office, Government of the Republic of Moldova
Tripti Sinha, Chair of the ICANN Board of Directors, Chief Technology Officer at the University of Maryland, USA
Theresa Swinehart, Senior Vice President of Global Domains and Strategy at the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
Anil Kumar Jain, Chair of the Universal Acceptance Steering Group (UASG), Chief Operating Officer of CSC Wifi Choupal
Mikhail Anisimov, Head of Global Stakeholder Engagement for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)

Moldova is joining the movement for Universal Acceptance and taking the necessary steps to raise awareness and promote UA among key stakeholders. On April 16, Moldova will host its first-ever Universal Acceptance Day (UA Day), featuring discussions on the progress, future opportunities for UA implementation, and strategies for collaboration between the public sector and the professional community to achieve Universal Acceptance and ensure a globally accessible internet. A technical training session will be conducted under the guidance of technical experts.

Universal Acceptance Day, held as a side event of Moldova IGF, is organized in collaboration with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the Universal Acceptance Steering Group (UASG), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Universal Acceptance (UA) is a technical requirement that ensures all valid domain names and email addresses—regardless of script, language, or character length—can be used equally across all Internet-enabled applications, devices, and systems.

The Future of Digital Inclusion: Why Universal Acceptance Matters

Maria Kolesnikova, Chair of the Regional Coordination Group on Universal Acceptance

A Comprehensive Overview of Universal Acceptance: Exploring Its Impact on Domain Names and Email Addresses

Senior Experts from the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers and the Regional Coordination Group on Universal Acceptance

The training program equips individuals with the knowledge to contribute to a more inclusive online environment.

As part of the program, participants will receive a technical overview of Universal Acceptance for domain names and email addresses. The session will cover the technical foundations of UA, with a focus on Unicode, Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs), and Email Address Internationalization (EAI) to ensure a globally accessible internet.

Additionally, a comprehensive programming training session (covering Java, JavaScript, and Python) will be conducted. This training will focus on designing and developing applications and systems that fully support Universal Acceptance, equipping participants with the technical skills needed to implement UA best practices.

The training will be conducted in English. Upon successful completion of the training, participants will be awarded certificates confirming their participation in the Universal Acceptance programming training.

Arnt Gulbrandsen, Senior Manager for Universal Acceptance Program at Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)

Recognition of participants for their successful completion of the training program

Moldova Internet Governance Forum 2025 will include plenary sessions, panel discussions and side events covering key issues under the themes of the Forum, becoming a multi-stakeholder platform for sharing ideas, experiences and strategies, reviewing best practices and contributing to a common digital development agenda.

A preliminary version of the program themes was developed on the basis of suggestions received through an open call for inputs, as well as through a subsequent series of discussions with representatives of the community from different stakeholder groups, taking into account regional and global trends in Internet Governance.

The discussion of topical issues of the digital agenda of the Republic of Moldova and Internet development will be focused on key tracks relevant for the annual multi-stakeholder dialog in all IGF formats.

The MIGF 2025 Organizing Committee includes representatives of various stakeholder groups: civil society, technical and academic community, business, government institutions and international organizations.

We invite you to contribute to the MIGF agenda-setting process. We are waiting for your comments, which can be sent via suggestions form on the event website or through social media channels. The final version of the program is currently being discussed with the speakers and other involved actors and will be posted on the event website after it is finalized.

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