The Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) 2025 is set to take place in a hybrid format from October 11–14, 2025, at the Nepal Administrative Staff College, Jawalakhel, blending both in-person participation in Kathmandu, Nepal and virtual engagement. Hosted by The Internet Governance Institute, this year’s forum revolves around the overarching theme: “The Future of Multistakeholder Digital Governance in Asia Pacific.” The event aims to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders—governments, civil society, private sector, academia, and technical communities—to explore and shape the future of inclusive and collaborative digital governance across the region.
The Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) serves as a regional platform for dialogue, collaboration, and exchange on Internet governance. Bringing together national IGF discussions and fosters progress in Internet governance throughout the Asia Pacific region.
By 2010, while the global IGF was already in its fifth year and regional IGFs had been established in regions like Africa, Europe, and Latin America, Asia had yet to see a similar forum for regional discussions on Internet governance. The first APrIGF was convened in Hongkong, SAR China to fill this gap, aiming to promote awareness and encourage stakeholder participation across the region on issues related to Internet governance. It’s already completed the 15 editions successfully and the 16th edition is being held this October in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Announcement from the APrIGF secretariat (17 September 2025):
"This statement is issued on behalf of the MSG Leadership team and Local Host.
The APrIGF Leadership team have reconvened earlier today to carefully deliberate on the best path forward to ensure that the APrIGF continues to provide an open, safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for dialogue. Several alternatives were explored, including the possibility of postponing the event to later in the year. After weighing all considerations, with deep regret, the MSG Leadership team, Local Host, and Secretariat have collectively reached the difficult decision to transition APrIGF 2025 to a fully virtual format.
We deeply sympathise with the disappointment this may cause, especially for participants who have already made travel arrangements to Nepal for 11-14 October 2025. However, this decision was made as safety and well-being of all participants are our utmost priority. The APrIGF Leadership team remains committed to ensuring that APrIGF 2025 proceeds smoothly in its virtual format, and we are grateful for the patience, understanding, and continued support of our community during this period of uncertainty.
We would also once again extend our heartfelt condolences to all affected communities and families in Nepal most directly affected by the recent events. Our thoughts remain with them, and we hope peace and stability will soon be restored."
