IGF 2025 Workshop 294: AI Sandboxes – Responsible Innovation in Developing Countries

We will be organising a roundtable at the 20th Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum(IGF).

The roundtable session is designed to facilitate an in-depth, interactive exchange of ideas among key stakeholders, fostering collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society. Given the complexity of AI governance and the need for adaptable sandbox models, this format allows for dynamic discussion, ensuring diverse perspectives from different regions and sectors. By structuring the session as a roundtable, participants can actively contribute insights on the opportunities and challenges of AI sandboxes in developing economies. The discussion will help identify best practices and actionable recommendations that can inform policy toolkits and future sandbox initiatives. This session will also connect stakeholders to ongoing efforts by international organizations such as the OECD, World Bank, and ICC, strengthening cross-sector cooperation and knowledge-sharing for AI governance in the Global South.

The United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) serves to bring people together from various stakeholder groups in discussions on digital public policy. While it does not produce negotiated outcomes, the IGF informs and inspires those with policy-making power in both the public and private sectors. As a year-round process, the IGF includes policy, outreach, and community and capacity-building activities, all dedicated to facilitating a common understanding of how to maximise digital opportunities and address digital risks and challenges. IGF intersessional work culminates in annual meetings, where delegates discuss current and critical issues, share good practices and exchange policy recommendations with one another. The IGF’s resulting outputs are transmitted to global and national decision-making bodies.