On November 6, Yerevan hosted the 11th Armenian Internet Governance Forum, ArmIGF2026, bringing together representatives of government agencies, the private sector, the technical community, academia and civil society. The forum's main theme was the development of artificial intelligence—from technological innovation to responsible governance.

Participants discussed the state of Armenia's digital infrastructure, internet accessibility, prospects for the adoption and regulation of artificial intelligence, personal data protection and the safe use of digital services.

The conference was organized by the NGOs Internet Society and Internet Society Armenia at the initiative of the interagency group Internet Governance Forum of the Republic of Armenia.

Armenia as an Important Platform for International Dialogue on the Internet

Christopher Mondini, a member of the executive committee of the Internet Governance Forum Support Association (IGFSA), emphasized the Armenian forum's importance as a platform bringing together representatives of various professional communities to discuss the future of the internet. He explained that IGFSA supports national and regional forums in more than 130 countries by providing grants, expert advice and assistance with organizing events. Mondini also announced that applications were open for the Vint Cerf Internet Governance Impact Awards, which recognize contributions to the development of an open, resilient and inclusive internet. Categories include youth, policy and governance, and community.

AI Opens Up New Opportunities but Also Creates New Risks

Speaking at the opening of the discussions, Igor Mkrtumyan, chair of the board of the Internet Society NGO, noted that growing interest in artificial intelligence is opening up new prospects for scientific research, business, investment and international cooperation. At the same time, however, the range of challenges requiring timely solutions is expanding.

“As representatives of the internet community, we have a duty to identify these challenges today and propose solutions for further development. This is one of the important areas in ensuring our country's security and development,” Mkrtumyan said.

Responsible AI Development Is Impossible Without an Open and Secure Internet

Sally Wentworth, president and CEO of the Internet Society Foundation, said that artificial intelligence cannot earn public trust without reliable internet infrastructure. According to her, geopolitical fragmentation, market concentration and excessive control threaten the openness of the global network and narrow the range of stakeholders shaping the technological future. Wentworth emphasized that decisions on AI must not remain the exclusive prerogative of a few influential states and companies: the technical community, businesses, academia and civil society must be involved in these discussions. She identified internet accessibility, security and reliability as key prerequisites for AI development.

AI Development Is Impossible Without Secure Internet Infrastructure

Vahan Hovsepyan, senior public policy and community engagement adviser at RIPE NCC, noted that discussions of artificial intelligence must go hand in hand with questions of internet infrastructure security and development. He said that the technical community keeps the networks underpinning modern digital services running, making its participation in decision-making essential. Hovsepyan also stressed the importance of securing internet routing, as infrastructure that offers extensive opportunities for development can also become a vehicle for threats. As examples, he cited ArmIX's work to implement RPKI mechanisms and Armenian operators' efforts to improve routing security and protect public and private resources.

Data Protection and Trust in Digital Services

The conference paid particular attention to the security of critical information infrastructure and ensuring its uninterrupted operation. Participants examined how Armenia can develop and protect such systems while guaranteeing the continuity of vital services.

As noted during the discussions, timely detection of and effective responses to cyber incidents require coordinated efforts by the relevant bodies and close interagency cooperation.

The spread of artificial intelligence makes cybersecurity and personal data protection even more pressing issues. Technological solutions and approaches to their use can directly affect people's rights, safety and everyday lives.

In this context, participants emphasized the need to introduce new technologies responsibly and strengthen public trust in digital services.

Improving digital literacy among the public was a separate topic of discussion. Participants identified public awareness of potential threats, the development of digital skills and the cultivation of safe online behavior as important prerequisites for reducing risks in the digital environment.

Preparing Young People for the Job Market in the AI Era

Alongside ArmIGF2026, the YouthIGF Armenia 2026 youth forum took place under the title “AI Tools: A Path to the Job Market | Tech2Skills.”

Young participants discussed how to adapt their professional skills to the changing demands of the job market in the age of artificial intelligence, as well as how to learn to use new tools responsibly and critically.

During the Light Talk session, representatives of Armenian IT companies presented their artificial intelligence projects to young people and described the skills they expect from young professionals.

The program concluded with a discussion titled “Creating with AI but Thinking for Yourself: Where Does Responsibility Lie?”, focusing on the role of human thinking and responsibility amid the rapid spread of artificial intelligence.