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ICEGOV

Event
Process ICEGOV
Organizer United Nations University Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance (UNU-EGOV)
Website


The International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV)[1] is an annual global event organized by the United Nations University Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance (UNU-EGOV). Their first event take place in Macau, China in 2007 [2].

The conference brings together scholars, policymakers, civil society actors, international organizations, and private sector leaders to share research and practices related to Digital Governance. It fosters a multidisciplinary exchange of ideas on how digital technologies can transform public institutions, improve governance, and promote sustainable development.

Context

ICEGOV was conceived in 2007 as a platform to advance the theory and practice of Electronic Governance—a term that has since evolved into Digital Governance. Its first edition was held in Macau, marking the beginning of an international series that has since reached 16 cities across 15 countries and 6 continents.

The conference has continuously adapted to address emerging themes such as digital transformation, data governance, inclusion, citizen participation, and the use of AI and emerging technologies in public administration.

Both ICEGOV and ICANN uphold and promote the multi-stakeholder model in digital governance. ICEGOV welcomes participation from academia, government, civil society, and the private sector — mirroring ICANN’s governance model . This opens pathways for ICANN staff, community leaders, or working groups to present or collaborate at ICEGOV.

Organizers

ICEGOV is maintained and coordinated by UNU-EGOV[3], a policy-oriented think tank within the United Nations University system. Based in Guimarães, Portugal, UNU-EGOV focuses on the intersection of technology, policy, and governance, working with governments and institutions worldwide to promote inclusive and effective digital governance. It brings together multidisciplinary and multicultural teams to address complex societal challenges, particularly those related to sustainable development, social inclusion, and active citizenship.

Previous Editions

2007 – Macau, China

2008 – Cairo, Egypt

2009 – Bogotá, Colombia

2010 – Beijing, China

2011 – Tallinn, Estonia

2012 – Albany, United States

2013 – Seoul, South Korea

2014 – Guimarães, Portugal

2016 – Montevideo, Uruguay

2017 – New Delhi, India

2018 – Galway, Ireland

2019 – Melbourne, Australia

2020 – Online

2021 – Athens, Greece (Hybrid)

2022 – Guimarães, Portugal

2023 – Belo Horizonte, Brazil

2024 – Gaborone, Botswana

2025 - Abuja, Nigeria

Outcomes

Backed by the United Nations University (UNU) and supported by active participation from various UN agencies, ICEGOV reflects a distinct United Nations identity and plays a significant role in advancing the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development [4].

References