Registration/Breakfast

Sponsored by:

Technical Production Sponsored by: Internet Society and the University of Hawaiʻi

Facilities Sponsored by:

Blessings and Welcome Messages

Description: 

Welcome and opening remarks by the HiSIG 2026 Chair, University host, and other introductions by the MC.

Speakers: 

• ___________, Chair, HiSIG 2026
• ____________, University of Hawaiʻi
• _____________, Master of Ceremony (MC), HiSIG 2026

Keynote – State of the Internet

Description: 

The Internet is one of the most transformative innovations in human history. By democratizing access to information, the Internet has revolutionized how we exchange ideas, conduct business, and connect with others. Indeed, the Internet has become the lifeblood of our global society.

This session will provide a brief history of the Internet in Hawaii and discuss how the Internet continues to evolve and develop. Our goal is to ensure that the Internet continues to be an incredible force for good.

Moderator: University of Hawaii

Speakers: 

• _______________ – Internet Society

Break and Networking

Sponsored by: _________________

Understanding Internet Governance

Description:

Review the basic concepts of Internet governance, its stakeholders, and the fundamental principles guiding its development. Everything rides on the Internet. Does the term Internet Governance also include A.I., data and digital technologies?

Speakers:

• Fiona Alexander, American University, IGF MAG
• _________________,

The Multistakeholder Model

Description:

The concept used in Internet Governance is widely known as the Multistakeholder Model is second nature to many folks especially those involved with ICANN, IGF, and ISOC. This session that will explore the historical context of this term and its evolution as the de facto standard for Internet organizations. We will also discuss how this process remains inclusive of all voices, with a specific focus on multilingual and indigenous perspectives.

Speakers:

• Sally Wentworth, Internet Society
• Avri Doria, Technicalities

Lunch

Sponsored by: _________________

Indigenous Knowledge in the Digital Age

Description:

In the digital age, Indigenous Knowledge is no longer just ancestral heritage; it is a vital pillar of data sovereignty. As AI evolves, the focus shifts toward “Sovereign AI”, ensuring Indigenous communities control how their traditional wisdom is digitized, protected, and utilized, preventing extraction while fostering innovation that respects cultural protocols and self-determination.

Moderator:

Speakers:

• _________________, Bishop Museum
• Sharayah Lane, Internet Society
• _________________,

Digital Equity and Inclusive Internet Access

Description:

At a time when the world is accelerating towards an increasingly digital future, it is paramount to ensure that everyone, regardless of their ethnic, gender, age and socio-economic background, has access to the Internet and the skills to navigate and utilize it effectively.

Moderator:

Speakers:

• Colin Rhinesmith, Digital Equity Action Research Lab
• Monique Tate, Community Tech New York
• John Kealoha Garcia, Nation of Hawaii

Trust, Safety, and Risk in a Connected AI World

Description:

This panel explores how trust is built and broken in a world where AI systems are increasingly networked across devices, platforms, and critical services. We’ll highlight the upside of connected AI through better personalization, faster decisions, and improved accessibility. This alongside real tradeoffs like expanded attack surfaces, privacy leakage, bias and unequal impacts at scale, and cascading failures when one component goes wrong. Panelists will discuss practical approaches to safety and risk management, including secure-by-design architectures, human oversight, transparency and auditability, governance and compliance, and incident response strategies that keep innovation moving without eroding public confidence.

Moderator:

Speakers:

• _________________, UH President
• Graeme Bunton, NetBeacon
• ________________,

Pau Hana Reception

Location: TBD

Sponsored by: _________________