The Internet Governance Forum (IGF), including its extensive networks, has been an effective space enabling all to participate in Internet governance dialogues, informed discussions and serves as an incubator and compass for discussing current and emerging Internet-related policy issues, connected with emerging technologies since 2006. This work has informed and contributed to the WSIS process, the implementation of action lines, in addition to addressing national and regional Internet priorities.
This multistakeholder platform is a unique space as an all-year-round event, with intersessional works such as national and regional IGFs (NRIs) and self-organised Dynamic Coalitions. The intersessional work represents a network of networks—bringing together technical communities, international organizations, businesses, civil society, and government representatives who continuously exchange views on key digital issues related to the Internet, that are shared during the global IGF annual event and contribute to shaping its outputs and messages.
The IGF and NRIs, with goals and targets for an Internet and digital governance, are aligned with the WSIS vision for people-centred development and a sustainable future for all.
The mandate of the IGF, as defined in the Tunis Agenda for the Information Society, has demonstrated itself to be an effective platform to leverage a networked multistakeholder approach to contribute to the ongoing multilateral processes. In line with paragraph 72(b) of the Tunis agenda, the IGF could have a role in the coordination of digital governance spaces, improving the dialogue and the links between global, regional and national initiatives, and also overcoming fragmentation and duplication of fora and siloed discussions in international bodies.
Furthermore, the Global Digital Compact (GDC), which includes a comprehensive framework for global governance of digital technologies, data and AI, highlights the role of the IGF in relation to global digital governance and especially the role of NRIs for GDC implementation - acting as key enablers and catalysts for change in local digital spaces.
Building on the above, this Main Session has two objectives:
First, to share the experiences of various stakeholders that demonstrate the usefulness and illustrate the concrete and meaningful impact of the IGF on the evolution of the digital ecosystem in different national or regional contexts, in different sectors of the society.
Second, to discuss how the IGF should continue to contribute to the achievement of a people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented Information Society, and therefore, how it should play a central role in the WSIS and GDC processes.
What has the IGF meant to you and what do you want it to mean for you in the future?
How has the IGF multistakeholder model and its realizations (IGF, NRI, DC, BPF, PN, etc.) made an impact in your organization or Internet issues in your country or region?
How can the IGF play a more impactful expanded role to contribute to the implementation of the WSIS goals and the GDC?
Speakers:
Hans Petter Holen, RIPE NCC
Prof. Ambassador Bitange Ndemo, Ambassador of Kenya to Belgium and the European Union
Renata Mielli, Chair of CGI.br - Brazilian Internet Steering Committee
Funke Opeke, Equinox (Mainone), Nigeria
Qusai Al Shatti, Arab IGF
Chat Garcia Ramilo, Association for Progressive Communications
Luca Belli
Isabelle Lois, Vice-chair CSTD
Moderator:
Avri Doria, independent
Speakers:
Video will become available 10 minutes before session start
