The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) recently concluded its 18th annual meeting in Kyoto, Japan, where it called for action on shaping the digital future. The forum, which focuses on internet governance and the impact of digital technology on society, highlighted both the opportunities and risks that come with rapid advancements in information and digital technology.
During the event, high-level discussions and multistakeholder dialogues addressed key issues such as the acceleration of artificial intelligence (AI), data governance, cybersecurity, and the environment. While AI presents opportunities to address sustainable development goals, it also poses risks such as disinformation and inequality. Urgent action is needed to mitigate these risks while maximizing AI’s potential.
The forum also acknowledged the digital divide, with one-third of the world’s population still lacking internet access. This divide deepens inequalities between developed and developing countries, as well as within gender, age, wealth, and urban-rural demographics.
The IGF meetings took place within the context of broader discussions about the future role of information and communication technologies within the United Nations system. Two UN processes of particular importance include the Global Digital Compact and the 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20). These processes will shape the future digital landscape and determine the IGF’s mandate in the coming years.
Several highlights emerged from the forum, including the release of The Internet We Want vision paper by the UN Secretary-General appointed IGF Leadership Panel Chair. The paper emphasized the critical role of digital governance in economic, social, and environmental development. It outlined the vision of an internet that is whole, open, universal, inclusive, free-flowing, trustworthy, safe, secure, and rights-respecting.
Another significant development was the announcement by the Government of Japan regarding an Artificial Intelligence accord among G7 nations. This agreement aims to establish international guidelines and codes of conduct for generative AI developers.
The IGF, convened by the United Nations Secretary-General and hosted this year by the Government of Japan, is a global multistakeholder forum that brings together stakeholders from around the world to discuss pressing internet governance trends and challenges. With close to 9,000 participants from 178 countries, the 18th IGF was the largest and most geographically diverse forum to date. It featured over 300 sessions under various sub-themes, allowing for robust discussions and knowledge sharing.
By addressing key issues related to internet governance and digital policy, the IGF aims to foster the sustainability, security, and development of the internet. The outcomes of this year’s forum will contribute to the UN’s Global Digital Compact and will be further discussed during the UN Summit of the Future in 2024. Additionally, the renewal of the IGF’s mandate will be considered during the WSIS+20 review in 2025.
As stakeholders look toward the future, it is crucial to empower countries and all stakeholders to create an inclusive and equitable digital future. By optimizing opportunities and managing risks, collective action can shape a digital landscape that benefits everyone, regardless of geographical location or socioeconomic factors. With ongoing advancements in technology, digital governance will continue to play a pivotal role in driving sustainable development and addressing global challenges.
