- IGF 2024, themed “Building Our Multistakeholder Digital Future,” focuses on inclusivity in Internet governance.
- As digital transformation reshapes our world, the IGF provides a vital platform for global collaboration.
What Happened: Internet Governance Forum 2024 paves the way for a resilient digital future
The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024, held under the theme “Building Our Multistakeholder Digital Future,” marks a pivotal moment in Internet governance. Convening in December, the IGF brings together stakeholders from across the globe, aiming to ensure that the Internet remains a tool for positive societal impact. This year’s forum stands out as a response to rapid technological advancements and complex geopolitical challenges. Topics range from preserving the Internet’s technical integrity to addressing emerging global frameworks like the Global Digital Compact (GDC). The IGF emphasises the need to balance the governance of the Internet’s core with broader digital transformation challenges. The forum also anticipates the upcoming WSIS+20 review, set for 2025, a crucial moment for assessing multistakeholder contributions over the last two decades.
IGF 2024 underscores the value of long-standing collaborative mechanisms, advocating for their enhancement rather than replacement. Initiatives like Internet Impact Assessments and the Internet Society’s NRIs funding programme exemplify efforts to strengthen global participation and bridge governance gaps. With dynamic coalitions, youth-focused initiatives, and national and regional networks, the IGF continues to evolve, fostering accessible, meaningful spaces for participation. This multistakeholder approach is vital as the digital landscape becomes increasingly interconnected, ensuring no voice is left unheard in shaping the Internet’s future.
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Why It’s Important
In a time of unprecedented digital transformation, forums like IGF 2024 are essential for inclusive decision-making. They ensure the Internet remains an equitable tool for innovation and societal growth. By balancing governance of its foundational principles with the evolving demands of the digital age, the IGF safeguards the resilience and openness that define the Internet.
As discussions at IGF 2024 feed into broader frameworks such as the WSIS+20 review and the GDC, their outcomes will influence global Internet policy for years to come. The emphasis on multistakeholder participation reflects a commitment to creating solutions that are both comprehensive and sustainable. For stakeholders at all levels, this is an opportunity to shape a digital future that is inclusive, resilient, and aligned with shared global values.
