Governance
Exploring the Internet Governance Forum (IGF): What is it and why does it matter?
OUR TAKEThe Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is a key platform under the UN, playing a big part in shaping how the global internet is governed. Through its forums, the IGF brings together a wide range of stakeholders to discuss and navigate the complexities of internet use and policy-making. Even tho…
Headline
OUR TAKEThe Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is a key platform under the UN, playing a big part in shaping how the global internet is governed. Through its forums, the IGF brings together a wide range of stakeholders to discuss and navigate the complexities of internet use and…
Context
OUR TAKE The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is a key platform under the UN, playing a big part in shaping how the global internet is governed. Through its forums, the IGF brings together a wide range of stakeholders to discuss and navigate the complexities of internet use and policy-making. Even though it’s an advisory body, the IGF’s influence is clear in its ability to start important conversations and frameworks that address both current and emerging digital challenges, such as AI, cybersecurity, and the digital divide. –Heidi Luo, BTW reporter The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is a key platform for the UN, where people from all over the world come together to talk about how the internet is managed. What makes it special is that it’s not a formal decision-making body. Instead, it’s an open, inclusive space where a diverse group of stakeholders, from government officials to civil society members, can engage in discussions that tackle complex internet governance issues.
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
“The internet governance forum is truly instrumental in shaping the internet by ensuring that voices and concerns and expectations of all stakeholders, including those at the grassroots levels, are included in the evolution and advancement of the internet and technology,” Said Ida Padikuor Na-Tei , from internet society Ghana chapter. Since it began in 2006 after the world summit on the information society (WSIS), the IGF has been a shining example of open and inclusive discussions on the future of the internet, making sure it stays a global public good. The IGF’s journey began with a vision to support the UN Secretary-General in promoting a sustainable policy environment for the internet. Each year, the IGF organises global annual meetings where people from different sectors can come together to talk about some of the most pressing internet issues. The 18th Annual Meeting of the IGF was held in Kyoto, Japan, from 8 to 12 October 2023. Which had the theme “The internet we want – empowering all people”, showed how the forum is dedicated to helping diverse communities around the world. “I think that if we bring together people from all over the world with different points of view and use a multistakeholder approach, we can get the most out of the Internet while reducing the risks. I think this year’s meeting, with its overarching theme of the internet we want – empowering all people”, shows how seriously we take our commitment to make the internet work for everyone and to explore how we can build a sustainable future for humanity,” said Mr. Fumio Kishida, prime minister of Japan
Key Points
- The IGF facilitates critical discussions that help shape international Internet-related policies and frameworks.
- The IGF actively engages young people in important conversations about the future of digital technologies.
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
