APrIGF 2024 explores future directions in digital governance

APrIGF 2024 explores future directions in digital governance is profiled by BTW Media because published evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• APrIGF 2024 assembles experts from 63 countries to address internet governance.
• Keynotes by Vint Cerf and Jun Murai highlight themes of responsible internet management.

The Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) 2024, which commenced on August 21, is a crucial annual event for internet public policy in the Asia-Pacific region. As highlighted in a press release from the Ministry of Digital Development, Taiwan, Minister Huang Yan-nan stressed that APrIGF serves as a key platform for communication and exchange in network technology and industry development. Huang noted that the forum plays a significant role in promoting discussions, sharing knowledge, and coordinating policies, enhancing Taiwan’s digital diplomacy and international visibility. The event is also a step towards increasing Taiwan’s hosting of international meetings on internet governance, aimed at strengthening global connections and fostering comprehensive and forward-looking digital governance.

Forum theme and activities

The 2024 APrIGF, co-hosted by the Ministry of Digital Development, the Taiwan Network Information Centre (TWNIC), and the Taiwan Internet Governance Forum (TWIGF), marks Taiwan’s second time hosting since 2016. This year’s theme is “Evolving Ecosystems, Enduring Principles: Shaping Responsible Internet Governance.” The forum’s agenda includes main sessions, pre-forum meetings, and the Youth IGF Camp (yIGF). Vice president Lai Ching-te attended to welcome international guests and share Taiwan’s achievements in digital development. According to the Ministry’s press release, Huang highlighted Taiwan’s strategic position in the Asia-Pacific region and the Ministry’s commitment to advancing policies on security, resilience, network interoperability, and the ethical governance of emerging technologies.

Keynote addresses and participation

The forum features prominent keynote speakers, including Vint Cerf, known as one of the “fathers of the internet,” and Jun Murai, a pioneering Japanese internet expert. Cerf discussed the importance of APrIGF and its role in shaping internet governance, while Murai delivered a keynote on “Shaping Responsible Internet Governance,” analysing the challenges and new trends in internet governance.

The event includes 37 breakout sessions and has attracted nearly 1,000 participants from 63 countries, including government officials, researchers, and representatives from organisations such as ICANN and APNIC. As noted by the Ministry of Digital Development, sessions are accessible for global participation via APrIGF 2024, covering topics like internet security, AI innovation, network resilience, and content governance. 

About APrIGF

Initiated in 2010 by Singapore, Taiwan, Australia, Japan, and Hong Kong, APrIGF has grown into a major annual event for discussing internet governance in the Asia-Pacific region. It attracts a diverse range of participants from industry, government, academia, and civil society, facilitating essential dialogues on internet policy and development.

APrIGF 2024 underscores Taiwan’s pivotal role in influencing global digital policy. The forum’s focus on responsible internet governance, combined with notable speakers and broad participation, highlights the collaborative effort required to advance digital policies and address contemporary issues. The insights from this event are expected to drive progress in internet governance and establish new standards for future developments.

Thanks to the Ministry of Digital Development, Taiwan, for providing the information and images.