- The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is set to hold its 19th annual meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 15 to 19, 2024.
- The IGF is seeking to support eligible candidates who represent any stakeholder group and meet specific criteria.
OUR TAKE
The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is calling for increased participation from developing countries at the upcoming 19th annual meeting in Riyadh. The United Nations Secretary-General has stressed the importance of inclusiveness in the IGF processes, calling for a broader multidisciplinary approach and greater diversity in participation. As the IGF works towards greater inclusivity and diversity in its processes, this call for travel support aims to encourage participation from a wider range of stakeholders and ensure that all voices are heard in the global Internet governance dialogue.
–Rebecca Xu, BTW reporter
What happened
The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) has issued a call for travel support for the 19th annual meeting in Riyadh, encouraging participation from developing countries. Eligible candidates must meet specific criteria and demonstrate a commitment to contributing to their community post-IGF. The selection process will prioritise individuals requesting partial funding and those who have not previously received support. Interested candidates can submit a travel request by September 10, 2024.
The United Nations Secretary-General’s call for action during the 2018 IGF emphasised the need for greater inclusiveness, particularly in engaging “weak and missing voices” in the IGF’s work. The Secretary-General advocated for a broader multidisciplinary approach, inviting experts from various fields to participate in the IGF processes. To support this goal, a limited number of eligible candidates from developing countries will receive travel support to attend the IGF meeting in Riyadh from 15 to 19 December 2024. Support is provided through contributions to the IGF Global South Fund by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Also read: What is the Internet Governance Forum (IGF)?
Also read: IGF 19 to address digital challenges and opportunities
Why it’s important
This initiative by the IGF aims to ensure that the global dialogue on Internet governance reflects a wide array of perspectives, making it more democratic and effective. This initiative also reflects the IGF’s commitment to building capacity for Internet governance in developing countries and drawing on the expertise of a diverse range of stakeholders.
The IGF’s call for travel support is a significant step towards achieving a more inclusive and representative forum. By providing financial assistance to stakeholders from developing countries, the IGF aims to ensure that a diverse range of voices contribute to shaping the future of Internet governance. This initiative underscores the IGF’s commitment to fostering a global dialogue that is truly representative of the international community’s interests and perspectives.
