The 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) began today, December 15, 2024, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center (KAICC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Internet Governance Forum, organized under the auspices of the United Nations, serves as a global platform for discussions on Internet governance.
Hosted annually by a member state, the forum unites stakeholders, including governments, private sector actors, international organizations, and civil society, to deliberate on policies that shape the digital landscape.
This year’s five-day gathering expects over 9,000 participants from more than 175 countries. It features 1,000 international speakers across 300 specialized sessions, workshops, and panel discussions addressing critical issues surrounding the future of the internet. Under the theme “Building our Multistakeholder Digital Future,” the IGF 2024 provides a collaborative space to explore innovative strategies for governing the digital sphere in a way that benefits all.
The internet’s influence extends across all aspects of life—innovation, healthcare, governance, and social interaction. As digital technologies continue to evolve, the IGF emphasizes the importance of addressing challenges like inclusion and effective governance.
Key Themes of IGF 2024
1. Harnessing Innovation and Balancing Risks in the Digital Space
This theme focuses on fostering dialogue about how to leverage digital innovation for the benefit of all while managing the risks of rapid technological transformation. It highlights best practices and success stories that demonstrate how stakeholders can work together to address emerging challenges.
2. Enhancing the Digital Contribution to Peace, Development, and Sustainability
With global priorities such as sustainability, peace, and economic development, this theme explores how digital tools can drive transformative change. It underscores the role of technology in advancing socioeconomic progress, promoting peace, and addressing pressing environmental concerns.
3. Advancing Human Rights and Inclusion in the Digital Age
In today’s interconnected world, ensuring that all communities, especially marginalized groups, can access and benefit from the internet is essential. This theme examines innovative solutions to expand connectivity and ensure that human rights protections apply equally online and offline.
4. Improving Digital Governance for the Internet We Want
Effective governance models that are inclusive, transparent, and collaborative are at the heart of this theme. It emphasizes the importance of multistakeholder efforts to strengthen governance processes and create a more open and equitable internet for all.
