OPENING STATEMENTS FROM STAKEHOLDERS

Abdullah Alswaha

The current digital situation presents various risks to net zero targets, job growth, and international trade. Fragmentation and international trade barriers are costing the global economy close to 7%, leading to a loss of more than 100 million jobs. Urgent action is needed to address these issues.

To tackle these challenges, an inclusive and innovative internet governance framework based on multistakeholderism is proposed. This approach aims to involve various stakeholders in decision-making processes related to internet governance, ensuring diverse perspectives and expertise are considered.

Global connectivity by 2030 is also crucial, with an estimated cost of around half a trillion dollars to connect the 2.6 billion people who currently lack internet access. This investment reflects the importance of accessible connectivity for sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Regarding regulation, there is a call for innovative regulation that supports new technologies and practices while ensuring necessary safeguards and regulatory frameworks are in place. Moving beyond traditional approaches of “regulate and innovate” or “innovate and regulate” is emphasized.

The importance of multi-stakeholderism in internet governance is highlighted, with the involvement of governments, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and individuals seen as crucial for inclusivity and effectiveness.

Additionally, there is a commitment to safeguarding the economy and investing in science and technology. A significant financial pledge of $5 trillion has been made to protect and support the global economy. Furthermore, $20 billion is dedicated to accelerating progress in science and technology research, including the development of vaccines.

In conclusion, the analysis underscores the risks posed by the current digital situation to net zero targets, job growth, and international trade. An inclusive and innovative internet governance framework based on multistakeholderism is proposed. Global connectivity by 2030 is necessary, requiring a significant financial investment. Innovative regulation and multi-stakeholderism in internet governance are crucial. Lastly, there is a commitment to safeguarding the economy and investing in science and technology research.

Junji Suzuki

The Internet has revolutionised the way we live, work, and communicate, becoming an indispensable infrastructure for our daily lives and economic and social activities. It has opened up a world of opportunities, allowing us to access a wide array of services and content from around the world. This availability of diverse expressions, knowledge, and news has greatly contributed to the dissemination of information and the development of global communication.

However, alongside the numerous benefits that the Internet brings, there are also challenges and concerns that need to be addressed. The spread of illegal and harmful information is a major issue, as it can have detrimental effects on individuals and society as a whole. Cybercrimes, such as phishing scams and cyberattacks, pose significant threats to both individuals and businesses. These concerns highlight the need for effective measures to mitigate the risks and protect users and their sensitive information.

It is crucial for the Internet to be democratic, inclusive, and accessible to all. The benefits of the Internet can only be fully realised when there is equal access and opportunity for everyone. Achieving this requires ensuring that telecommunication infrastructure is readily available to all, especially in underserved areas and marginalised communities. By promoting internet accessibility and digital inclusion, we can bridge the digital divide and empower individuals to participate fully in the digital economy and society.

In light of these challenges and opportunities, Japan has embraced its role as the host country for the Internet Governance Forum. This is the first time Japan is hosting this influential forum, and it demonstrates their commitment to actively contribute to discussions and initiatives aimed at shaping the future of the Internet. Through collaboration and partnerships, Japan aims to foster a safe and inclusive digital environment that benefits all users.

In conclusion, while the Internet has transformed our lives and brought many benefits, there are also concerns that need to be addressed. The spread of harmful information, cybercrimes, and cyberattacks pose significant challenges, highlighting the importance of effective regulation and security measures. Additionally, ensuring that the Internet is accessible and inclusive to everyone is crucial for harnessing its full potential. Japan’s role as the host country for the Internet Governance Forum signifies their dedication to shaping a better digital future.

Vint Cerf

The analysis focuses on various aspects of internet governance and the importance of innovation in shaping the future of the internet. It emphasises the need for deliberations and productive discussions to drive positive change in the online landscape.

One key argument is the importance of making the internet a productive environment. This involves suppressing misinformation and promoting useful content as essential aspects of internet governance. The speakers emphasise the importance of implementing accountability and agency to ensure a secure network. Prioritising these factors can transform the internet into a more reliable and trustworthy space.

Another point highlighted is the upcoming Digital Governance compact work, facilitated by Rwanda and Sweden. This initiative is highly anticipated due to its potential impact on the future of the internet. The co-facilitators in Rwanda and Sweden are open to input on their work, suggesting a collaborative approach to shaping digital governance. The outcomes of this work are eagerly awaited, with expectations of significant improvements in internet governance.

The significance of national and regional Internet Governance Forum (IGF) meetings is also emphasised. These meetings are crucial in shaping global internet governance policies. They provide a platform for stakeholders to come together, exchange ideas, and discuss important issues related to internet governance. By fostering collaboration and regional cooperation, these meetings contribute to the development of effective policies and strategies for the future of the internet.

The Leadership Panel encourages participants to go beyond the current state of the internet and start planning for the future. They share the same vision as the IGF participants and emphasise the need to strategise for objectives beyond the present circumstances. By thinking ahead and working towards a common goal, a more inclusive and secure internet environment can be achieved.

The venue for IGF 2023 is Kyoto, a city renowned for its historical significance and beauty. The choice of this location has been commended, as it not only provides a picturesque setting for the event but also signifies the importance of preserving cultural heritage while discussing the future of the internet.

In conclusion, the analysis emphasises the importance of innovation, deliberations, and making the internet a productive environment. It highlights the need for internet governance to address key issues such as misinformation, accountability, and security. The upcoming Digital Governance compact work facilitated by Rwanda and Sweden is expected to have a significant impact on the future of the internet. The significance of national and regional IGF meetings in shaping global internet governance is recognised, and participants are encouraged to plan for the future beyond the current state of the internet. The choice of Kyoto as the venue for IGF 2023 reflects the commitment to preserving cultural heritage amidst discussions about the digital future.

Sigbjorn Gjelsvik

Norway is actively demonstrating its support for the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and its core principles of accessibility and inclusiveness. The Norwegian government has officially announced its bid to host the IGF in 2025, highlighting Norway’s dedication to fostering an open and inclusive internet environment. Norway recognizes the transformative power of digital technology in driving development and is determined to work with partners and stimulate investment in developing countries to facilitate the implementation of digital technology. They firmly believe in upholding human rights and privacy, extending this commitment to the digital realm. Norway is proactively working to establish regulations that ensure responsible technological innovation and to maintain a non-discriminatory internet environment. Additionally, Norway is actively seeking innovative solutions to reduce the environmental impact of digital infrastructure and harness the potential of digital technology to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Overall, Norway’s commitment to an open and inclusive internet environment, sustainable development, and responsible technological innovation is evident in their various initiatives and actions.

Eliamani Laltaika

The importance of involving the judiciary in discussions about Internet governance was highlighted. It was argued that judges need to have a thorough understanding of Internet governance to make informed decisions. The lawmaking process concludes with the judiciary, as everything discussed in Internet governance remains theoretical until a judge interprets it. Therefore, judges must be well-versed in various aspects of Internet governance to make effective decisions.

A proposal was made for a judiciary track in the IGF Secretariat to include judges in discussions and decision-making processes related to Internet governance. This would provide judges with a specific platform to engage with experts, share insights, and gather knowledge about Internet governance.

Attendees were encouraged to invite judges from their countries and advocate for their involvement in national and UN IGFs. This initiative aims to promote the importance of judicial participation in Internet governance discussions on a broader scale.

The discussions emphasized that understanding the rule of law in the digital space is as crucial as in the physical world. Topics such as Internet freedom, artificial intelligence (AI), and Web 3.0 were discussed. Advocates highlighted the need to uphold and enforce the rule of law in the digital realm, not just within traditional legal frameworks.

Overall, there is a positive sentiment expressed throughout the summaries, portraying a recognition of the significance of involving the judiciary in Internet governance. There is an evident understanding of the impact of Internet governance on legal systems and society. The proposed inclusion of judges in various aspects of Internet governance showcases a proactive approach towards informed decision-making and promoting justice in the digital age.

Jun Murai

The year 2023 will be significant for the Internet community in Japan, as it will host several noteworthy events, including the ITF, APNIC meeting, and the Internet Governance Forum. This demonstrates Japan’s active involvement in shaping and influencing the future of the Internet globally. With a positive sentiment attached to this development, it is evident that Japan is eager to contribute to the advancement of Internet governance and infrastructure.

The growth of the Internet population over the years is a remarkable achievement. Starting from just 6% of the world’s population in 2000, it has now reached an impressive 70%. This growth highlights the increasing importance of the Internet in connecting people globally, fostering interaction, and promoting innovation and infrastructure development. The argument put forward here is undeniably positive, highlighting the tremendous progress made in bridging the digital divide and expanding online inclusion.

Japan’s experience with natural disasters, particularly the devastating earthquake that struck the Kansai area in 1995, has significantly influenced the recognition of the Internet’s value in disaster recovery and global collaboration. The Internet played a crucial role in Japan’s recovery, enabling effective communication, coordination, and assistance during the aftermath of the earthquake. This serves as a testament to the internet’s resilience and transformative power in times of crisis and reinforces the positive sentiment associated with its potential to support sustainable cities and communities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes globally, including a greater reliance on the Internet. As remote work and video conferencing became the norm, the Internet played a vital role in ensuring continued connectivity, collaboration, and access to crucial information and services. This neutral argument acknowledges the accelerated understanding of the Internet’s importance in enabling remote work and maintaining good health and well-being during a global crisis.

The ethical and proper use of Internet technology is a topic of critical importance. Whenever advanced technology becomes available, it is essential to consider its ethical implications and ensure responsible usage. This neutral argument emphasizes the need to address Internet ethics and cybersecurity concerns to maintain a safe and secure digital environment. It highlights the significance of responsible technological deployment to sustain innovation, industry, and infrastructure in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

In conclusion, the expanded summary sheds light on the various facets of the Internet’s impact on Japan and the wider global community. Japan’s hosting of key Internet-related events in 2023 reflects its active engagement in shaping the future of Internet governance. The substantial growth in the Internet population showcases the progress made in promoting online inclusion. The Internet’s role in disaster recovery has been recognized through Japan’s experience with the 1995 earthquake, while the accelerated understanding and reliance on the Internet during the COVID-19 pandemic underscore its significance in maintaining connectivity and supporting remote work. The ethical and responsible use of Internet technology is also highlighted as a vital factor to ensure a safe and secure digital environment. Overall, these insights demonstrate the multifaceted influence of the Internet and the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration in its ethical development and global governance.

Bjorn Berge

The discussions shed light on the significant importance of the internet as a transformative invention that has had a profound impact on various aspects of modern life. The internet has not only revolutionised communication but has also drastically changed lifestyles. It was widely acknowledged during the discussions that if the internet were to stop working, much of modern life would come to a standstill. This highlights the immense dependence that society has developed on internet connectivity.

Furthermore, the Council of Europe was recognised for its early recognition of the opportunities and threats posed by the digital world. As early as 1996, the Council of Europe began negotiations for the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, a pioneering initiative to address the rising challenges of cybercrime. It is noteworthy that 68 countries have joined the convention, demonstrating their commitment to combating cyber threats and ensuring peace, justice, and strong institutions in the digital domain.

The inclusive and multi-stakeholder approach of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) was highly commended. The launch of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime itself involved the active participation of multiple stakeholders, highlighting the significance of collaborative efforts in addressing digital challenges. Furthermore, the Council of Europe’s support for the IGF reinforces its commitment to promoting an inclusive and multi-stakeholder approach to internet governance.

In addition to the discussions on the internet and cybercrime, attention was drawn to the Council of Europe’s efforts in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Council is currently in the process of preparing an international treaty on the design, development, and use of AI systems. Negotiations on the content of the treaty are currently underway, with the aim of finalising it by May of next year. This demonstrates the Council’s proactive approach to addressing the ethical and legal implications of AI technology, striving to ensure that AI systems are developed and used in a responsible and accountable manner.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the critical role played by the internet in modern society and the need for international cooperation to address the challenges that arise from the digital world. The Council of Europe’s initiatives, such as the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and the ongoing efforts towards an AI treaty, underscore its commitment to promoting a safe, secure, and inclusive digital environment.

Vera Jourova

The analysis explores internet governance, regulation of artificial intelligence (AI), and the challenges of maintaining an open and accessible internet. One perspective highlighted is the growing prevalence of public models of internet governance, where the state controls and filters information flows. This trend is viewed negatively, as it limits individual freedom and access to diverse sources of information.

On a positive note, the analysis mentions the signing of the Declaration of the Future of the Internet by 70 countries. This Declaration aims to promote human rights in internet governance, indicating a recognition of the need for a rights-respecting framework.

In terms of AI regulation, the European Union (EU) is taking a proactive approach. The EU is finalizing the AI Act, which will give legal force to principles and regulate the use of AI. The EU is also seeking input from stakeholders through consultations on guiding principles for generative AI, ensuring alignment with ethics and societal needs.

The analysis also highlights the EU’s efforts to address disinformation. Through the Anti-Disinformation Code of Practice and the Digital Services Act, the EU aims to counter disinformation campaigns, particularly during upcoming democratic elections in 2024. The focus is on allowing individuals to make informed decisions and protecting them from manipulation by foreign entities.

Furthermore, the analysis emphasizes the challenge of maintaining an open and accessible internet that respects individual freedom and dignity. State-controlled internet governance models are seen as divisive and prone to spreading disinformation. The analysis calls for upholding the United Nations Charter to ensure that the internet remains an empowering platform that protects individuals’ rights.

In conclusion, the analysis provides insights into internet governance, AI regulation, and the importance of an open and accessible internet. While acknowledging negative developments, such as increasing state control and the challenge of disinformation, it also highlights positive initiatives, like the Declaration of the Future of the Internet and the EU’s stance on AI regulation. Overall, the analysis urges the protection of individual rights, informed decision-making, and the establishment of an ethical framework in the digital realm.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin

Digital technology plays a significant role in global discussions, evident in its presence in platforms like G7, G20, G77, and UNGA. It is increasingly recognized as a crucial tool to address pressing global issues. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reports that 70% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can benefit directly from digital technology, highlighting its potential to positively impact global development.

However, progress towards achieving the SDGs is inadequate, with only 15% of the targets on track. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a technology with the potential to enhance the impact of digital technology on the SDGs. By harnessing the capabilities of AI, the potential for achieving the SDGs can be significantly amplified.

Digital exclusion remains a significant concern, with approximately 2.6 billion people lacking internet access, leaving them digitally excluded. This exclusion disproportionately affects women, vulnerable groups, and certain nations, magnifying existing inequalities. Addressing and ensuring digital inclusion for all is crucial to promoting a more equitable and sustainable world.

A forward-thinking approach to achieving digital inclusion is the adoption of a multistakeholder model, exemplified by the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). This model emphasizes collaboration among various stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, civil society, and the technical community. By embracing this approach, the WSIS aims to bridge the digital divide and promote digital inclusion.

Additionally, the multistakeholder model has influenced the development of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), which serves as a platform for global discussions on digital governance. The IGF has emerged as a crucial outcome of the WSIS, solidifying its role in shaping global digital governance issues. The discussions at the IGF and the WSIS Forum are interconnected and mutually beneficial for digital development, fostering dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among stakeholders.

Overall, digital technology is increasingly recognized as a key tool in global discussions and initiatives. It has the potential to significantly contribute to the achievement of the SDGs, although further improvements are needed. However, digital exclusion remains a significant challenge, especially for vulnerable groups and certain nations. Adopting a multistakeholder model, as seen in the WSIS and IGF, is crucial for promoting digital inclusion and ensuring equitable digital development.

Moderator

The analysis provides a comprehensive overview of different arguments and perspectives on various aspects of the digital world. It emphasises the importance of digital technology in addressing global challenges, with 70% of Sustainable Development Goal targets benefiting from digital technologies. However, only 15% of these targets are on track, indicating the need for acceleration through the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Another key issue highlighted is the digital divide, with 2.6 billion people being offline and digitally excluded. The exclusion disproportionately affects nations, women, and vulnerable groups, emphasising the need to bridge this divide and ensure equal access to the benefits of the digital world.

The analysis also highlights the success of the cooperation and multi-stakeholder model in global digital governance. The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) are cited as crucial outcomes of this model. Additionally, the WSIS+20 review process is seen as an opportunity to assess progress and plan for the future.

The argument for an inclusive digital world that empowers all individuals is supported by evidence showing a disparity in the benefits derived from AI technology. The importance of not leaving anyone behind in the digital world is also emphasised.

The role of the internet during disasters, such as earthquakes, is recognised as crucial. It is noted that the Japanese experience with earthquakes highlights the power of global collaboration facilitated by the internet. Smartphones and location information were instrumental in saving lives during the 2011 earthquake.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the significance of the internet in facilitating remote work and maintaining connections. Video conferencing and remote work were identified as significant aspects of the digital world during this time.

The analysis also addresses the need for responsible use of emerging technologies like AI and the importance of cybersecurity. Additionally, the ethical use of the internet is highlighted, with the Kyoto meeting aiming to establish standards for its future ethical use.

The analysis underscores the importance of the internet as a critical resource and fundamental human right in the modern age. Over five billion people are online, and the COVID-19 pandemic further emphasised the vital role of the internet in education, essential information access, and maintaining connections during crises.

The need for an open, accessible, and inclusive internet that empowers all individuals is emphasised, despite significant portions of the global population remaining unconnected. The principles of open standards, architecture, and interoperability are seen as essential for the future of the internet.

Efforts towards ensuring the internet as a secure, transparent, and participatory platform are appreciated. ICANN, with its emphasis on transparency and inclusion, is highlighted as contributing to a safer and user-friendly internet.

The analysis acknowledges the opportunities and challenges arising from new technological innovations like AI and quantum technology. The outcomes and impact of these technologies are expected to rely on interconnected networks, with the internet playing a pivotal role.

Norway’s commitment to hosting important events related to the internet community, such as the Internet Governance Forum and the Internet Governance Forum, is commended. Norway’s focus on reducing the environmental impact of digital infrastructure and the importance of regulations ensuring responsible technological innovation are also noted.

The Council of Europe’s initiatives, including the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and the development of an international treaty on AI, are highlighted as efforts to address the threats and opportunities presented by the digital world.

The multi-stakeholder approach is seen as crucial in regulating the digital world, combining the expertise and experience of public authorities, civil society, the private sector, and professional organisations. The importance of including the judiciary in internet governance is advocated, as judges are needed to give correct interpretations of laws and ensure the protection of freedom, rights, and quality services in the digital space.

The analysis concludes with appreciation for Japan’s hosting of the conference and emphasises the importance of the participation and productive exchange of views of all member states. Noteworthy observations include the transformative role of the internet in modern life and the need to focus on both the desired internet and the ways to achieve it.

Tripti Sinha

The analysis highlights several key points regarding the importance and future of the internet:

1. Access to the internet is seen as a fundamental human right due to its ability to connect people to essential information, education, and each other, especially during times of crisis. With over five billion out of eight billion inhabitants worldwide being online, the internet has become an essential lifeline for many individuals and communities.

2. Open standards, open architecture, and interoperability are foundational principles of the internet that have played a significant role in its transformative power. These principles have facilitated tremendous technological advancements and enabled seamless communication and collaboration across the digital landscape. They have been the driving force behind the internet’s ability to connect people and foster innovation.

3. Digital inclusion is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed to ensure that everyone has equal access to the internet. Despite significant progress, a significant portion of the global population remains unconnected. Achieving digital inclusion requires tackling barriers such as affordability, digital literacy, and the creation of locally relevant content and services. By focusing on these aspects, the future of the internet can be more inclusive, enabling everyone to benefit from its potential.

4. The multi-stakeholder model of internet governance has proven to be valuable and effective in fostering international collaboration. This approach allows for the involvement of various stakeholders in shaping internet policies and decisions. Internet governance has evolved through a multi-stakeholder process, with organizations like ICANN deeply rooted in this model. This collaborative approach ensures that the internet remains a global public resource guided by the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and accountability.

5. The development and maintenance of an open, secure, and resilient internet are critical in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. ICANN, as a key player in internet governance, is committed to upholding the technical foundations that ensure an open, secure, and resilient internet. This includes robust data safeguards and transparency, which are essential in maintaining user trust and protecting online activities.

6. Technological advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Communication have the potential to significantly shape the digital experience. Recent innovations in AI and Quantum technologies have showcased their transformative capabilities, promising to redefine how we interact with digital systems. The integration of AI and Quantum communication can lead to breakthroughs in various fields and drive further innovation in the digital space.

In conclusion, the analysis emphasizes that the internet has become a fundamental aspect of our lives, connecting us to vital resources and opportunities. Upholding principles such as access, openness, inclusivity, and security is crucial in ensuring that the internet continues to be a force for positive change. Additionally, leveraging emerging technologies, such as AI and Quantum communication, presents new possibilities for advancing the digital experience. By considering these insights, stakeholders can work towards a future where the internet benefits individuals and contributes to global development.

Moderator:
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you very much for joining us today for the opening statement of the 18th Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum. Now I would like to invite the United Nations member. First, I would like to ask His Excellency Mr. Suzuki Junji, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Government of Japan to deliver his statement. So, Mr. Suzuki, you have the floor.

Junji Suzuki:
Mr. Junha Lee, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. Ms. Vera Yolova, Vice President, European Commission. Ms. Doreen Bogdanoff, Secretary-General, International Communications Union. His Excellency Mr. Abdullah al-Sahal, Minister, MCIT, Saudi Arabia. Dr. Jim Rai, Dean. of Graduate School of Media and Governors, KU University. Ms. Tripti Sinha, Board of Directors Chair, ICANN. And His Excellency, Mr. Bjørgun Jelsvik, Norwegian Minister of Local Government and Regional Development. Mr. Vint Cerf, Chair of IGF Leadership Panel. Mr. Bjørgen Berge, Deputy Secretary General, Council of Europe, Judge Elia Mani-Talqaika, High Court of Justice, Tanzania. Ladies and gentlemen, very good afternoon to you. It gives me a great pleasure and privilege to welcome so many of you to the Internet Governance Forum, forum where various stakeholders from around the world gather together to discuss a wide range of issues related to the Internet, which Japan is hosting for the first time. On behalf of the host country, I would like to welcome you to Kyoto. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the United Nations and all those who were involved for the leadership of the forum over the past 18 years. In the three decades, the Internet has become so pervasive that it has transformed the way we live, work, and communicate. Today, over the Internet, a variety of services and contents are being provided transnationally. As such, the Internet has become an indispensable infrastructure for our daily lives and economic and social activities. It allows access freely to diverse forms of expression, knowledge, and news from around the world and serves as the foundation of democracy. In the 18 years since the inception of this forum, many innovations have been born and services that are provided over the Internet keep growing in its diversity and importance. We believe that it is highly significant that this forum, which discusses the Internet in depth, has its basic philosophy, the emphasis on the open, democratic, and inclusive process. When discussing ever-evolving topics such as the Internet, this basic philosophy with multi-stakeholder approach to bring all to this dialogue on equal footing will be the source of fruitful outcome. The Internet that is free and undivided will lead to a free, prosperous, and democratic future. I am hopeful, confident, that this meeting in Kyoto will lay the foundation for that future. Japan wishes to make a contribution to this meeting as a host. Benefits of the Internet can only be enjoyed when telecommunication infrastructure is ready and readily available to all. While high-quality, low-cost access is currently available to many around the world, it is also true that there are still people who are yet to be connected to the Internet. At the same time, we must anticipate future technological innovation and plan as to how we can develop more advanced networks and put such innovations into practice in our application. Of course, we must not turn our eyes away from the negative effect of the Internet, spread of illegal and harmful information, including disinformation, cybercrimes such as phishing scams, and cyberattacks. These serious challenges are impacting our society, and we need to work together. This year, the overarching theme of the annual meeting is the Internet we want, empowering all people. Under this theme, to ensure that no one is left behind and that all people can enjoy the benefits of the Internet, I hope very much that you will have a fruitful discussion on what a wide range of stakeholders should do. Lastly, the place that you are in today, the city of Kyoto, let me inform you, has flourished as a center of Japan for centuries and has a rich history and tradition that are living and practiced even as of today. So I hope you will find time in between the sessions or after your serious discussion will end for the day to enjoy culture, cuisine, and art of welcoming visitors of Kyoto and Japan. I would like to conclude my opening remarks. Thank you very much.

Moderator:
Thank you very much. Next, I would like to ask Ms. Vera Jourova, Vice President for Value and Transparency, European Commission, to deliver a statement. Ms. Jourova, the floor is yours.

Vera Jourova:
Dear Minister, dear guests, dear members of the Internet Governance Forum community, thank you for giving me the honor to address you following Minister Suzuki’s inspiring words. I am glad that we are meeting today in beautiful Kyoto. This city has that unique combination of preserving the splendor of the past with the big promise of the future. And it is that same combination that we must achieve when we think about today’s Internet. When the web was created, its founders envisaged an open worldwide space where knowledge would spread, equality would rise by bringing down barriers, and freedoms would flourish. Alas, we all know it did not turn out exactly that way. Public models of Internet governance are on the rise around the world, where the state is at the center and information flows. are controlled and filtered. Rather than spreading knowledge of two people, the internet sometimes feels like a tool to extract knowledge about people, a tool that divides and where disinformation spreads, diminishing trust in our governance systems and in each other. The exponential growth of AI heralds great opportunities for human advancement, but also major risks if we don’t learn our lessons and act very, very swiftly. But just as Kyoto has managed to do, our multi-stakeholder community can preserve the purity of the past while addressing the challenges of modernity. Now is the time to defend a vision of the internet that remains open, accessible, where the freedom and dignity of the individual is fully respected. This is not a matter of ideology or block mentality. This is a matter of whether or not the UN Charter will be upheld in the 21st century. This is the aim of the Declaration of the Future of the Internet launched in April 2022 and now signed by 70 countries. I would like to use the opportunity and encourage those of you who have not signed to consider joining. And these are the values the EU will promote within the Global Digital Compact launched by the UN Secretary General. I am also happy to confirm at this place that under the leadership of Minister Suzuki, today we have agreed to launch the stakeholder consultations on the draft of the guiding principle for generative AI. and also with the feedback received from the multi-stakeholder community, we will be finalizing the code of conduct for endorsement by G7 leaders still this year. All developers of generative AI will be invited to sign up. We see this as a strong basis to ensure safety, acting as a bridge until regulation is in place. The EU is now finalizing our AI Act which will ensure principles will have legal force. Ladies and gentlemen, 2024 will see the largest number of citizens participating in democratic elections in memory. Citizens have a right to make informed decisions and not to be manipulated through deception, especially by foreign states. The EU is taking action through the Anti-Disinformation Code of Practice and the Digital Services Act. We show that there is no contradiction between protecting freedom of speech and ensuring a safe and fair online environment. Yesterday we had an eye-opening panel debate. I believe the UN has a role to play and this is a topic that should feature strongly in the global digital compact. Dear friends and colleagues, the challenge ahead of us cannot be underestimated but sometimes by looking at the past one can take inspiration for the future. This is what Kyoto feels like for me and this is what I hope we will all take away from this year’s forum. Thank you very much for your attention.

Moderator:
Thank you very much. So next, the ITU Secretary General, Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, was scheduled to speak next but we have to change the order slightly as the next two speakers have to go to the audience. So next, I would like to ask His Excellency, Mr. Abdullah Al-Saha, Minister, MCIT, Saudi Arabia, to deliver a statement. So Mr. Al-Saha, the floor is yours.

Abdullah Alswaha:
Your Excellencies, esteemed guests of IGF 23. The world that we live in today has so much polarization and fragmentation, both when it comes to the analog world and the digital world. In the traditional economy, fragmentation and international trade barriers are costing us close to 7% of the global economy, that’s $7.4 trillion worth of missed opportunities. This is translating into a loss of more than 100 million jobs. And collectively, this is posing an impact on our ability to achieve net zero, yielding a gap, a funding gap of close to $3.5 trillion. Clearly the situation with generative AI could be 10x better or worse. The choice is ours to make sure that we deliver the internet that we all deserve, empowering all people. With generative AI, we could see things worsening, like the polarization when it comes to digital trade. As 50% of them today are digital, we could be seeing challenges such as misinformation and disinformation that is impacting the globe today by $80 billion grow by a 10x fold. And last but not least, we could see this impact delaying our ability to close down the digital divide. This is why we propose today as part of IGF23 and we continue this dialogue in Riyadh IGF24 to come together to deliver an internet governance framework that is inclusive, innovative and indisputably engraved in multistakeholderism in partnership with you. When it comes to inclusivity, we must leave no one behind. 2.6 billion people are still not connected. And this is why we take the great pleasure of working with Doreen with the ITU on making sure that we connect the unconnected world by 2030. We’ve worked together on a study in 2020 and the cost is going to be so big unless we come up with a new disruptive business model. It’s going to cost us half a trillion. trillion to connect the unconnected world from the ground. And this is why we’re working with the ITU and with you, our multi-stakeholders, to make sure that we can deliver non-terrestrial networks to connect the unconnected from the ground and from the skies. When it comes to innovative regulation, we need to move from a world of regulate and innovate or innovate and regulate to innovative regulation. And this is why under the guidance and leadership of His Royal Highness, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, we have launched the largest generative AI acceleration and sandbox called Gaia. Within this sandbox, we have invited more than 50 startups from 50 nations and placed $200 million to solve and tackle challenges such as bias, such as ethics, and such as hallucination. Last but not least, this governance framework has to be engraved in multi-stakeholderism. And we took the pleasure to join hands with you during the toughest year that humanity have seen in 2020, where we hosted the IOs, the Internet Society, governments and business leaders, and were able to pledge during that year $5 trillion to safeguard the economy, $20 billion to accelerate a push on science and technology towards a vaccine, and more critically, support Japan in delivering the data free flow with trust and adopt with OECD the AI framework for a trusted and worthy AI. This brings me to my end of my speech, but I would like to conclude with an open and candid invitation. Let’s make sure that during IGF 23, we open up the dialogue and the cooperation to deliver the internet that we all need and deserve, empowering all people, and we look forward to welcome you to deliver cohesive and collective action and impact and consensus on this agenda in IGF Riyadh 24. And I would like to thank you for giving me this opportunity.

Moderator:
Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Next, I would like to ask Ms. Doreen Boftin-Martin, Secretary General, ITU, to deliver a statement. So, Ms. Boftin-Martin, the floor is yours.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin:
Thank you. Excellencies, distinguished ministers, ladies and gentlemen, all protocol observed, it’s an honor for me, as I would say a longtime friend and supporter of the Internet Governance Forum, to address you for the first time as ITU Secretary General. Let me commend Japan for hosting the IGF and for placing Digital High on the agenda for the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, where ITU had the great pleasure to contribute as a digital technology partner in the ministerial track. Digital technology is dominating global conversations from the G7 to the G20 to the G77 to last month’s UN General Assembly. The world is turning to digital technologies to tackle our most pressing global challenges. One number captures the significance of this moment more, I think, than any other. That’s the percentage of Sustainable Development Goal targets that directly benefit from these technologies. The ITU puts this number at 70 percent, 70 percent. It’s a major takeaway of the SDG digital acceleration agenda that we launched with UNDP during the SDG digital event that was held in New York just prior to the UNGA high-level week. I think this is game-changing, as we know that only 15 percent of the SDG targets are on track, and we know that a AI, if harnessed safely and responsibly, actually has a multiplier effect. But ultimately, the measure of success will hinge on our capacity, ladies and gentlemen, to deliver these technologies to everyone, everywhere. Right now, as we just heard from His Excellency Minister Osprecha, 2.6 billion people are offline, digitally excluded, too many nations, too many women, too many vulnerable groups find themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide. Not to mention those that struggle with access to basic digital infrastructure, while a select few benefit from the latest in AI technologies. Is this the digital world we want? We can turn things around, and we can do that together. That’s why the cooperation that was fostered by the World Summit on the Information Society is so important. What WSIS did by embracing the multi-stakeholder model in the face of shifting digital issues way back when, in the early 2000s, was actually very forward-thinking. It was ahead of its time. IGF emerged as a crucial outcome of WSIS solidifying its role as a multi-stakeholder forum for global digital governance issues. The other critical outcome, the annual WSIS Forum, has complemented this process well by focusing on grassroots digital development. The discussions taking place at the IGF and the WSIS Forum are fundamentally interconnected. In the same way that the WSIS Action Lines and the SDGs are inextricably linked. As we look to next year’s Summit of the Futures, I think we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the digital world that we want. One that empowers us all. I’m pleased that the Global Digital Compact discussions are benefiting from the collective learnings that have been acquired through the WSIS IGF process. The WSIS Plus 20 review process is a time for us all to take stock. To understand the gaps and to plan for the road ahead, the road to 2030. During the first IGF, back in 2006, one of the speakers compared the internet to a child. A child who is expected to change rapidly. And today? The Internet has grown into one of humanity’s most powerful resources. So, ladies and gentlemen, let us bridge divides. Let us get the SDGs back on track. Let us write the next important chapter in the life of the Internet. Let’s do it together. Let’s do it now. And let’s create the Internet we want. Thank you.

Moderator:
Thank you very much. Next, I would like to ask Dr. Jun Murai, the Dean of the Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, to deliver a statement. Dr. Murai, the floor is yours.

Jun Murai:
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Kyoto, Japan. I really want to welcome you here. This 2023 is going to be a very big year for the Internet community in this country. So, we hosted the ITF in the spring, we hosted the APNIC meeting in here, and we are hosting Internet Governance Forum in here. So, that’s my pleasure that so many people visiting this country and sharing the wisdom about the future of the Internet and the issues of the Internet as well. So, talking about the 2023, I can think about the historical reason of the Internet development for the past three decades that maybe two years ago. decades, three decades. It’s starting from the very few number of us working on the development of the Internet, and at that time we said the Internet was for us. I mean, we were developing the Internet for the community of the Internet people. And then I remember Vint myself started to discuss in 1995 that the Internet is for everyone as an ISOC motto, but actually even in the year 2000, the Internet population was just 6% of the world. It’s now reaching to 70%, and then now we need to work together for the inclusion of the Internet. And during that history, I’d like to add one more thing from a Japanese point of view. In 1995, we were suffering with a huge earthquake in the Kansai area, this area, and then at that time was very much the people recognized the Internet and the power of the global collaboration to support the human life and the recovery from the disaster. So that time, 1905, was very much Internet initial year to this country, and since then, we suffered several times with a big earthquake, and every time, 2011, was with a smartphone already in there, and saving a lot of people’s life with location information and everything. So the last past three years, we all were suffered with the global, you know, COVID-19, I think, and that was something that the people really understand the, you know, meaning of the video images, video conferencing, walking remotely all over the world. This is accelerating, I think, 10 times faster for the people to understand the benefit and the importance of the Internet infrastructure as well. So, now we’ve been, you know, discussing a lot about the AI and the new technology relating to the Internet. I think it’s really important that whenever we are having the advanced technology available to us, then we’re going to think about the proper use of the technology. And then also, we have a user of the technology. Cybersecurity is one of the areas that we should work together for the, to deal with the user of the Internet technology as well. But at the same time, with a proper use of the technology of the Internet, and we can work together for the ethical use of the Internet as well. So, I hope this opportunity, we are all getting together with a multi-stakeholder people to discuss about the future of the Internet governance. Then we hope that this Kyoto meeting is going to be one of the startup time for the future ethical use of the Internet environment. Thank you very much.

Moderator:
Thank you very much. Next, I would like to ask Ms. Tripti Sinha, Board of Director Chair. ICANN to deliver her statement. So Ms. Yehart, the floor is yours.

Tripti Sinha:
–. –. –. –. –. –. –. –. –. –. –. –. –. –. –. –. –. –. –. –. –. –. –. –. –. –. It is a great pleasure to be here today at the 18th Internet Governance Forum in the beautiful city of Kyoto, Japan. The internet, one of history’s most transformative creations, has revolutionized the way we communicate, conduct business, access information, and connect with the world. With over five billion of the world’s eight billion inhabitants online, we are now more interconnected than ever. Recent global events, like the COVID-19 pandemic, have underscored how vital the internet is in our modern age. It has become our lifeline, connecting us to essential information, education, and most importantly, to each other in times of crisis. In essence, the internet today is a critical resource and access to it is a fundamental human right. At this forum, we’ve been tasked with contemplating the internet we want, empowering all people. While diverse backgrounds and cultures envision this future, a universal desire emerges, an internet that is open, accessible, and inclusive, ultimately empowering all individuals. As we envision the internet we want, allow me to comment briefly on history, for as we know so well, the future is built on historical lessons, both good and bad. So I would urge you to keep some past principles sacred as we look to the future. One of the foundational principles. on which the internet is constructed are open standards, open architecture, interoperability, and I would add two more to the list, an open mind and imagination. It is these principles that the technical community sacredly embraced which served us well and created the amazing transformation that the internet is and the transformations that the internet itself has enabled. Indeed, it has changed our lives in the most remarkable of ways. So now I will share a few comments on what we want as the internet evolves. Our priority and the internet that we want is one of digital inclusivity, a future where anyone regardless of location, language, socioeconomic level, or culture can use the internet. The world has seen emerging economies flourish, education levels rise, and nations grow because of access to this global resource. Despite the internet’s ubiquity in many parts of the world, significant portions of the global population remain unconnected. A lack of access to the internet impacts access to education, services, healthcare, and economic opportunity. Expanding access to the internet is not just a matter of developing the infrastructure. It requires addressing affordability, digital literacy, and the creation of locally relevant content and services. Governments, the private sector, and civil society must collaborate to ensure that every citizen, regardless of their location or native language, can reap the benefits of the digital age. We must advocate for participation by all stakeholders. The internet should be a bustling interchange of varied ideas and dialogues driven by active participation from diverse backgrounds and cultures, thereby reflecting the global internet community’s multifaceted nature. Internet governance has organically evolved. through an international multi-stakeholder process uniquely addressing challenges in a user-developed network of networks. The multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance is one that enables stakeholders from multiple sectors to come together in dialogue to share viewpoints and drive towards consensus-based decision-making. This approach of broad inclusivity and democratization of stakeholder participation has yielded a system of voluntary standards, best practices, cooperation and trust. ICANN, deeply rooted in the multi-stakeholder model, emphasizes transparency, inclusion, participation and expertise as imperatives for governing Internet-related discussions. We strive for transparency and security. In a time where trust is vital, our commitment is to persistently develop and uphold the technical underpinnings of an open, secure and resilient Internet, merging procedural transparency with robust data safeguards establishing a foundation for a safer, user-friendly Internet. As we pursue this critical mission, leveraging the multi-stakeholder model is crucial, requiring ongoing involvement from policymakers, academia, businesses and civil society beyond just the technical community to foster a unified vision for the Internet’s future. Guided by the Internet technical community, we must, alongside all stakeholders, advance towards our collective aim, the Internet we want. Our unified objective must be to sustain the Internet as a catalyst for good, a platform for change and a pathway to a brighter, more interconnected future. Before I conclude, allow me to make a few comments on new technologies and our evolving digital experience. The past year has been marked by great innovations in technology that are bound to enhance the Internet. We are now at a pivotal point in our journey. point in time with breakthrough developments in artificial intelligence or AI and advances in quantum technology and communications ready to transform or even redefine our digital experience. The potential of AI cannot be denied. We have yet to fully understand how this will shape and influence our lives, but one thing is clear, it will be globally impactful. Quantum technologies are similarly poised on the brink of innovation. These technologies serve as undeniable agencies of change whose outcomes and impact will rely on and be delivered by the power of interconnected networks, the Internet. Let us persist in our collaborative efforts to forge a superior and luminous digital future, ensuring the Internet remains a wellspring of inspiration, creativity, and prosperity. To close, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the IGF Secretariat and to our hosts for convening this meeting. I would also like to thank everyone here for your presence and contributions, which are integral to the success of this forum. Together and with an open mind, we can imagine and then create the Internet we want, empowering all people. Thank you.

Moderator:
Thank you very much. Next, I would like to ask His Excellency Mr. Sigbjorn Gelsuvik, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Norway, to deliver a statement. Mr. Gelsuvik, the floor is yours.

Sigbjorn Gjelsvik:
Ministers, Excellencies, members of Parliament, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen. First, I’d like to thank the Japanese government for hosting this important forum. here in the beautiful and historic city of Kyoto. Arigato gozaimasu. The Internet Governance Forum has been a strong advocate for an open, accessible and inclusive Internet since the first forum in 2006. It has provided a platform for stakeholders from various sectors and regions to collaborate and shape the Internet we want by empowering all people, which is the fitting overarching theme from our kind Japanese host. The impact of the Internet has never been more significant than it is today. IGF plays a central role as a facilitator and a forum for important discussions for governments, civil societies, the academic sector, the technical community and the private sector. The Norwegian government supports the current forums and discussions and the willingness to include all stakeholders. While we endorse the existing structures, we acknowledge the need for continuous improvement and dialogue to address our concerns. As the strategic importance of the domain increases, there is a growing number of initiatives in the Internet governance sphere. But as a small state, we are concerned about the paradox of inclusion, which will ultimately give rise to a crisis. us all a smaller impact on shaping the future of the Internet, as we struggle to deal with an increasing number of arenas and initiatives. We wish to contribute to keeping and developing the IGF as a vital and inclusive format and a meeting place for all stakeholders. That is why Norway earlier this year announced our bid to host the Internet Governance Forum in 2025. The small state perspective is a key to an inclusive, multi-stakeholder Internet governance. With this in mind, we know that a major growth in Internet users is happening in Africa and in Asia. The growing economies in these regions have an incredible opportunity to leapfrog into digitalization in both the public and private sectors, by ensuring that the right enabling environment is in place. Norway will continue to work with both bilateral and multilateral partners and the private sector to stimulate investment in developing countries. Because the building of a fundamental infrastructure is crucial for implementing digital technology. We know that digital solutions have a critical role to play in development. The Daya app has enabled Ukrainian citizens to access over 80 governmental services through smartphones. Adapting the service to the new reality and the needs of internally displaced people during a war. made possible because of the Ukraine government’s commitment to digitalising its public services. The government’s capacity to respond to Ukraine’s needs during the war is a powerful reminder of how investing in development, reform and public administration is critical to crisis governance. Having the digital system in place, the technical know-how is in the government and the ability to scale up quickly is how we can ensure people get the right help in the right place at the right time. The current discussions on emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, have shown us that technological development is still not without risk. For the Norwegian government, it is an important priority to develop regulations that ensure that technological innovation and development are responsible, respecting human rights and privacy. The Norwegian position is clear. Human rights are not only valid in the physical world, but also in cyberspace. To strengthen the multi-stakeholder model in the internet governance sphere, we need to keep working on the principles of no discrimination based on nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, sex or economic status. After all, the internet should be a place where individuals can exercise their civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. Norway remains dedicated to preserving and promoting these rights in the digital realm. Therefore, it is crucial to make IGF even more relevant by promoting more sharing of best practices and minimum regulations to give countries the necessary tools for development. All UN member states have supported the framework for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. We must continue to uphold the globally agreed ground rules, including the applicability of international law in cyberspace. Sustainability is another main priority for Norway. We will seek innovative solutions to reduce the environmental impact of digital infrastructure and utilise the same infrastructure to reduce emissions in various sectors in society. Moreover, the IGF can facilitate dialogue on the role of digital technologies in addressing broader sustainable challenges. This includes using technology for climate change mitigation and adaption, sustainable agriculture and smart cities. By sharing stories and innovative solutions, we can inspire and empower each other to use technology as a tool for sustainable development and for a better future for us all. We extend an open invitation to each of you to join us in strengthening the IGF. And I hope we will be able to welcome you all to Norway for the IGF in 2025. Together, we will strengthen diversity and collaboration, which is crucial for a vibrant and sustainable digital ecosystem. Thank you so much.

Moderator:
you very much. Next, I would like to ask Mr. Vint Cerf, Chair of the IGF Leadership Panel, to deliver his statement. So, Mr. Cerf, the floor is yours.

Vint Cerf:
Oh, to be young again. First of all, it’s a great pleasure to return to Kyoto, a beautiful city with a wonderful history, and a place where our innovation and our deliberations I think will be inspired. I want to thank also, as others have, the host country of Japan for its generosity and all of the planning which has gone into the IGF 2023. I’m very resonant with many of the comments made by the Prime Minister this morning, and as a member and the Chair of the Leadership Panel for the Internet Governance Forum, I’m looking forward to a very productive week. We’ve already had a very productive day zero, which by the way, I resonate with as a programmer because everything should start at zero, not one. So we thank you for acknowledging that. I think that the members of the Leadership Panel you will see attending many of the sessions that are planned, and there are literally some 300 of them according to the last report I got from Chengatai Masango, who is the head of the Secretariat. That’s an enormous number. We won’t go to all 300. We will go to as many as possible. We are focused primarily on promoting the ideas arising out of the IGF deliberations, and we are hoping that their insights, your insights, will inform the decisions that are made by other bodies in the world that have an impact on the way in which the Internet can operate. We greatly appreciate the work of the Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Group. which organizes these meetings every year together with the Secretariat. And I specifically want to call out and thank Paul Mitchell for his service as chair of the MAG. This is his outgoing year. And could I call for a round of applause for the work that Paul has done. We anticipate with great interest the work of the co-facilitators in Rwanda and Sweden on the digital governance compact. We’ve had an opportunity to meet with them. They are open to inputs, informal and formal on their work. That work will continue, as you know, into 2024. Its outcomes are vital to all of our future with regard to the internet. We also anticipate the summit of the future and its conclusions, which I hope will also inform the way forward towards the structure and operation of not only the internet, but also many of the other subjects, including the global warming challenges that we have. Those must occupy us in the years ahead. I’m very eager as a member of the leadership panel to draw attention both to the MAG, the multi-stakeholder advisory group, and to all of you as participants in the IGF to thinking beyond the internet we want. We are articulating the internet we want. But we won’t get it unless we figure out how to get there. And so I want to strongly urge the IGF participants to start thinking more about how we will achieve the objectives that we have already articulated in the internet we want, which the leadership panels also expressed what we believe is a consistent view with regard to that subject. But we now must focus. on how to get there, and that should be the outcome of the IGF meetings in Riyadh next year and in the future as well. Some people have used the term the internet we deserve, and I worry that if we don’t focus on the how, we will end up with the internet we deserve, but it may not be the one that you want. We must be alert to the risks and hazards of the strong connectivity that the internet offers, and as has been said many times, that connectivity allows the spread of misinformation, disinformation, as well as all the other positive things that we know the internet can deliver and has delivered, so we must wrestle with suppressing the useless information that shows up and focus on that, which is useful, which means we are going to have to focus on both accountability and agency, accountability for actions and agency to create and maintain a safe and secure and connected network. So the leadership panel is looking forward to engaging with all of you during the course of this week and in the course of the year ahead. We also look forward to the national and regional IGF meetings, which are just as important as the annual one in terms of focusing our attention on what needs to happen to the internet to make it a productive environment. It’s very important for us to incorporate experiences from those events as well as the one we have every year. So we are all on the leadership panel looking forward to a particularly productive multi-stakeholder week and we look forward to seeing all of you this year and next. Thank you very much.

Moderator:
Thank you very much. So next, I would like to ask Mr. Bjorn Berg, Deputy Secretary General, Council of Europe, to deliver his statement.

Bjorn Berge:
Ministers, Excellencies, distinguished participants and guests. Some people in this room today will not be able to remember what life was like before the internet existed. The telephone booths. The printed encyclopedias. Waiting for the postman to deliver handwritten letters. The opening up of the online world with its high-speed connections has changed all of this. Maybe it has even changed us. So much of modern life would grind to an instant halt if one day it simply stopped working. The internet is the transformative invention of our times. So it is indeed an honour for me to speak after Vint Cerf. Along with his colleagues, he pioneered internet and designed the protocols that determine how internet works today. The Council of Europe is an international organisation made up of 46 member states. We recognised early by both the opportunities and the threats posed by the digital world. That’s why, in 1996, we began negotiations for what became our Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. Today, 68 countries have joined it, and over 100 have used it as an inspiration for their domestic legislation, helping them to combat crime online. This treaty was indeed born in Europe, but is open to the world, along with its two protocols, one on combating racism and xenophobia online, and the other on how to treat evidence on the cloud. Signing the Budapest Convention taught us the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach when regulating the digital world. With public authorities, of course, but also civil society, the private sector, and technical and professional organizations taking part. All their experience is needed, and we depend on them. I note that the Internet Governance Forum has embraced that inclusive approach. That is why we have been so supportive of it, ever since its early days as the World Summit on Information Society, 20 years ago. Of course, the advance of technology means that there is always more to do. For the governments and others, helping to set relevant standards, so that innovation remains a force for good to the benefit of all. Artificial intelligence is both a pressing and pertinent example of this. Harnessing its benefits and mitigating its dangers is a defining challenge for all of us today. That’s why the Council of Europe is now at work on an international treaty on the design, development, and use of AI systems. Negotiations on its content are underway. These include the 46 member states of our organization, along with our observer states, plus countries from outside Europe, and a range of international organizations, the as well as others, again, a true multi-stakeholder process. We are open, welcoming, in fact, of others joining where they share our objectives and values because our aim is to make this treaty as strong, relevant, and global as possible. And I hope we will be able to finalize the negotiations by May next year. So dear friends, finally, I want to express my deep gratitude to the excellent Japanese hosts and also the IGF Secretariat for organizing this important conference. Japan is renowned for its innovation, and this country is a perfect place to discuss how to make sure the Internet is an open, free, and global space for all. I thank you for your attention.

Moderator:
Thank you very much. Next, I would like to ask Judge Eliamani Laitaika, High Court of Tanzania, to deliver a statement. So Judge Laitaika, the floor is yours.

Eliamani Laltaika:
Honourable Ministers, Honourable Members of Parliament present, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, all protocols observed, imagine there is a meeting taking place somewhere in some distant country, or even somewhere in the outer space, but that would be too far. And you nominate yourself, you go there, you meet fantastic people, they look friendly, and they are wonderful, but after a few minutes, you realize that you are different. You don’t look and think like them. And they are in thousands, there are 5,000, 9,000 registered. What would you do? That’s exactly how I feel, ladies and gentlemen, because out of everyone here, I’m the only one who has. has this title of the bench holder. I’m the only judge here. So if you were my clients, imagine how many opinions I would write to send some of you to some places that are not pleasant. On a very serious note, I have realized that you are doing a very, very important process that impacts the rest of the world, but you have not included the judiciary. Please allow me to speak on behalf of judges and magistrates around the world, but also our closest relatives, the prosecutors. When I was invited here, the secretariat had some difficulties placing me in some track because it is the first time they have a judge who is interested in even delivering a speech. So they were not sure, where does he fit? They ended up putting me in the parliamentarian’s track. So I shared the podium with members of parliament yesterday, and it felt like being an attorney general. Because in most of the Commonwealth countries, an attorney general is a judge who has served for some time, then is taken to parliament. And you can hear him answering questions. So yesterday, I acted for a few minutes like an attorney general, and basically delivered my speech. And one of the panelists was the honorable member, Florick from South Africa, reminded us of the importance of moving together. He said, if you want to move very, very fast, go alone. If you want to move very far, go with others. I challenge everyone here to take this message very seriously and ensure that next year, God willing, if I am invited again to this wonderful occasion, I don’t feel lonely, because honestly speaking. I have not had anyone who thinks like me or who has, you know, this kind of aspiration like I do. But why do we need judges in a process like this? Number one, the lawmaking process ends with the judiciary. Everything you are discussing in Parliament with think tanks remains more or less theoretical until a judge gives it, breathes life to it by saying, this is the correct interpretation. It would be very sad for your process to fail to take off simply because a judge who is supposed to decide about an aspect of Internet governance uses a few minutes to strike out an entire application because they do not understand. And for your information, judges are never said that they don’t know. You must say the Honourable Judge has slipped into error. So please don’t allow us to slip into error. Simply facilitate the IGF Secretariat to probably establish a track for the judiciaries. Thank you very much. Having seen that what you are discussing is impactful, it is meaningful, it goes down to Internet freedom, protecting children in the Internet, ensuring freedom of information, embracing AI, making the most of Web 3.0, all this boils down to the rule of law in the digital space. We cannot advocate for the rule of law outside and then leave the digital space with judges who have no idea what Internet freedom is all about. To conclude, some of you have heard that I come from Tanzania. If you are wondering where Tanzania is, on the map is where the highest mountain in Africa and actually the highest freestanding mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro, is found. So if you cannot remember Tanzania and take this prayer of the judge because we usually make orders. But today I make a prayer that kindly invites. judges from your countries. Kindly push the agenda to ensure that judges in your countries are also a part of your national IGF and then UN IGF. This is from that judge from the land of Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar who happened to come from academia who taught in a science university before and had participated in the national IGF. So I have a little bit of an idea of the incredible thing you are doing and I can guarantee you that when I was appointed I used some of the ideas I got from IGFs that I attended in my country to do what I did much better. So I want to thank you and wish you all the best and specifically thank the government of Japan. In my previous training as an intellectual property lawyer I read a lot about Japan. Very hospitable people, very innovative and it was always my dream to come here. Seeing Minister Suzuki and in the morning seeing Prime Minister Kishida was like a dream come true that I can put in the face some of the big brands I was reading in international trademark law. And with all participants also thank you for enabling Japan to showcase its hospitality to the world.

Moderator:
Thank you very much. So ladies and gentlemen we’re now approaching to the end of the opening statements. Allow me to extend our appreciation on behalf of the United Nations and the government of Japan to all member states for your active participation and productive exchange of views. And before you are depart kindly ensure you have all your belongings with you and please also be sure to hand over your simultaneous receiver to the staff at the exit door when you leave the room. So tonight The music night is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. at the Prince Hall located in the B2 floor of the Prince Kyoto Takaragaike, which is right next to this conference center. So please feel free to join our remarkable night. Once again, thank you very much for your attendance. Thank you.