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IGF 2024 closing ceremony: Shaping the future of internet governance

The 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh concluded with a forward-looking ceremony that reflected on its achievements while setting ambitious goals for the future. The forum, a key platform for global discussions on internet governance, highlighted the importance of inclusivity, digital equality, and adapting to emerging technological challenges.

Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, emphasised the enduring relevance of the WSIS principles and the ethical considerations essential in navigating digital innovation. Vint Cerf, chair of the IGF leadership panel, proposed elevating the IGF to a permanent status within the UN structure to secure stable funding and expand its impact.

‘The IGF must evolve to deliver tangible results,’ Cerf remarked, suggesting a focus on measurable metrics and concrete outputs, including revisiting foundational documents and preparing for the next IGF in Oslo. Olaf Kolkman from the Internet Society reinforced the need for continuous self-assessment, urging the IGF to enhance its processes for greater stakeholder benefits.

Inclusivity was a dominant theme, with speakers advocating for broader representation in digital policymaking. Ghanaian physician Dr. Angela Sulemana underscored the transformative power of digital tools in healthcare, highlighting the value of diverse perspectives, especially from young professionals.

Dr. Latifa al-Abdul Karim, member of the Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council, called for legislative innovation to address digital challenges, emphasising collaboration, inclusivity, and safeguarding vulnerable groups, including children and the environment. Senior advisor in the Ministry of Communications of Cuba, Juan Fernandez, stressed the urgent need to bridge digital inequalities, particularly between developed and developing nations.

The forum also addressed pressing global issues, such as the digital divide and governance of emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing. The session closed with a call for stronger global digital cooperation and a shared commitment to implementing the Global Digital Compact.

As participants look to the IGF 2025 in Oslo, the focus remains on turning discussions into actionable outcomes, ensuring the internet remains a safe, inclusive, and transformative tool for all.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum 2024 sessions can be found on dig.watch.

UN discusses ethical tech and inclusion at IGF 2024

Speakers at IGF 2024 highlighted digital innovation within the United Nations system, demonstrating how emerging technologies are enhancing services and operational efficiency. Representatives from UNHCR, UNICEF, the UN Pension Fund, and UNICC shared their organisations’ progress and collaborative efforts.

Michael Walton, Head of Digital Services at UNHCR, detailed initiatives supporting refugees through digital tools. These include mobile apps for services and efforts to counter misinformation. Walton stressed the importance of digital inclusion and innovation to bridge gaps in education and access for vulnerable groups.

Fui Meng Liew, Chief of Digital Center of Excellence at UNICEF, emphasised safeguarding children’s data rights through a comprehensive digital resilience framework. UNICEF’s work also involves developing digital public goods, with a focus on accessibility for children with disabilities and securing data privacy.

Dino Cataldo Dell’Accio from the UN Pension Fund presented a blockchain-powered proof-of-life system that uses biometrics and AI in support of e-Government for the aging population. This system ensures beneficiaries’ security and privacy while streamlining verification processes. Similarly, Sameer Chauhan of UNICC showcased digital solutions like AI chatbots and cybersecurity initiatives supporting UN agencies.

The session’s collaborative tone extended into discussions of the UN Digital ID project, which links multiple UN agencies. Audience members raised questions on accessibility, with Nancy Marango and Sary Qasim suggesting broader use of these solutions to support underrepresented communities globally.

Efforts across UN organisations reflect a shared commitment to ethical technology use and digital inclusion. The panellists urged collaboration and transparency as key to addressing challenges such as data protection and equitable access while maintaining focus on innovation.

Shaping the future of the IGF: Reflections and aspirations

At the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 in Riyadh, the session ‘Looking Back, Moving Forward’ provided a platform to reflect on the forum’s 19-year history and envision its future role. Amid preparations for the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Plus 20 review and the implementation of the Global Digital Compact (GDC), participants emphasised the IGF’s continued relevance as a multistakeholder platform for global internet governance.

A legacy of dialogue and collaboration

Speakers hailed the IGF’s unique role in fostering inclusive dialogue on digital policy. Timea Suto of the International Chamber of Commerce praised its vibrant ecosystem for addressing critical internet governance issues, while Valeria Betancourt from the Association for Progressive Communications highlighted its capacity to bring diverse stakeholders together for meaningful debates.

ICANN’s Göran Marby underscored the IGF’s centrality within the WSIS framework, describing it as a space for shaping narratives and informing policy through open discussion. Juan Fernandez from the Ministry of Communications of Cuba raised a critical point about representation, urging for more consistent and diverse attendance to ensure the forum remains truly inclusive. Other participants echoed this call and highlighted the importance of engaging voices from underrepresented regions and communities.

Evolving for greater impact

As the IGF approaches its 20th anniversary, there is broad consensus on the need to evolve its structure and mandate to enhance its effectiveness. Proposals included integrating the WSIS framework and GDC implementation into its work and making the IGF a permanent institution within the UN system.

‘Strengthening the IGF’s institutional foundation is crucial for its long-term impact,’ argued Vint Cerf, a founding father of the internet.

Speakers also stressed the importance of producing tangible outcomes. Valeria Betancourt and Göran Marby called for actionable recommendations and systematic progress tracking, while Lesotho’s ICT Minister, Nthati Moorosi, suggested special forums with private sector leaders to tackle connectivity challenges. These measures, they argued, would enhance the IGF’s relevance in addressing pressing digital issues.

Inclusivity and grassroots engagement

Enhancing inclusivity remained a recurring theme. Carol Roach, MAG Chair for IGF 2024, and Christine Arida, Board Member of the Strategic Advisory to the Executive President of the National Telecom Regulatory Authority of Egypt, highlighted the need to amplify voices from the Global South and engage underserved communities.

Leveraging national and regional IGFs (NRIs) was identified as a key strategy for grassroots engagement. ‘The IGF’s strength lies in its ability to facilitate conversations that reach the margins,’ noted Valeria Betancourt.

Balancing innovation with privacy and accessibility

Emerging technologies, particularly AI, featured prominently in discussions. Participants stressed the IGF’s role in addressing the governance challenges posed by rapid innovation while safeguarding privacy and inclusivity.

‘Multistakeholder processes must move beyond handshakes to deeper collaboration,’ remarked one speaker, capturing the need for cohesive efforts in navigating the evolving digital landscape.

Looking ahead

The session concluded with a collective vision for the IGF’s future. As it approaches its 20th year, the forum is tasked with balancing its role as a space for open dialogue with the need for concrete outcomes.

Strengthened partnerships, a clearer institutional framework, and an inclusive approach will be essential in ensuring the IGF remains a cornerstone of global internet governance. The journey forward will be defined by its ability to adapt and address the complex challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Democratising AI: the promise and pitfalls of open-source LLMs

At the Internet Governance Forum 2024 in Riyadh, the session Democratising Access to AI with Open-Source LLMs explored a transformative vision: a world where open-source large language models (LLMs) democratise AI, making it accessible, equitable, and responsive to local needs. However, this vision remains a double-edged sword, revealing immense promise and critical challenges.

Panelists, including global experts from India, Brazil, Africa, and the Dominican Republic, championed open-source AI to prevent monopolisation by large tech companies. Melissa Muñoz Suro, Director of Innovation in the Dominican Republic, showcased Taina, an AI project designed to reflect the nation’s culture and language. ‘Open-source means breaking the domino effect of big tech reliance,’ she noted, emphasising that smaller economies could customise AI to serve their unique priorities and populations.

Yet, as Muñoz Suro underscored, resource constraints are a significant obstacle. Training open-source models require computational power, infrastructure, and expertise, which are luxuries many Global South nations lack. A Global South AI expert, Abraham Fifi Selby echoed this, calling for ‘public-private partnerships and investment in localised data infrastructure’ to bridge the gap. He highlighted the significance of African linguistic representation, emphasising that AI trained in local dialects is essential to addressing regional challenges.

The debate also brought ethical and governance concerns into sharp focus. Bianca Kremer, a researcher and activist from Brazil, argued that regulation is indispensable to combat monopolies and ensure AI fairness. She cited Brazil’s experience with algorithmic bias, pointing to an incident where generative AI stereotypically portrayed a Brazilian woman from a favela (urban slum) as holding a gun. ‘Open-source offers the power to fix these biases,’ Kremer explained but insisted that burdensome regulation must accompany technological optimism.

Despite its potential, open-source AI risks misuse and dwindling incentives for large-scale investments. Daniele Turra from ISA Digital Consulting proposed redistributing computational resources—suggesting mechanisms like a ‘computing tax’ or infrastructure sharing by cloud giants to ensure equitable access. The session’s audience also pushed for practical solutions, including open datasets and global collaboration to make AI development truly inclusive.

While challenges persist, trust, collaboration, and local capacity-building remain critical to open-source AI’s success. As Muñoz Suro stated, ‘Technology should make life simpler, happier, and inclusive, and open-source AI if done right, is the key to unlocking this vision.’

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Tackling internet fragmentation: A global challenge at IGF 2024

At the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 in Riyadh, the main session ‘Policy Network on Internet Fragmentation’ delved into implementing Article 29C of the Global Digital Compact (GDC), which seeks to prevent internet fragmentation. A diverse panel comprising government officials, technical experts, and civil society representatives highlighted the multifaceted nature of this issue and proposed actionable strategies to address it.

The scope of internet fragmentation

Panellists underscored that internet fragmentation manifests on technical, governance, and user experience levels. While the global network of over 70,000 systems remains technically unified, fragmentation is evident in user experiences. Anriette Esterhuysen from the Association for Progressive Communications pointed out, ‘How you view the internet as fragmented or not depends on whose internet you think it is.’ She stressed that billions face access and content restrictions, fragmenting their digital experience.

Gbenga Sesan of Paradigm Initiative echoed this concern, noting that fragmentation undermines the goal of universal connectivity by 2030. The tension between a seamless technical infrastructure and fractured user realities loomed large in the discussion.

Operationalising the GDC commitment

Alisa Heaver from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate highlighted the critical role of Article 29C as a blueprint for preventing fragmentation. She called for a measurable framework to track progress by the GDC’s 2027 review, emphasising that research on the economic impacts of fragmentation must be prioritised. ‘We need to start measuring internet fragmentation now more than ever,’ Heaver urged.

Strategies for collaboration and progress

Multistakeholder cooperation emerged as a cornerstone for addressing fragmentation. Wim Degezelle, a consultant with the IGF Secretariat, presented the Policy Network on Internet Fragmentation (PNIF) framework, while Amitabh Singhal of ICANN highlighted the IGF’s unique position in bridging technical and policy divides. Singhal also pointed to the potential renewal of the IGF’s mandate as pivotal in continuing these essential discussions.

The session emphasised inclusivity in technical standard-setting processes, with Sesan advocating for civil society’s role and audience members calling for stronger private sector engagement. Sheetal Kumar, co-facilitator of the session, stressed the importance of leveraging national and regional IGFs to foster localised dialogues on fragmentation.

Next steps and future outlook

The panel identified key actions, including developing measurable frameworks, conducting economic research, and utilising national and regional IGFs to sustain discussions. The upcoming IGF in 2025 was flagged as a milestone for assessing progress. Despite the issue’s complexity, the panellists were united in their commitment to fostering a more inclusive and seamless internet.

As Esterhuysen aptly summarised, addressing internet fragmentation requires a concerted effort to view the digital landscape through diverse lenses. This session reaffirmed that preventing fragmentation is not just a technical challenge but a deeply human one, demanding collaboration, research, and sustained dialogue.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Starlink inactive in India, Musk confirms

Elon Musk confirmed that Starlink satellite internet is inactive in India, following recent seizures of Starlink devices by Indian authorities. Musk stated on X that Starlink beams were “never on” in the country, addressing concerns raised after a device was confiscated during an armed conflict operation in Manipur and another during a major drug bust at sea.

In Manipur, where ethnic conflict has continued since last year, the Indian Army seized a Starlink dish believed to be used by militants. Officials suspect it was smuggled from Myanmar, where rebel groups reportedly use Starlink despite the company’s lack of operations there.

Earlier this month, Indian police intercepted a Starlink device linked to smugglers transporting $4.2 billion worth of methamphetamine. Authorities believe the internet device was used for navigation, prompting a legal request to Starlink for purchase details.

Starlink is currently seeking approval to operate in India and is working to resolve security concerns as part of the licensing process.

Parliamentarians gather at IGF 2024 to shape a prosperous digital future

Parliamentarians from across the globe convened at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 in Riyadh to explore their pivotal role in shaping inclusive and secure digital governance frameworks. The ‘Parliamentary Track Roundtable: A Powerful Collective Force for Change’ session underscored the necessity of international collaboration and the harmonisation of digital legislation to address shared challenges and opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world.

Hakob Arshakyan, Vice President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, presented his country’s ‘Crossroads of Peace’ initiative, aimed at fostering connectivity across regions by reopening blocked roads and railways. He highlighted Armenia’s strides in digitalisation and stressed the importance of seamless cross-border legislation to unlock the full potential of digital public services and unified governance platforms.

Meanwhile, Norway’s Sigbjørn Gjelsvik championed the principles of inclusivity and accessibility, announcing Norway’s upcoming hosting of the IGF in June 2025 and reiterating the commitment to an open internet. The digital divide, particularly in rural regions, took centre stage as Namibia’s Maria Ilago detailed her nation’s efforts to enhance digital literacy and connectivity.

She emphasised the significance of localised digital content to ensure inclusivity. Issa Al-Otaibi, a member of the Shura Council from Saudi Arabia, mirrored these sentiments, sharing Saudi Arabia’s bold investments in AI, smart cities, and capacity development for legislators to balance governance with technological innovation.

Human-centred governance and safeguarding rights in the digital sphere were key themes for Argentina’s member of parliament, Pamela Calletti. She addressed concerns over disinformation and manipulation, advocating for robust regulations to protect individuals online. Pakistani senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan underscored the role of youth in driving digital transformation, calling for regional cooperation to bolster cybersecurity and infrastructure.

Across these varied perspectives, common themes emerged: the pressing need for international collaboration, bridging digital divides, and the importance of fostering cybersecurity and data privacy. Speakers also emphasised engaging youth in policy-making and equipping legislators with technical expertise to navigate complex digital landscapes.

The roundtable illustrated the power of collective action in shaping a global digital future. As countries grapple with rapid technological advances, the insights and commitments from IGF 2024 call for parliaments worldwide to lead with vision and unity in the digital age.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Empowering civil society: Overcoming barriers in digital governance

In the rapidly evolving realm of digital governance, civil society organisations (CSOs) play a pivotal role in championing inclusion, accountability, and grassroots perspectives. A recent panel discussion, moderated by Kenneth Harry Msiska and featuring voices from KICTANet, DiploFoundation, and Sarvodaya Fusion, delved into the unique challenges CSOs face and explored strategies to amplify their influence in shaping digital policies.

The challenges of representation

Despite their critical contributions, CSOs often face systemic barriers in global governance forums like ICANN, IETF, and ITU. As Stephanie Borg Psaila, DiploFoundation’s Director of Digital Policy highlighted, financial constraints are a recurring theme, particularly for Global South organisations.

Stephanie at IGF 2024.

Additionally, technical jargon and language barriers alienate many CSOs, a concern underscored by Msiska. Visa challenges and structural imbalances further limit participation, with African representatives facing disproportionate hurdles, as Rosemary Koech-Kimwatu from KICTANet noted.

Moreover, power imbalances within governance bodies, such as ICANN, reveal an outsized influence of the private sector, leaving CSOs underrepresented and sidelined.

CSOs as catalysts for change

Amid these obstacles, CSOs remain indispensable to internet governance. They amplify marginalised voices, balance stakeholder interests, and infuse grassroots perspectives into global discussions.

‘CSOs bring local knowledge and community insights to the table,’ emphasised one audience member, while Koech-Kimwatu described them as innovators and keen observers, offering forward-thinking practices. Despite financial struggles, CSOs often act as pipelines for tech policy talent, underscoring their enduring value.

Empowering civil society

To strengthen their role, panellists proposed targeted strategies. As Msiska suggested, regional collaborations could enhance collective influence and voting power. Engaging in research and becoming trusted policy advisors were also highlighted as priorities.

Koech-Kimwatu championed hybrid meeting formats and digital tools to improve accessibility, noting their post-pandemic success in fostering participation. Expanding youth-focused initiatives, such as those seen in the East Africa IGF, was deemed essential for ensuring a dynamic and diverse future workforce.

Funding emerged as a central theme, with Wachako advocating unrestricted support to boost CSO capacity and effectiveness. Institutional backing, including travel and digital participation aid, was also critical for levelling the playing field.

A call for structural reforms

The panel underscored the need for governance structures to evolve. As Paolo from Malawi suggested, clearly recognising CSOs as distinct constituencies within frameworks like ICANN is a step toward equitable representation. Leveraging local knowledge and creating mechanisms to address power disparities were also stressed as essential reforms.

Looking ahead

While initiatives like the CARDI project and KICTANet’s case study on African CSO participation are promising, unresolved issues persist. Power imbalances, talent retention, and harmonising diverse CSO interests remain pressing concerns.

As Msiska concluded, empowering CSOs requires capacity-building, sustainable funding, and structural changes. By addressing these challenges, the digital governance landscape can become more inclusive, ensuring that civil society perspectives shape policies for a more equitable digital future.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Election integrity in the digital age: insights from IGF 2024

Election integrity and disinformation have been closely followed topics during the session ‘Internet governance and elections: maximising the potential for trust and addressing risks’ at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 on Wednesday. Experts from across sectors convened to discuss the need to safeguard election integrity amid digital challenges. With more than 65 elections occurring globally this year, the so-called ‘super election year,’ the risks of being misguided have never been higher. From misinformation to AI deepfakes, the conversation underscored the escalating threats and the need for collaborative, multistakeholder solutions.

The Growing Threat of Disinformation

Tawfik Jelassi from UNESCO emphasised the exponential rise of disinformation, framing it as a key global risk. ‘Without facts, there is no trust, and without trust, democracy falters,’ he cautioned, adding that misinformation spreads ten times faster than verified content, exacerbating distrust in elections. Panellists, including William Bird of Media Monitoring Africa and Lina Viltrakiene of the Lithuanian government, described how malicious actors manipulate digital platforms to mislead voters, with deepfakes and coordinated inauthentic behaviour becoming increasingly pervasive.

Digital Inequality and Global Disparities

Elizabeth Orembo of ICT Africa highlighted the stark challenges faced by the Global South, where digital divides and unequal media access leave populations more vulnerable to misinformation. Unregulated influencers and podcasters wield significant power in Africa, often spreading unchecked narratives. ‘We cannot apply blanket policies from tech companies without addressing regional contexts,’ Orembo noted, pointing to the need for tailored approaches that account for infrastructural and cultural disparities.

AI, Social Media, and Platform Accountability

Meta’s Sezen Yesil shed light on the company’s efforts to combat election-related threats, including stricter measures against fake accounts, improved transparency for political ads, and collaboration with fact-checkers. While AI-driven disinformation remains a concern, Yesil observed that the anticipated impact of generative AI in the 2024 elections was modest. Nonetheless, panellists called for stronger accountability measures for tech companies, with Viltrakiene advocating for legal frameworks like the EU’s Digital Services Act to counter digital harms effectively.

A Multi-Stakeholder Solution

The session highlighted the importance of multistakeholder collaboration, a frequent theme across discussions. Rosemary Sinclair of Australia’s AUDA emphasised that safeguarding democracy is a ‘global team sport,’ requiring contributions from governments, civil society, academia, and the technical community. ‘The IGF is the ideal space for fostering such cooperation,’ she added, urging closer coordination between national and global IGF platforms.

Participants agreed that the fight for election integrity must extend beyond election cycles. Digital platforms, governments, and civil society must sustain efforts to build trust, address digital inequities, and create frameworks that protect democracy in the digital age. The IGF’s role as a forum for global dialogue and action was affirmed, with calls to strengthen its influence in shaping governance solutions for the future.

International experts converge at IGF 2024 to promote digital solidarity in global governance

A panel of international experts at the IGF 2024 gathered to discuss the growing importance of digital solidarity in global digital governance. Jennifer Bachus of the US State Department introduced the concept as a framework for fostering international cooperation centred on human rights and multi-stakeholder engagement. Nashilongo Gervasius, a public interest technology expert from Namibia, highlighted the need to close digital divides and promote inclusivity in global digital policymaking.

The discussion focused on balancing digital sovereignty with the need for international collaboration. Jason Pielemeier, Executive Director of the Global Network Initiative, stressed the critical role of data privacy and cybersecurity in advancing global digital rights. Robert Opp, Chief Digital Officer at the United Nations Development Programme, emphasised the importance of capacity building and enhancing digital infrastructure, particularly in developing nations.

Key global mechanisms like the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) processes featured prominently in the dialogue. Panellists, including Susan Mwape from Zambia, underscored the need to strengthen these platforms while ensuring they remain inclusive and respectful of human rights. The upcoming WSIS+20 review was recognised as an opportunity to revitalise international cooperation in the digital realm.

Challenges such as internet shutdowns, mass surveillance, and the misuse of cybercrime legislation were debated. Mwape voiced concerns about the potential for international forums to lose credibility if hosted by countries with poor human rights records. Audience member Barbara from Nepal called for greater accountability in digital governance practices, while Hala Rasheed from the Alnahda Society echoed the urgency of addressing inequalities in digital policy implementation.

Russian civil society representative Alexander Savnin brought attention to the impact of sanctions on international technical cooperation in cybersecurity. He argued for a more balanced approach that would allow global stakeholders to address shared security challenges effectively. Panellists agreed that fostering trust among diverse actors remains a critical hurdle to achieving digital solidarity.

The session concluded with a commitment to fostering continuous dialogue and collaboration. Panellists expressed hope that inclusive and rights-based approaches could transform digital solidarity into tangible solutions, helping to address the pressing challenges of the digital age.