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Dynamic Coalitions: Bridging digital divides and shaping equitable online governance

The session ‘Dynamic Coalitions and the Global Digital Compact’ at IGF 2024 in Riyadh highlighted the significant role of Dynamic Coalitions (DCs) in advancing the Global Digital Compact’s (GDC) objectives. Moderated by Jutta Croll, the discussion served as a platform to illustrate the alignment of DC efforts with the GDC’s goals, emphasising the need for broader collaboration and inclusion.

One of the pressing topics addressed was bridging digital divides, as emphasised by June Paris, an experienced nurse engaged in research on nutrition in pregnant women and a business development expert. She underscored the challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), noting their increased vulnerability to digital marginalisation. Paris called on DCs to prioritise policies that combat polarisation and promote equitable internet access for underrepresented regions.

The conversation also delved into expanding the benefits of the digital economy. Muhammad Shabbir, a member of the Internet Society’s Accessibility Special Interest Group, a member of the Pakistan ISOC chapter, and a member of the Digital Coalition on Accessibility and Disability (DCAD), detailed the contributions of coalitions like the DC on Financial Inclusion, which advocates for accessible financial services, and the DC on Open Education, which focuses on enhancing learning opportunities. Shabbir also highlighted the DC on Accessibility’s work towards digital inclusivity for persons with disabilities and the DC on Environment’s initiatives to address the environmental impacts of digitalisation.

Founder and investor of the WAF lifestyle app and chair of Dynamic Coalition on Core Internet Values, Olivier Crepin-Leblond, provided insights on fostering safe and inclusive digital spaces, stressing the pivotal work of DCs like the DC on Internet Rights and Principles, which champions human rights online, and the DC on Child Online Safety, which ensures the protection of children in the digital realm. He highlighted the significant proportion of under-18 internet users, linking their rights to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Data governance and AI regulation also featured prominently. Tatevik Grigoryan, co-chair of Dynamic Coalition on Interoperability, Equitable and Interoperable Data Governance and Internet Universality Indicators, discussed frameworks for responsible data management. At the same time, Yao Amevi Amnessinou Sossou, a research fellow for innovation and entrepreneurship, spotlighted AI-related initiatives. These included tackling gender biases through the DC on Gender and Internet Governance and exploring AI’s potential in healthcare and connected devices through other coalitions. Their contributions underscored the need for ethical and inclusive governance of emerging technologies.

The session’s open dialogue further enriched its value. The lead of three dynamic coalitions – Digital Economy, Digital Health and Environment, Dr Rajendra Pratap Gupta, highlighted the urgency of job creation and digital inclusion, while audience members raised critical points on data integrity and the transformative potential of gamification. Mark Carvell’s (co-moderator of the session) mention of the WSIS+20 Review added a forward-looking perspective, inviting DCs to contribute their expertise to this landmark evaluation.

By showcasing the diverse initiatives of Dynamic Coalitions, the session reinforced their essential role in shaping global internet governance. The call for greater inclusion, tangible outcomes, and multistakeholder collaboration resonated throughout, marking a clear path forward for advancing the GDC’s objectives.

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

Enhancing parliamentary skills for a thriving digital future

As digital transformation accelerates, parliaments across the globe are challenged to keep pace with emerging technologies like AI and data governance. On the second day of IGF 2024 in Riyadh, an influential panel discussed how parliamentary capacity development is essential to shaping inclusive, balanced digital policies without stifling innovation.

The session ‘Building parliamentary capacity to effectively shape the digital realm,’ moderated by Rima Al-Yahya of Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council, brought together representatives from international organisations and tech giants, including ICANN, Google, GIZ, and UNESCO. Their message was that parliamentarians need targeted training and collaboration to effectively navigate AI regulation, data sovereignty, and the digital economy.

The debate on AI regulation reflected a global dilemma: how to regulate AI responsibly without halting progress. UNESCO’s Cedric Wachholz outlined flexible approaches, including risk-based frameworks and ethical principles, as seen in their Ethics of AI. Google’s Olga Skorokhodova reinforced this by saying that as AI develops, it’s becoming ‘too important not to regulate well,’ advocating with this known Google motto for multistakeholder collaboration and local capacity development.

Beckwith Burr, ICANN board member, stressed that while internet governance requires global coordination, legislative decisions are inherently national. ‘Parliamentarians must understand how the internet works to avoid laws that unintentionally break it,’ she cautioned and added that ICANN offers robust capacity-building programs to bridge knowledge gaps.

With a similar stance, Franz von Weizsäcker of GIZ highlighted Africa’s efforts to harmonise digital policies across 55 countries under the African Union’s Data Policy Framework. He noted that concerns about ‘data colonialism’, where local data benefits global corporations, must be tackled through innovative policies that protect data without hindering cross-border data flows.

Parliamentarians from Kenya, Egypt, and Gambia emphasised the need for widespread digital literacy among legislators, as poorly informed laws risk impeding innovation. ‘Over 95% of us do not understand the technical sector,’ said Kenyan Senator Cathe rine Muma, urging investments to empower lawmakers across all sectors (health, finance, or education) to legislate for an AI-driven future.

As Rima Al-Yahya trustworthily summarised, ‘Equipping lawmakers with tools and knowledge is pivotal to ensuring digital policies promote innovation, security, and accountability for all.’

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

Diplo Foundation explores AI’s ethical and philosophical challenges at IGF 2024

At the 2024 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, a session featuring experts from DiploFoundation, addressed AI’s deep philosophical and ethical implications. The discussion moved beyond surface-level concerns about bias and ethics, focusing instead on more profound questions about human identity and agency in a world increasingly shaped by AI.

Jovan Kurbalija, Director of the Diplo Foundation, emphasised the need to critically examine AI’s impact on human knowledge and identity. He introduced the idea of a ‘right to be humanly imperfect,’ advocating for preserving human flaws and agency in an AI-dominated world.

That concept was echoed by other speakers, who expressed concern that the pursuit of AI-driven optimisation could erode essential human qualities. Sorina Teleanu, Diplo Foundation’s Director of Knowledge, raised important questions about the tendency to anthropomorphise AI, warning against attributing human traits to machines and urging a broader consideration of non-human forms of intelligence.

The panel also delved into the philosophical dimensions of AI, with Teleanu pointing out the lack of privacy protections surrounding brain data processing and the potential risks of attributing personhood to advanced AI. The discussion of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) brought up the provocative idea that if AI becomes indistinguishable from humans, it could potentially deserve human rights, challenging our traditional notions of consciousness and personhood.

Addressing AI governance, Kurbalija focused on practical, immediate issues, such as AI’s impact on education, employment, and daily life, rather than speculative long-term concerns. He called for a decentralised approach to AI development that preserves diverse knowledge sources and prevents the centralisation of power by large tech companies. Henri-Jean Pollet from ISPA Belgium added to the conversation by advocating for open-source models and data licensing to ensure AI reliability and prevent inaccuracies in AI-generated content.

The conversation also explored the evolving dynamics of human-AI interaction. Teleanu highlighted the potential changes in human communication as AI-generated text becomes more prevalent, while Mohammad Abdul Haque Anu, Secretary-General of the Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum, stressed the need for AI ethics education, particularly in developing countries. Kurbalija shared a revealing anecdote about AI-generated speeches at conferences, illustrating how AI could influence professional communication in the future.

As the session concluded, Kurbalija highlighted the Diplo Foundation’s approach to AI development, focusing on tools that support diplomats and policymakers by enhancing human knowledge without replacing human decision-making. The discussion wrapped up with a demonstration of these AI tools in action, emphasising their potential to augment human capabilities in specialised fields. The speakers left the audience with an invitation for continued philosophical exploration of AI’s role in shaping humanity’s future.

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

Youth integration in digital governance at the IGF 2024

Youth leaders took the stage at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 in one of the most dynamic dialogues with global parliamentarians about the critical role of young people in digital governance. Titled ‘Leading the digital transformation journey: dialogue with youth leaders,’ the session reflected the need for genuine youth engagement in policymaking to shape an inclusive, equitable digital future.

Youth leaders echoed these appeals, demanding concrete action. Ihita Gangavarapu, coordinator of India’s Youth IGF, stressed the need for ‘real participation, not tokenism.’ She argued for institutionalised mechanisms to consult young people, particularly when crafting context-specific legislation on digital access, rights, and cybersecurity. Duaa Albalawi, representing Saudi Arabia at the Y20 summit, pushed for an ethical global framework for AI, urging policymakers to include youth perspectives while addressing fairness, worker transitions, and data sovereignty. ‘Youth participation is not a privilege; it’s a right,’ she declared.

Egyptian MP Sahar Albazar emphasised the importance of nurturing political participation early through initiatives like youth parliaments, mentorship programs, and lowering candidacy ages. ‘If you’re wise enough to vote, you’re wise enough to run,’ she asserted, calling for structural changes to empower young voices in decision-making. Similarly, Guinea’s Parliament President Dansa Kourouma highlighted the paradox of Africa’s demographics, where 70% of the population is under 40 but remains underrepresented in parliaments. ‘Participation is vital, but so is responsibility,’ he said, advocating for digital education to balance engagement with accountability.

German MP Tobias Bacherle added an insightful perspective on generational shifts: ‘We grew up with technology; it’s our reality,’ he noted, advocating for open communication channels and leveraging digital tools to bridge divides. However, a note of caution was also underlined, stressing the need to align youthful enthusiasm with national security priorities.

The session also explored innovative approaches to collaboration, from broadcasting parliamentary debates on social media to creating local youth councils that mirror national parliaments. As an engaged audience pressed for measurable strategies, the consensus emerged: youth must be seen as partners, not beneficiaries, with the resources and platforms to contribute meaningfully.

Google’s Willow quantum chip sparks multiverse debate

Google’s Willow quantum chip has ignited a debate about the multiverse theory, with Hartmut Neven from Google’s Quantum AI team suggesting that the chip’s performance supports the idea of quantum computation occurring across parallel universes. The chip’s ability to solve a computational problem exponentially faster than classical computers has raised the possibility that this speed is linked to the multiverse.

However, critics argue that Willow’s success can be explained by alternative interpretations of quantum mechanics, such as the Copenhagen or pilot-wave theories, and that there is no direct evidence proving the existence of parallel universes. Despite its impressive computational achievement, Willow does not provide empirical proof for the multiverse.

The implications of this debate extend beyond the multiverse theory itself, offering an opportunity to explore more profound questions about quantum mechanics and the nature of reality. Whether or not Willow proves the multiverse, the discussion prompts further investigation into quantum computing’s potential and its transformative impact on fields such as cryptography, material science, and AI.

Additionally, the conversation around Willow encourages scientists to re-examine established theories and explore new possibilities, driving innovation and expanding the frontiers of scientific understanding.

Global South’s role in AI governance explored at IGF 2024

The inclusion of the Global South, particularly the MENA region, in AI governance emerged as a key focus in a recent panel discussion as part of the Internet Governance Forum 2024. Experts examined persistent challenges such as the technology gap, regulatory uncertainty, and limited local infrastructure, which hinder the region’s participation in the global AI ecosystem.

Nibal Idlebi from UN ESCWA emphasised that the lack of computational resources and access to local data significantly impedes AI development. Jill Nelson of the IEEE Standards Association stressed the need to improve AI literacy and foster talent pipelines, particularly in decision-making roles. Ethical considerations also featured prominently, with Jasmin Alduri highlighting concerns about the exploitation of click workers involved in AI data labelling.

Roeske Martin from Google MENA called for clearer regulations to boost private sector involvement, arguing that regulatory uncertainty holds back investment and innovation. He proposed accelerator programmes to support local AI startups, including those led by women. Panellists also urged better Arabic language integration in AI tools to increase accessibility and adoption across the MENA region.

Amid the challenges, opportunities for growth were identified, including leveraging synthetic data generation and creating public data-sharing initiatives. Collaboration between governments, industry, and civil society was deemed crucial to developing AI frameworks that address local needs while adhering to global standards.

The panel concluded with cautious optimism, underscoring the MENA region’s potential to become an AI innovation hub. With targeted investments in capacity building and infrastructure, the Global South can play a greater role in shaping the future of AI governance.

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

Parliamentarians urged to bridge the global digital divide

At the ‘IGF Parliamentary Track – Session 1’ session in Riyadh, parliamentarians, diplomats, and digital experts gathered to address persistent gaps in global digital governance. The session spotlighted two critical UN-led initiatives: the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and the Global Digital Compact (GDC), underscoring their complementary roles in bridging the digital divide and addressing emerging digital challenges like AI and data governance.

Ambassador Muhammadou M.O. Kah, Chair of the Commission for Science and Technology for Development, stressed the urgency of digital inclusion. ‘Digital technologies are transforming our world at a remarkable pace, but we must confront the persistent divide,’ he said, remembering that twenty years after WSIS first set out a vision for an inclusive digital society, one-third of the world’s population remains unconnected, with inequalities deepening between urban and rural areas, genders, and socioeconomic groups.

The Global Digital Compact, introduced as a ‘refresh’ of WSIS priorities, emerged as a key focus of the discussion. From the UN Tech Envoy’s Office, Isabel de Sola presented the GDC’s five pillars: affordable internet access, tackling misinformation, data governance, fostering inclusive digital economies, and ensuring safe AI implementation. De Sola emphasised, ‘We need a holistic approach. Data governance, AI, and connectivity are deeply interconnected and must work in tandem to serve society fairly.’

Sorina Teleanu, the session’s moderator and Head of knowledge at Diplo, highlighted the need for urgent action, stating: ‘We have the Global Digital Compact, but what’s next? It’s about implementation—how we take global commitments and turn them into real, practical solutions at national and local levels,’ she urged parliamentarians to exercise their oversight role and push for meaningful progress.

The session exposed a growing disconnect between governments and parliaments on digital policy. Several parliamentarians voiced concerns about exclusion from international processes that shape national legislation and budgets. ‘We cannot act effectively if we are not included or informed,’ a delegate from South Africa noted, calling for better integration of lawmakers into global frameworks like the GDC and WSIS.

To close these gaps, speakers proposed practical solutions, including capacity-building programs, toolkits for mapping GDC priorities locally, and stronger regional parliamentary networks. ‘Parliamentarians are closest to the people’ Ambassador Kah reminded attendees, ‘they play a crucial role in translating global commitments into meaningful local action’

The discussion ended with a renewed call for collaboration: greater inclusion of lawmakers, better alignment of international frameworks with local needs, and stronger efforts to bridge the digital divide. As the world approaches WSIS’ 20-year review in 2025, the path forward requires a unified, inclusive effort to ensure digital advancements reach all corners of society.

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

Reimagining WSIS: a digital future for all

As the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) nears its 20-year milestone, global leaders gathered at IGF 2024 in Riyadh to reflect on achievements and lay the ground for a unified, inclusive digital future. Amid optimism over growing connectivity—from 1 billion internet users in 2005 to 5.5 billion today—discussions underlined the pressing need to address unresolved challenges, from digital divides to the ethical governance of emerging technologies like AI.

A key takeaway was WSIS’s enduring success in fostering multistakeholder collaboration. Stefan Schnorr, Germany’s State Secretary, lauded the summit for championing inclusivity by saying that ‘WSIS pioneered a framework where governments, private sectors, and civil society shaped digital cooperation together.’ The Internet Governance Forum (IGF), a cornerstone WSIS achievement, was celebrated for evolving into a platform addressing critical issues, including AI, misinformation, and connectivity gaps.

However, speakers stressed that progress remains uneven. Nthati Moorosi, Lesotho’s Minister of Information, told a sobering story of disparity: ‘We still have students sitting under trees to learn. Connecting schools is still a long journey for us.’ In other words, connectivity issues are exacerbated by affordability, skills deficits, and energy infrastructure gaps, particularly in the Global South. Thus, addressing such divides is central to aligning WSIS priorities with the recently adopted Global Digital Compact (GDC).

Environmental sustainability emerged as another important discussion, with concerns about the digital sector’s carbon footprint and e-waste. Robert Opp from UNDP emphasised that balancing digital innovation with ecological responsibility must guide the next phase: ‘Data centres alone emit as much carbon as entire nations.’

The discussions also spotlighted inclusivity, particularly in AI and data governance. Many speakers, including Angel González Sanz (UNCTAD), warned of a widening imbalance: ‘118 countries are excluded from AI governance discussions, risking further global inequality.’ A call for greater representation of the Global South resonated again across panellists, marking the necessity for equitable participation in shaping global digital frameworks.

Looking ahead, WSIS+20 will focus on adapting governance frameworks to address emerging technologies while keeping human rights, trust, and digital inclusion at the forefront. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General, offered a rallying appeal by saying: ‘The digital future isn’t written yet, but we can write it together with inclusivity, security, and sustainability at its core.’

As the WSIS process evolves, stakeholders emphasise learning from the past while crafting forward-looking strategies, and IGF remains the crossroads platform for dialogue and a catalyst for solutions to ensure no one is left behind in the ongoing digital era.

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

Digital futures at a crossroads: aligning WSIS and the Global Digital Compact

The path toward a cohesive digital future was the central theme at the ‘From WSIS to GDC: Harmonising Strategies Towards Coordination‘ session held at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 in Riyadh. Experts, policymakers, and civil society representatives converged to address how the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) framework and the Global Digital Compact (GDC) can work in unison. At the heart of the debate lay two critical imperatives: coordination and avoiding fragmentation.

Panelists, including Jorge Cancio of the Swiss Government and David Fairchild of Canada, underscored the IGF’s central role as a multistakeholder platform for dialogue. However, concerns about its diminishing mandate and inadequate funding surfaced repeatedly. Fairchild warned of ‘a centralisation of digital governance processes,’ hinting at geopolitical forces that could undermine inclusive, global cooperation. Cancio urged an updated ‘Swiss Army knife’ approach to WSIS, where existing mechanisms, like the IGF, are strengthened rather than duplicated.

The session also highlighted emerging challenges since WSIS’s 2005 inception. Amrita Choudhury from MAG and Anita Gurumurthy of IT for Change emphasised that AI, data governance, and widening digital divides demand urgent attention. Gurumurthy lamented that ‘neo-illiberalism,’ characterised by corporate greed and authoritarian politics, threatens the vision of a people-centred information society. Meanwhile, Gitanjali Sah of ITU reaffirmed WSIS’s achievements, pointing to successes like digital inclusion through telecentres and distance learning.

Amid these reflections, the IGF emerged as an essential event for harmonising WSIS and GDC goals. Panellists, including Nigel Cassimire from the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, proposed that the IGF develop performance targets to implement GDC commitments effectively. Yet, as Jason Pielemeier of the Global Network Initiative cautioned, the IGF faces threats of co-optation in settings hostile to open dialogue, which ‘weakens its strength.’

Despite these tensions, hope remained for creative solutions and renewed international solidarity. The session concluded with a call to refocus on WSIS’s original principles—ensuring no one is left behind in the digital future. As Anita Gurumurthy aptly summarised: ‘We reject bad politics and poor economics. What we need is a solidarity vision of interdependence and mutual reciprocity.’

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

Global dialogue on AI governance highlights the need for an inclusive, coordinated international approach

Global AI governance was the focus of a high-level forum at the IGF 2024 in Riyadh that brought together leaders from government, industry, civil society, and youth organisations. Discussions explored the current state of AI development, highlighting challenges such as bias, security risks, and the environmental impact of AI technologies. The need for global frameworks to govern AI responsibly was a central theme, with participants emphasising collaboration across regions and sectors.

Speakers stressed the importance of balancing innovation with regulation to ensure ethical and inclusive AI development. The discussion highlighted inequalities between developed and developing regions, with particular attention to Africa’s challenges in infrastructure and skills. Thelma Quaye, representing Smart Africa, noted the continent’s lack of data centres and trained professionals, which hinders its participation in the global AI landscape.

Data privacy, ownership, and localisation emerged as critical governance issues. Open-source AI was presented as a potential solution to foster innovation and flexibility, particularly for emerging economies. Audrey Plonk of the OECD stressed the need for inclusive frameworks that address regional disparities while promoting cultural and linguistic diversity in AI technologies.

Youth perspectives featured prominently, with contributions from Leydon Shantseko of Zambia Youth IGN and Levi, a youth representative. They highlighted the role of young people in shaping AI’s future and called for governance structures that include younger voices. Panellists agreed on the necessity of involving diverse stakeholders in decision-making processes to ensure equitable AI policies.

Speakers also examined the role of tax incentives and enforcement mechanisms in supporting compliance with AI regulations. Melinda, a policy expert from Meta, underscored the importance of transparency and voluntary reporting frameworks to guide effective policy decisions. Andy Beaudoin of France echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for partnerships between public and private sectors.

The forum concluded with a call for harmonised efforts to create a unified, inclusive approach to AI governance. Yoichi Iida, who moderated the session, emphasised the urgency of addressing governance gaps while remaining optimistic about AI’s potential to drive global progress. Participants agreed that collaboration is key to ensuring AI benefits all regions equitably and responsibly.

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