High Level Leaders Session 3 | IGF 2023

Audience

The analysis of the speakers’ statements reveals several key points regarding Internet governance, the multi-stakeholder approach, and addressing new challenges.

Firstly, it is widely agreed that the multi-stakeholder approach has proven effective for Internet governance and should continue. During the WSIS (World Summit on the Information Society), stakeholders from multiple sectors and 175 nations gathered for the first time to work on Internet governance. This landmark event paved the way for collaboration and highlighted the importance of involving various actors in decision-making processes. The multi-stakeholder approach has been successful in addressing challenges related to the Internet, such as artificial intelligence and social media issues. It is believed that solutions can only be found through this inclusive approach.

Secondly, the German government expresses its support for the multi-stakeholder approach for Internet governance and pledges to back it in the future. Stefan Schnorr, a representative of the German government, confirms this stance, emphasizing the importance of continued support for this approach.

In addition to the multi-stakeholder approach, the proposal of a global digital compact by the United Nations is seen as a valuable solution to tackle new challenges. This compact could provide a framework to understand and address the emerging issues in the digital realm.

Another noteworthy point is the success of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in discussing and addressing challenges related to the Internet. It is argued that the IGF has proven its worth and should continue its operations without the need for similar parallel structures.

Furthermore, there has been remarkable progress in harnessing the power of the internet and information and communication technologies. The collaborative spirit initiated the process of utilizing these technologies from 2003 onwards.

In terms of policy, the European Union strongly advocates for the multi-stakeholder model. It emphasizes that this model must evolve and adapt to changing technology and global challenges. Unity within the European Union is viewed as an influential factor in championing this model.

Despite the progress made, challenges related to digital inclusion, connectivity, and technology for sustainable development persist. These issues require continued efforts to bridge the digital divide and ensure that the benefits of the digital age are accessible to all.

Moreover, there is a belief in a united front in a world without borders, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and cooperation for achieving common goals.

Advocacy for an improved multi-stakeholder model is also present. It is argued that the model should be more inclusive and effective in involving various stakeholders. The WSIS+20 is seen as an opportunity to enhance the existing model.

Additionally, there is an emphasis on addressing issues such as gender equality and non-discrimination within the multi-stakeholder approach. It is recognized that these issues are crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Lastly, the analysis highlights a significant digital divide between developed and developing nations in terms of infrastructure, policy, and talent. This divide poses challenges that need to be addressed to ensure equal access to digital opportunities.

To bridge the digital gap, fostering competition and digital literacy, harmonizing global and regional regulations, championing local content, and promoting stakeholder engagement are seen as vital strategies.

In conclusion, the analysis reveals the importance of the multi-stakeholder approach for Internet governance, the need for global cooperation to address new challenges, and the continued efforts required to tackle issues related to digital inclusion and sustainable development. It highlights the progress made, the support from various stakeholders, and the ongoing initiatives to narrow the digital divide. These insights contribute to the understanding of Internet governance and the pathways towards a more inclusive and equitable digital future.

Chad Garcia-Ramillo

The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) was held in 2003 and 2005 and played a pivotal role in shaping global policy on the digital society. It established 10 Action Lines aimed at integrating digital technologies in different sectors. These Action Lines provided a framework for a systemic approach to incorporating digital technologies in various areas.

The success of WSIS and the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) can be attributed to the multi-stakeholder principle, which emphasizes involving various stakeholders in decision-making processes. The participation of different stakeholder groups has been significant, and greater emphasis has been placed on creating human rights-based policy environments. Partnership and collaboration have been recognized as crucial factors in implementing digital policies effectively.

However, there are concerns and criticisms regarding the application of the multi-stakeholder principle. Disparities in its implementation exist, and improvements are needed. Issues such as power dynamics, conflicts of interest, and consensus building need to be addressed for the principle to be equally applied.

Inclusive participation is seen as a key factor in successfully implementing digital policies. Participation should be inclusive at national, regional, and international levels, ensuring that the voices and perspectives of all stakeholders are heard and considered.

Persistent digital inequality and exclusion are major challenges. Despite progress in digital connectivity, 2.6 billion people remain unconnected to the internet, reinforcing existing inequalities and impeding access to opportunities and resources.

Critics argue that digital inclusion solely driven by market logic exacerbates inequality, oppression, and the environmental crisis. When communities are included in the digital realm purely for market interests, it can further deepen disparities and harm the environment.

The internet is considered a global space that should be open and accessible to all on a non-discriminatory basis. Advocates state that the internet should be governed as a global public good, ensuring universal and affordable access. The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) has been calling for this since 2005.

Governments are urged to reconsider restrictive regulatory options and avoid criminalization that reinforces their hold on power and harms individual citizens. Such restrictions have a negative impact on public services and limit freedom of expression and access to information.

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) plays a crucial role in nurturing thinking and practice related to the WSIS action lines. Its mandate should be strengthened beyond 2025 to ensure continued effectiveness.

The IGF is seen as a sophisticated, broad process that allows for multi-stakeholder participation at different levels. Dynamic coalitions within the IGF facilitate participation from various stakeholders.

Gender equality is another important aspect that needs to be integrated across all WSIS action lines. Advocates call for the adoption of feminist principles within the global digital compact, and there has been an evolution in the commitment to gender equality with a shared call for its inclusion.

In conclusion, the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) have played significant roles in shaping global digital policies. The multi-stakeholder principle has been instrumental in their success, although there are concerns about its equal application and the need for improvements. Inclusive participation, addressing persistent digital inequality, ensuring non-discriminatory internet access, and integrating gender equality are key factors for effectively implementing digital policies. Governments need to reconsider restrictive regulatory options and avoid criminalization, and the IGF’s mandate should be strengthened.

Maria Fernanda Garza

Maria Fernanda Garza calls for more inclusive internet access, addressing challenges such as access, affordability, lack of skills, and other impediments to connectivity. Approximately 2.6 billion users remain unconnected despite technological advancements. Garza emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle these challenges.

Garza advocates for reinforcing the multi-stakeholder model in internet policy and regulation. However, she notes that this model is not effectively utilized in all levels of governance. The multi-stakeholder approach encourages collaboration between governments, the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders. It provides a versatile tool to address technological challenges and ensures compatibility and interoperability.

The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) plays a crucial role in promoting international cooperation and multi-stakeholder collaboration. It encourages open dialogue, exchange of views, and the sharing of best practices to address technology challenges. However, the WSIS toolbox, created almost 20 years ago, is not universally implemented, indicating the need for further progress in embracing the multi-stakeholder model.

Conversations on AI have contributed to the development of responsible AI standards through private sector involvement and civil society accountability. The private sector contributes expertise in developing these standards, while civil society ensures accountability and capacity building through grassroots efforts.

Promoting interoperability across different approaches and areas is also a key focus. The International Governance Forum (IGF) promotes interoperability within the internet governance community. It acts as a bridge between different policy-making bodies, elevating IGF outcomes to higher policy levels. The IGF is invaluable for sharing knowledge and promoting interoperable policy approaches, playing a crucial role in addressing internet and digital challenges.

The private sector plays a vital role in expanding connectivity and providing relevant content in local languages. Garza acknowledges that governments alone cannot meet the investment required for meaningful connectivity. Therefore, continuing and scaling up business investments and creating an enabling policy environment are essential.

In conclusion, Maria Fernanda Garza’s advocacy for inclusive internet access, proper implementation of the multi-stakeholder model, and international collaboration highlights the importance of addressing challenges to internet connectivity. The WSIS, AI conversations, IGF, and private sector involvement are significant drivers in creating a more inclusive and connected digital world.

Sigbjørn Gjelsvik

The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) is widely recognized for its significant contributions in establishing a human-centric, digitally connected global society. WSIS focuses on utilizing Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to support development objectives. It is considered the first ever clear statement of political will in this domain.

WSIS has played a crucial role in developing policy frameworks and guidelines for the responsible and inclusive use of ICTs. This has been achieved through the creation of a strong and committed multi-stakeholder community via the WSIS forum. By leveraging technology, WSIS aims to achieve its goals while increasing the focus on developing sustainable and inclusive solutions. The United Nations (UN) system has also utilized the WSIS Foundation to establish a collaborative network with key stakeholders, such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). This collaboration works towards strengthening synergy and coordination.

Furthermore, WSIS emphasizes the need for a human-centric approach in the implementation and development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related technologies. The summit advocates that these technologies should not limit human rights but rather amplify them. WSIS also highlights the importance of increasing AI literacy and developing relevant skills to effectively utilize these technologies.

Technical experts and researchers are seen as valuable contributors to the WSIS agenda, as their expertise can provide valuable insights and guidance on AI and related technologies. There are calls for WSIS to further incorporate AI and related topics into its agenda, and the summit has already engaged in dialogues and workshops to manage artificial intelligence.

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is recognized as an essential platform for multi-stakeholder collaboration. It allows governments, civil society, the academic sector, the technical community, and the private sector to come together and collaborate. The IGF operates informally, without producing binding decisions or regulations, which facilitates open discussions and promotes flexibility.

WSIS plus 20 provides an opportunity to reflect on the digital achievements made so far and set new goals for a more inclusive and equitable digital future. It serves as a moment to re-evaluate strategies, address challenges, and identify evolving needs in the digital landscape.

There is a growing recognition of the importance of the multi-stakeholder process in decision-making. To navigate this rapidly changing terrain, it is crucial to include a diverse range of voices, including startups, youth, local leaders, and experts from different fields. This inclusive approach ensures that decisions are well-rounded and representative of various perspectives.

Moreover, as AI and other technologies reshape society, it is vital to uphold the highest ethical standards and safeguard human rights. WSIS emphasizes the need to ensure that multistakeholder collaboration adheres to ethical principles and prioritizes privacy and security.

Norway has demonstrated its commitment to contributing to the development of the Internet Governance Forum by bidding to host it in 2025. Their bid highlights their intention to support and enhance the IGF as a vital and inclusive format.

Finally, sustainability is an important consideration. WSIS acknowledges the need to reduce the environmental footprint of digital endeavors and work towards a greener and more responsible digital future.

Overall, WSIS has made significant progress in establishing a human-centric, digitally connected global society through the use of ICTs. The summit continues to evolve and adapt to address emerging challenges and opportunities in the digital space. The inclusion of AI, the promotion of a multi-stakeholder process, and the emphasis on ethical standards and sustainability are key factors in shaping the future agenda of WSIS.

Sir John Whittingdale

The Internet has become an essential part of our daily lives, especially for younger generations who have grown up with it. The principles established in the first World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in 2003 are still relevant today and emphasize the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to internet governance. The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) plays a crucial role in facilitating discussions and collaboration among various stakeholders.

Digital inclusion is vital in the development of the internet, ensuring equal access for all. The governance structure should promote equitable access to resources and opportunities, while also supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The benefits of digital technology in sectors like education and healthcare demonstrate its potential for positive impact. Connectivity in primary schools improves education access, while online healthcare benefits remote areas. It is important to align digital action plans with the SDGs to maximize the internet’s potential for global development.

Challenges such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cybercrime, disinformation, and hate speech must be addressed to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. Effective governance mechanisms are necessary for a safe and inclusive internet environment.

In summary, the internet is essential in today’s world, and its development requires the involvement of various stakeholders. The principles established in WSIS are still relevant, and the multi-stakeholder approach is crucial for effective internet governance. Digital inclusion, connectivity in schools, and healthcare benefits are important aspects of internet development. By aligning with the SDGs and addressing challenges, we can ensure responsible and sustainable internet growth.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin

The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) process, which began in 2003, was considered ahead of its time and was praised for its comprehensive framework that remains valid to this day. The process was inclusive, involving governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, and UN institutions. This inclusive nature was seen as a key success of the WSIS, with many participants from the WSIS 2003 and 2005 events.

One notable aspect of the WSIS process was its ability to adapt to new developments. It was acknowledged that the WSIS framework was applicable even for new trends and technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI). This recognition of the evolving nature of technology and the need for ongoing adaptation was seen as an important strength of the WSIS.

However, there were concerns about unexpected advances in technology, particularly the rise of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The era of 2003 to 2005, when the WSIS process took place, was pre-social media, and the growing concern over misinformation and disinformation was not predicted. The struggle to keep up with the rapid pace of technological advancements was acknowledged as a challenge for the WSIS.

Cybersecurity concerns, particularly the increase in cyberattacks, were another issue that the WSIS did not anticipate. There has been a year-on-year growth of 80% in cyberattacks, which has raised significant concerns for the security of information and systems.

The digital divide, the gap between those who have access to digital technologies and those who do not, was another major concern addressed by the WSIS. While there has been great progress in narrowing the gap, with 3G and 4G coverage reaching most parts of the planet, a third of humanity still remains unconnected. Bridging this digital divide and connecting the unconnected is an ongoing challenge.

Another target that was not achieved was the goal to connect every school on the planet by 2015. This failure highlighted the need to understand why the set targets were not met and to find ways to address this issue moving forward.

Despite these challenges and failures, there was a call to revisit the failures and double down on efforts for WSIS Plus 20. The importance of maintaining the inclusive nature of the WSIS process and continuing to build on its robust multi-stakeholder process was emphasized. The WSIS forum and the AI for Good Summit were noted as intentional events placed back-to-back next year, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to these initiatives.

The WSIS framework was hailed as highly relevant, and there was a call to build on its elements such as ethics, security, misinformation, enabling frameworks, and capacity development. Leveraging digital technologies to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets was also recognized as a valuable opportunity.

Another important issue highlighted was the digital gender gap, which remains a persistent problem. This gap encompasses unequal access to online communication and digital technologies for women and girls. Addressing the digital gender gap was emphasized as a crucial goal.

Overall, the analysis of the provided information shows that while the WSIS process has achieved significant milestones, there are ongoing challenges and areas for improvement. It is clear that the inclusive nature of the process, the need for adaptation to new technologies, and the focus on bridging the digital divide and addressing cybersecurity concerns and the digital gender gap are among the key areas that require continued attention and action.

Moderator

The analysis explores multiple perspectives on the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and its associated topics. One key point discussed is the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to contribute to the UN 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. It is argued that AI has the capacity to reshape human interaction with the environment and play a role in achieving the SDGs.

Another topic explored is the issue of digital authoritarianism and the need to prevent it when using AI for the SDGs. There is a call for the use of AI in line with principles of prevention and ethics, with a focus on SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. This highlights the importance of considering human rights and creating open and inclusive societies, avoiding policies that restrict individual freedoms and public services.

The analysis highlights the significance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in AI development and use. Public-private partnerships are seen as essential for effectively managing and controlling AI to ensure its positive impact. Collaboration between different stakeholders is seen as necessary to address the complexities and challenges associated with AI.

The importance of ethics and morality in technology design is emphasized. The argument is made that technology should be designed with good and moral intentions, as it is not neutral and can have a profound impact on society. This highlights the need for responsible and ethical design practices.

In terms of internet governance, the analysis praises the inclusive consultative process of WSIS that involved various stakeholders such as governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, and UN institutions. The framework established by WSIS is seen as still relevant today, despite advancements in AI and technology. The commitment and engagement of people and institutions are recognized as vital to the success of WSIS.

The analysis also acknowledges the central role of the internet in the digital era and the challenges it brings. Issues such as internet accessibility, internet governance, and bridging the digital divide are mentioned. The importance of the multi-stakeholder approach in internet governance is stressed, as it ensures inclusivity and prevents the suppression of diverse voices.

Other topics addressed include digital inclusion, the digital gender gap, cybersecurity, misinformation, and the environmental impact of digital technologies. The need for transparency, openness, and standardization in AI technology is highlighted, along with the importance of fostering competition and promoting local content and services.

Overall, the analysis provides a comprehensive overview of various perspectives on WSIS and its related topics. It emphasizes the potential of AI and digital technologies while addressing concerns and highlighting the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, ethics, and inclusivity in the digital age.

Tripti Sinha

In this analysis, the speakers discuss crucial aspects of internet development, governance, and inclusiveness. They highlight the positive impact of internet development on a global scale, emphasizing the increase in internet usage, which has reached up to 5 billion people. This growth is attributed to the rise of consumer technologies, particularly the widespread adoption of smartphones.

The effectiveness of the multi-stakeholder community in bringing about successful development in the information society is a prevalent theme. The speakers firmly believe in the power of collaboration among various stakeholders in driving progress in this field. They cite the development of artificial intelligence (AI) as a breakthrough that resulted from the efforts of the multi-stakeholder community, underscoring the importance of their involvement in shaping technological advancements.

However, challenges related to internet governance are also discussed. The conflation and misunderstanding of internet layers are seen as significant hurdles in the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) process. The speakers argue that regulations and legislation often target the wrong layer of the internet when addressing problems that occur at the application layer. They suggest addressing these issues by focusing on the technical infrastructure that underpins the internet.

The importance of considering the internet’s technical infrastructure as a common good, rather than a political tool, is stressed. The speakers advocate for its continued operation in an apolitical manner, recognizing its vital role in global connectivity and innovation.

The multi-stakeholderism model is deemed essential for inclusive internet governance. The speakers assert that this model brings together diverse voices and sectors of society, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach. They express concern that relying solely on multilateralism may exclude many voices, further emphasizing the necessity of a multi-stakeholder approach.

The speakers also emphasize the need to balance internet growth with attention to governance. They suggest stimulating internet growth by leveraging various innovations in the field. They believe this approach will foster positive developments and advancements.

The International Governance Forum (IGF) is highlighted as a prime example of a platform that promotes the multi-stakeholder approach. The speakers commend the IGF for allowing diverse stakeholders to collaborate and produce beneficial outcomes. They also mention ICANN’s participation in the IGF, seeing it as a demonstration of commitment to the multi-stakeholder model.

The analysis also underscores the importance of technology, policies, and society working together. The speakers argue that technologies should be designed with people in mind and should be wrapped within policies that ensure their effective functioning for the betterment of society.

Additionally, the voices of the youth are seen as crucial in shaping the future. The speakers advocate for considering and addressing their interests when formulating policies and strategies.

The multi-stakeholder model is identified as a vital tool in bridging the digital divide and empowering the entire world. By promoting inclusive digital futures and ensuring fair access to the internet, this approach can contribute to reducing inequalities and achieving sustainable development goals.

Lastly, the potential revolution of AI and digital integration in the digital experience is discussed. The speakers highlight that technological progress in the past 20 years has significantly shaped digital experiences, and they anticipate further transformation in the coming years.

In conclusion, the speakers stress the importance of upholding a multi-stakeholder approach to internet governance. This approach is seen as adaptable, inclusive, and effective in overcoming challenges and achieving global development goals. The analysis provides a comprehensive examination of various themes related to internet development, governance, and inclusiveness, offering valuable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and society as a whole.

Jun Murai

Upon analysing the arguments put forth by the various speakers, several key points emerge regarding internet access, technology development, and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI). Jun Murai’s argument highlights the remarkable growth in internet access, with the global population’s access increasing from a mere 6% to an astonishing 70%. This development is viewed as a significant achievement in bridging the digital divide.

Murai further emphasises the importance of involving diverse stakeholders in the process of developing and applying technologies like the internet. Adopting a multi-stakeholder model is deemed crucial to ensuring inclusivity and diversity in decision-making. By engaging stakeholders from various technical and non-technical backgrounds, a comprehensive and holistic approach can be adopted to shape the future of technology.

The speakers acknowledge the complexity of AI and related technologies, expressing a neutral sentiment. However, they hold a positive stance on the significance of transparency and openness in AI development. They argue that fostering an open understanding of technology and its processes is vital in preventing “black box situations” and establishing trust. Additionally, the speakers highlight the importance of internationally recognized AI technology standards, which would not only ensure transparency but also promote openness and collaboration in the field.

The invention of the smartphone in 2007 is recognised as a transformative development, greatly impacting how people access the internet. The speakers note that approximately 70% of the global population now has internet access, underscoring the internet’s critical role in human infrastructure and its influence on various aspects of society.

Digital inclusion and the recognition of the internet as a human right receive positive support from the speakers. They argue that bridging the remaining 30% gap in internet access is essential for reducing inequalities. Furthermore, they liken the internet to critical infrastructure, such as water and oxygen, highlighting its central role in today’s interconnected world, thereby justifying its recognition as a fundamental human right.

The evolution of internet infrastructure technology is regarded as significant, with the speakers noting its progression from terrestrial to space infrastructure. Moreover, discussions are being held on how the internet can be utilised to connect the moon and Mars, showcasing its expansive potential.

The societal impact of application technology, including social media and cloud services, is also acknowledged. The speakers recognise the substantial changes brought about by these technologies in communication, information sharing, and social interaction. They stress the importance of understanding and addressing the implications of these advancements.

Lastly, it is suggested that the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) should remain open to new stakeholders. The IGF is viewed as a vital platform that provides opportunities for new perspectives and voices to be heard. This inclusivity fosters a multi-stakeholder approach to internet governance, which is crucial for building sustainable partnerships and working towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

In summary, the analysis of the speakers’ arguments underscores the remarkable increase in internet access, the importance of multi-stakeholder involvement in technology development, the complexities and need for transparency in AI, the pivotal role of the internet in human infrastructure, the significance of digital inclusion and recognising the internet as a human right, the evolution of internet infrastructure technology, and the societal impact of application technology. Notably, the importance of international cooperation, standards, and open discussions is underscored as integral to addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with these technological advancements.

Moderator:
with some questions, and also we remark something that has been said in the previous panels. We are halfway through the 2030 Agenda approved in 2015, and we have to remark that with respect to several of the 17 SDGs, we are off track. So one of the topics of our discussion today could be, can AI be used to scale up the UN 2030 Agenda? And if AI can serve in that sense, what is the role of the UN to prevent it from becoming an instrument of digital authoritarianism? In fact, we are now at the second step of AI, that is a generative system that reshapes the idea we have of humans as the only agent of the ecosystem. Now we have definitely understood, realized, we are conscious that there are autonomous agents, autonomous artificial AI agents that operate with us humans. That’s what the Italian philosopher Luciano Floridi from Oxford University, now in Yale, said in his fourth revolution book and studies of humanity. He said we are at the step where man is not at the center as he was before, but relationships are at the center. So relationships among humans and all the other species and humans and all what is connected in the world that he called infosphere. I am a journalist of Rai Public Italian TV and as journalist I have the opportunity and I had in the last week to meet some of the leading actor of private and public sector. So last week the two that I met gave me some insights that was for example about building a personalized AI for each of us. It was Reid Hoffman who left the board of OpenAI and he’s starting a new startup that is called Inflection AI. So Inflection AI is a sort of toolbox for our pocket and he will build it himself, not with the public of course. The other one is a man who works in public for in many sectors, this Leon Panetta, and on his side he admits that AI could get out of hands of governments. So we are at the moment where a public-private system, a place of discussion like this today, is not only necessary but essential. What we told in the first years, in the first decades of technology, also as journalists, we used to say that each technology is neutral and we can use for the good or for the bad. This is not true anymore. According always to the philosopher Luciano Floridi, we are at the point where we have to have it good and if we can use this word moral by design. Here we come to our panel that is looking ahead to WSIS plus 20 accelerating multi-stakeholder process and I introduce our esteemed and distinguished panelists to discuss with them of these topics. So Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary General, International Telecommunication Union, Yu Murai, Distinguished Professor, Keio University, Tripti Sinha, Chairman, ICANN Board, Sir John Whittingdale, Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure, United Kingdom, Maria Fernanda Garza, Chair Sigbjørn Gjelsvik Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Norway, Chad Garcia-Ramillo, Executive Director, Association for Progressive Communication. Welcome everybody, and let’s start with our first question, that is, what has been the key success in the last two decades, and how has its multi-stakeholder nature contributed to them?

Doreen Bogdan-Martin:
Thank you, thank you Barbara, and good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. It’s great to see so many friends of WSIS in the room and friends of IGF. Maybe if I could just ask, how many of you were at the WSIS in 2003? 2005? Me too. I mean, I think in part to come to the answer about the key successes of WSIS, it’s kind of the commitment of people, the commitment of people here, the commitment of people online, and of course the inclusive nature in the run-up to the WSIS 2003. You know, I think in many ways the WSIS was actually ahead of its times, developing a comprehensive framework that’s still absolutely valid today, even when we look at new things like generative AI, and of course the WSIS was perhaps the most inclusive consultative process in the run-up to 2003, 2005, including governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, UN institutions, and I think we can’t forget that. That multi-stakeholder process and the resulting outcomes in 2003 and 2005 are still strong, and I think we certainly can’t forget that. And when it comes to that sort of community spirit, and the successes we’ve seen with many of our WSIS prize holders, that grassroots exchange of incredible things that have since blossomed and scaled, I think is also something we can be quite proud of.

Moderator:
Thank you. You, Murad, which is your impression on this?

Jun Murai:
Okay, so your question is about two decades, right? Which is 2003, I believe, that WSIS started this discussion. Looking at those years, year 2000, for example, only 6% of the human being accessing the Internet at that time. Now it’s more than 70%, I believe? Yeah, 67%. Thank you. And therefore, it’s from 6% to 70% about, right? So that’s a great speed of deployment of the Internet. And therefore, it’s a lot of universal access to the computer network, digital data, you know, you mentioned about AI, and AI is based on those infrastructures. And therefore, that’s a great success that without the open forum like IGF, it’s never achieved on the human being to cover that kind of thing. That’s one. And the second question about how that multi-stakeholder works, and then from 6% to 70%, and then the coverage of the participation of that space is, you know, when we developed the Internet, then the Internet was for us. I mean, for ourselves, but it’s for everyone, right? And therefore, the stakeholders are. So I think it’s very important for us to make sure that we are increasing the diversity of stakeholders being involved on this technical environment, which is only could be achieved by a multi-stakeholder model, about discussion or process or anything. Therefore, those are the two key successes of WSIS. Thank you.

Tripti Sinha:
Thank you very much for having me here, and I’m delighted to answer this question. So in terms of what has happened since the 2003, I would say the last two decades bear witness. Just look at the amazing transformation that has impacted the global population, whether you look at the scope and scale of the Internet and its reach today, and you’ve got over 5 billion people on the Internet today, and billions of people who are using the Internet. And you’ve got over 1,000,000 people on the Internet today, and billions of devices. This has all happened in the last 20 years. When you look at what’s happened in terms of consumer technologies, smartphones, and all of that was developed in the last 20 years, AI is a product that happened less than a year ago. All this is because of what the multi-stakeholder community, having multiple voices at the table, which allows us to create open communication, and it’s a product that has been developed by the multistakeholder community, and it has made quite an impact and quite has been a product of bringing this multi-stakeholder community under the information society. Thank you.

Moderator:
Thank you. Mr. Gelsbick?

Sir John Whittingdale:
Can I first of all thank you for your invitation to join you this afternoon and to thank our Japanese hosts. I wish you good luck where you are. I hope to see you soon in the heats of the world. in its infancy, the speeds we were talking about then were a fraction of those now available and the reach of the Internet was nothing like what it is today. And today the Internet is a part of our lives. My children have grown up in a world where they’ve never not known having the facility of the Internet. But there are great challenges ahead and that means that the principles that were laid down in the first WSIS in 2003, it is a tremendous tribute, but actually they remain as valid today as they did then. And so as my colleagues have said, the multi-stakeholder approach, the fact that we can draw upon the knowledge, experience and advice of companies, business, civil society as well as governments, that has been a fundamental importance in the development of the Internet. And that then led to the development of this Internet Governance Forum and we see that as being as important today, if not more so, and therefore we need to build upon the work that’s been made, particularly the action lines that were set out as we move forward, because there is no doubt that those principles are still essential if the Internet is to develop in the way that all of us want to see.

Moderator:
Thank you. Mr. Gelsie?

Sigbjørn Gjelsvik:
Well, thank you so much and first I would like to thank you for the kind invitation to participate in this important panel. And I also wish to convey a huge thanks to the Japanese government for hosting this important forum. One of the critical successes for WSIS has been the changing of the narrative. It was the first ever clear statement of political will to establish a human-centric, digitally connected global society. The focus was on using ICT to support development objectives. At the same time, WSIS has played a role in developing policy frameworks and guidelines for the responsibly inclusive use of ICTS. With the creation of a solid and committed multi-stakeholder community through the WSIS forum, one has managed to increase the focus on leveraging technology to achieve the goals of the WSIS. Many of the WSIS community are also active here in the IGF, and this dynamic commitment has allowed continued dialogue and engagement. At the same time, the UN system has used the WSIS Foundation to create a strong collaborative network with the WSIS co-chairs of the ITU, UNDP and UNESCO and UNCTAD, working to strengthen the collaboration and synergy.

Moderator:
Thank you. Jat Geertse, Ramilo.

Chad Garcia-Ramillo:
Thank you, and hello to everyone in the room. I want to highlight two things. The WSIS was the foundation of global policy on the digital society. At that time, it was information society. I agree that the spread of issues covered by the Geneva Plan of Action, what we’re calling the 10 Action Lines, encourage really a systemic approach to integrating digital technologies into different sectors and disciplines. This in turn created opportunities for diversity in approaches and participation of stakeholders, particularly for civil society. I remember that time in 2003 and 2005. There was real hope, there was energy, and there was belief in the information society. So there were a lot of participation from different groups focused on enabling people-centered human rights-based policy environments, meaningful access for communities in rural areas. The other thing I think that is true here is the multi-stakeholder principle, and that everyone has talked about. The principles of participation defined by WSIS and their practice, especially through IGF, have contributed to an acknowledgement that partnership, only through partnership and collaboration, can we make more effective implementation, and I think that’s true today. Although I do have, I want to mention a caveat here, I think these principles are not applied equally everywhere, and I think that’s something that we need to pay attention to. There are disparities in applying the multi-stakeholder approach, not to say that it’s not important, but we need to improve that, and we need to remember that there are dynamics of power, there are conflicts of interest, and there are real difficulties in reaching consensus, so we need to really reinvigorate our commitment to the multi-stakeholder process and to consensus building. But we’ve learned a lot from WSIS and IGF. We have learned that meaningful and democratic multi-stakeholder participation needs to be consistently inclusive at all levels, from national, from regional, from international level, and I think that’s the kind of lesson that we’ve learned and the success and we have a lot to draw from in the next two years, five years from now. Thanks

Moderator:
Thank you, thank you for your answers. Now, what have been the main challenges confronting the WSIS process? What plans should be in place to address them ahead of the WSIS plus 20 milestone? Tripti Sinha

Tripti Sinha:
Thank you for the question. So I would say one of the challenges that we face is conflation. Conflation and understanding where the problem exists in terms of addressing problems. So there is well-intentioned regulation and legislation underway that is oftentimes targeting the wrong layer of the Internet. So the underpinnings and the technical infrastructure of the Internet is apolitical and should continue to operate. It is indeed a common good infrastructure for the entire globe and upon it sits the application layer. So I believe one of the challenges is that there are problems that we’re trying to address which occur at the application layer and we’re looking at the underpinnings of the technical infrastructure. So that would be one issue that I believe that we need to, a challenge that we are addressing. Another is that with this attention now on governance, which is important, that we ensure that the Internet governance model continues to remain sound with multistakeholderism at play, that we don’t forget that it needs to continue to grow and we stimulate the growth of the Internet with all the other innovations that are at play. As well as there’s a conversation underway that is multistakeholderism working or not and is multilateralism an option? My concern there is you would leave many, many voices behind if you went in that direction. Multistakeholderism is the only model that brings all different voices to the table, different sectors of society, which essentially breeds best of breed solutions. It yields that kind of an environment. So that is one of my concerns is that we really have to look at our successes of the last 20 years and how this has worked well to serve the Internet. So thank you.

Moderator:
Thank you. Maria Fernanda Garza, so which is your idea of the address that the plans should go ahead?

Maria Fernanda Garza:
Thank you very much. First, let me tell you the International Chamber of Commerce is the institutional representative of 45 million businesses in over 170 countries. And ICC was a focal point for business input since the YSYS in 2003-2005 and continues to observe and provide input on behalf of the global business in the WSIS. follow-up processes, which started 20 years ago and set forward a vision to enable and uphold a global and people-centric information society. The outputs from this process, the Attorney’s Agenda and the Geneva Action Plan, focus on creating a truly global internet where everyone can benefit from what it has to offer. We have shared a responsibility in shaping this inclusive information society jointly, cooperating across the stakeholders’ groups. And our great challenges still remain. While incredible progress has already been made, 2.6 billion users still remain unconnected. And those who have the possibility to connect often do not, for a variety of reasons, from affordability to lack of services or skills, cultural and normative impediments. And once online, a whole host of other challenges arise. The world around us has evolved significantly since 2003, with new challenges on the governance and the internet leading to fragmented policy responses, also influenced by the evolution of digital technologies based on or beyond the internet. While the multi-stakeholder model has long, a very long way, it is still not universal. And it is not leveraged properly in all levels of governance. We need to reinforce the model and make it the rule, not the exception, in how we address the policy, the regulatory, and legal space around the internet and digital technologies more broadly.

Moderator:
Thank you. And Chet Garcia-Ramillo?

Chad Garcia-Ramillo:
Thank you. I think I want to add to the 2.6 billion still unconnected. I think that is one of the biggest challenges we have, is the persistent digital inequality. and exclusion. And I think this is based on the assumption that digital technologies can enable economic growth and that economic growth equals development. I think that is, if we do not look at the, you know, how the context, I think we will look at this in a simplistic way. Digital inclusion of communities for the sole purpose of feeding the market logic worsens inequality, it worsens oppression and inequity, and it adds to the environmental crisis as consumption increases. And I think that’s a challenge for us all. Unless people have meaningful connectivity, investment in digitalization will simply not provide benefit across classes, gender, and regions needed for sustainable development. And we do need to connect WSIS with the sustainable development. I think the other point is the alignment of private and public interests. The WSIS goal of being people-centered needs to be at the fore of any digitalization effort. In 2005, on the eve of the Tunis summit, APC called for ensuring universal and affordable internet access. We argued then that the internet is a global space that should be open and accessible to all on a non-discriminatory basis, and must be governed as a global public good. In this review of WSIS plus 20, I think there’s a need to call for greater recognition of the internet and digital technologies as a global public resource, and that their governance should definitely be grounded in international human rights standards and public interests principles. This recognition needs to be backed by mechanisms that enforce corporate accountability, effective governance of global data, public goods, and financing for public digital infrastructure. Lastly, I think this also behooves governments to reconsider restrictive regulatory options and avoid criminalization that reinforce their hold on power, that cause harm to individual citizens during times of crisis, and in fact impacts negatively on public services. We need to draw on the potential of digital technologies for creating more open and inclusive societies and economies.

Moderator:
Thank you. And Dorit Bondan-Martin, what has been the main challenge and what we are going to face?

Doreen Bogdan-Martin:
Thank you. Looking back, I guess I would say there are some, let’s say, unforeseen advances that we perhaps didn’t predict back then. Of course, if we look at 2003 and 2005, we are talking about a sort of pre-social media world. No Facebook, no Twitter, no Instagram. And so I think the concerns, the growing concerns that we see today when it comes to misinformation, disinformation, I don’t think we expected that back then. Of course, the rapid pace of technology is something else. You mentioned generative AI before. That’s something that policymakers, regulators, intergovernmental institutions, we all struggle to keep up with. But I do think that the WSIS framework still provides the right elements to have this discussion. I would also say cybersecurity. It was definitely there back in 2003, 2005. But also, I don’t think we could have predicted how widespread and how much cybersecurity would grow as a concern. I think it’s year on year, 80% in terms of cyberattacks growth. That’s kind of scary. So that’s something we should think about and perhaps double down as we look at WSIS Plus 20. The digital divide, many have mentioned. We’ve made great progress in narrowing the gap. But of course, the third of humanity that is still not connected is a big concern. And we do have to keep in mind that we have covered the planet more or less in terms of 3G, 4G coverage, but we still have this challenge of getting the unconnected connected, and I think we have to certainly address that. I think it’s also important when we look at challenges to look back at the targets that we set and try to understand why we didn’t meet them. Let’s take connecting schools. We were actually supposed to connect every school on the planet by 2015. That didn’t happen. So looking back at those targets, I think as we look to the future in the WSIS 20 process, as we look to the Global Digital Compact, and I recognize our two co-facilitators that are with us, we have to figure out why certain things didn’t happen and dive deep on those pieces to try to find ways to make it happen. Thank you.

Moderator:
Thank you. Yes, cyber security is one of the most important problems we have, and with quantum it could change in a few years again. So Sir John Whittingdale.

Sir John Whittingdale:
Thank you. I would agree. I think digital inclusion is of crucial importance and one of the great challenges that we face, because as more and more developing countries adopt the technology of the Internet, firstly we need to make the case that the governance structure that we have put in place is the best way of ensuring the effective development of the Internet, but perhaps by demonstrating to them also the huge benefits which digital technology can bring to development, and perhaps one of the ways we can do that is by linking the action lines which were developed in the original WSIS process to the sustainable development goals of the United Nations, and by illustrating things like, as you have just said, connectivity in primary schools, bringing the benefits to all pupils of connection, and at the same time through healthcare, so more and more can be done online through diagnosis and in-depth treatment while health care porvision. If we make sure that the development of our own principles mirrors that of the SDG , then that is something that I think we’ll ensure that the whole world benefits from this technology

Moderator:
How can and should we evolve to address the complexity and the speed of AI and AI-related technology, as we mentioned before? For example, quantum for cyber security or what’s happening with personalized AI that even go ahead in the future, how can we develop AI that can be used in the future?

Jun Murai:
So, yeah, let me, yeah, propose a kind of two ways of thinking about the AI and the AI-related technologies and probably the use. So, the AI technology itself and the AI-related technology, those are the technologies to be kind of impacting for the future of our society very much, and we are expecting a lot of the future of our society to be very, very, very, very, very complex. So, the AI technology, yes, those technologies are pretty much complex and difficult sometimes to understand how it works type of a thing, and what’s going to be a requirement to the infrastructure technology to support the AI services. So, in that sense, you know, it’s really important, I think, to have a kind of open understanding of the technology, and to have a kind of open understanding about the transparency, openness, about the development of the technology, because if technology is going to be a kind of closed and, you know, kind of a black box, that’s going to be a very dangerous situation, therefore. In order to achieve that kind of openness and the transparency, then, you know, the AI technology technological, international, global standard efforts are going to be very important. That’s about the technology, AI technology, and AI-related technology as well. And another thing is about the use and the application of the AI. So when the AI is impacting their services on the society, then everybody started to talk about, but this is AI, and then they’re taking my job, or whatever the negative impact of the use of that technology, which is a very dangerous situation unless open and the multi-stakeholder discussion would be achieved. So in that sense, WSIS is very important to address that kind of issue.

Moderator:
Maria Fernanda Garza, so which can be the new challenge and where to address WSIS in the complexity of our world?

Maria Fernanda Garza:
WSIS is not a technology specific. No, it’s limited to any one technology that was a top of mind then or might be a top of mind now. Instead, WSIS set out a uniform vision and offer us a toolbox to cope with the challenges of technology, while giving everyone the opportunity to share in the enormous benefits it offers. It encouraged international cooperation, multi-stakeholder collaboration, as well as an open dialogue and exchange of views and best practices. While almost 20 years have passed since this toolbox was created and new challenges have surfaced, the most important questions we should be asking ourselves is whether we have been using it effectively. The multi-stakeholder model is our most useful and versatile tool in this box. We also must approach solutions in a way. that they don’t fragment the policy space that we work in together. Rather than duplicating efforts or centralizing processes, we should be leveraging existing resources and ensure that our approaches are compatible and interoperable with one another. To bring just one example, multi-stakeholders’ conversations on AI helped the development of the OECD trustworthy AI principles. At the same time, the private sector continues to dedicate its expertise to develop responsible AI supported through standards built by the technical community, academic research and grassroots efforts from civil society to ensure accountability and build capacity. And there are many more initiatives, whether national, intergovernmental, private sector-led or multi-stakeholder-led, bringing all of these pieces together is why WISE has created the IGF to promote interoperability across different approaches and areas, allowing them to come together and enhance and inform one another.

Moderator:
Thank you. Mr Sigbjorn Gelsmik?

Sigbjørn Gjelsvik:
Thank you so much. Emerging technologies such as AI will solve problems better and allow us to solve problems in entirely new ways. At the same time, AI brings significant challenges and ethical dilemmas that we must take seriously. WSIS has already engaged in dialogues and workshops to manage artificial intelligence. WSIS should further incorporate AI and AI-related topics into the WSIS agenda. The human-centric focus from WSIS will be an important addition to the current international debates on AI, as WSIS advocates that these technologies should amplify rights, not limit them. The importance of involving the multi-stakeholder aspects becomes more critical in discussing AI technology.trough We need to make a commitment between the WSIS Forum and the IGF. We can spread awareness, increase AI literacy and skills development, and understand its ethical and societal implementations. We also need greater involvement of technical experts and researchers. As AI continues to shape the digital landscape, their experience can provide valuable insights and guidance.

Moderator:
Thank you. Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, you said very well what’s the past, so what have we look for in the future?

Doreen Bogdan-Martin:
Thank you. As I mentioned before, I do think that WSIS was ahead of its time, and I think that that framework is still very, very valid, and we can draw from it. I think when we look back, some of those core elements that we’re discussing today in the context of AI, things like ethics that’s built into the WSIS framework, security, of course, C5 for those of you that follow the action lines, misinformation that was also there, and also important things like enabling frameworks, capacity development. I think we have to build on those elements as we look forward. Back in 2003, when world leaders adopted the Geneva outcomes, it did say very clearly that the outcome was going to be evolving, that the WSIS process, WSIS was going to be an evolving platform. I think it’s important that we maintain the inclusive nature, that we continue to build on this robust multi-stakeholder process. I think that’s fundamental. and something that we have done for next year is actually take our WSIS forum that we do together with UNDP, UNCTAD, UNESCO, and other UN partners, and we have intentionally placed it back to back with our AI for Good Summit, which brings together some 40 UN agencies, and bringing those two audiences together, I think will also help us as we look forward to the WSIS plus 20 process that will conclude in 2025, and of course, the events next year will take place prior to the Summit of the Futures, the Global Digital Compact, which we think can also help be a springboard as we look forward to 2025. Thank you.

Moderator:
Thank you. So the IGF is one of the major outcomes of WSIS. What do you see as its role and special value within the WSIS framework? Mr. Sigbjørn Gjertvik.

Sigbjørn Gjelsvik:
Well, thank you again. The IGF has provided an appropriate platform for stakeholders from various sectors and regions to collaborate. The role of the IGF is a facilitator and a forum for important discussions for governments, civil society. The academic sector, the technical community, and the private sector. It’s inclusive approach aligns with WSIS principle of involving all stakeholders in shaping the digital future. The fundamental principles of WSIS include us promoting an open, inclusive, and human-centric information society. IGF helps translate these principles. The IGF operates informally and does not produce binding decisions or regulations. This allows for more open discussions and knowledge sharing without the constraints and complexity of formal negotiations.

Moderator:
Thank you. Maria Fernanda Garza says, Thank you.

Maria Fernanda Garza:
As we all have been mentioning, the IGF is invaluable in its ability to bring together all stakeholders, communities, to share their knowledge and expertise to ensure interoperable policy approaches that meet the diverse needs of all stakeholders. The IGF is a global initiative, What truly distinguished the IGF, it is its role as a convener. It acts as a nexus of all different communities, of the Internet and the global digital economy, and it’s a powerful attribute that sets it apart thanks to its unique bottom-up model. And as you know, I am also a member of the IGF leadership board, and I am also a member of the IGF leadership committee. And as you know, I am also a member of the IGF leadership panel, and together with my colleagues in the panel, we believe that this unique power of the IGF should be harnessed for policy-making processes at the international level as a sounding board or in an advisory capacity. As members of the leadership panel, our commitment extends to ensuring the IGF is known and recognized across different policy-making spaces. Our role is to act as a bridge between those different policy-making bodies and lift the IGF outcomes to the highest levels of policy. As we look forward of the WISES-20 review and the deliberations of the Global Digital Forum, digital compact, we envision the IGF to become a forum to contribute substantially to the development of those processes and their outcomes, and also remains engaged in their follow-up.

Moderator:
Thank you. Sir John Whittingdale.

Sir John Whittingdale:
Thank you. The IGF has played a central part in the development of the governance of the Internet, and we think it essential that it should continue to play that role post 2025. I am a government minister, and therefore I obviously recognize that there is a role for governments to play in this. But equally, we recognize that those who are responsible for the development of this technology, which is primarily business, have to have a voice too, as do the users, the beneficiaries of the Internet, and they are represented by civil society. And it’s for that reason that we see the drawing together of all three of these component parts in the overall development of the structure as being so important. And we also want to make sure that we continue to involve all the other subsidiary parts, so that is the fora connected with national administrations, regional, and also very much to continue to hear the voice of youth. And I welcome the role played by the International Youth Governance Forum. And it needs still to be inclusive as well, so that all the different stakeholders can come together and share their experience and talk about the challenges. So we remain a very strong supporter of the IGF concept, and we will continue to hope that it continues to play the role that it has developed so successfully in the coming years.

Moderator:
Thank you. Ms. Tripti Sinha?

Tripti Sinha:
Thank you. At the risk of sounding repetitive, I couldn’t agree more with what has just been said. Inherent in the IGF is its commitment to multistakeholderism and bringing various and sundry opinions to the table. A solution typically breeds a good outcome when it is weighed in on by various multi-stakeholders, and that is indeed what the IGF provides, a forum for just about every segment of society to come together and produce a good outcome. Technologies are built for people, and they bring value to people, and you need to then wrap it within policies so that they perform and operate well for society. So the IGF provides that forum, and I would like to say that ICANN is very much committed to the IGF, and that our participation here shows that we are firmly behind it. And I’m not sure that there’s any other way to evolve a technology that spans for this entire 8 billion human population that we have today. So indeed, I just concur and agree with what my colleagues have just said, and the future is young, the future is for today’s youth, and as Sir John was just saying, I 100% agree with your points on that. Thank you.

Moderator:
Thank you. Mr. Yu Murai?

Jun Murai:
Okay, that’s a very important question, like kind of value of the IGF and from our discussion. And you know, the year 2007 was when the smartphone was invented, right, onto the market. So when we imagine the kind of value of the Internet and its environment, then without smartphone, after smartphone, that’s a big difference, right? And so impact is going to be different, and also the industries and the stakeholders to be involved on this process has been largely changed. And therefore, the principle… like, you know, kind of openness and the multi-stakeholder, those are very, very important, right? And then, you know, we discussed already about the, like, about 70% of the human being on the accessing the Internet, but then what about the 30% more, I mean, in order to reach to truly everybody accessing the Internet, and then, you know, that’s a very much important principle about inclusiveness, right? Inclusion, Internet inclusion type of a discussion is going to be very important, but therefore the principle is important. And the last thing I want to address was when we started to discuss what’s going to be a critical infrastructure of a human being, and then, you know, so it’s like water, it’s like, you know, the oxygen, of course, and then the environment, other environmental issues, climate change, and those are the, and then, you know, technology is providing a critical infrastructure to the society. And what about the Internet? Internet is a computer network and the storage and the electricity. Those are basically the digital infrastructure of us today. And so those are getting to the, you know, because of the recent change, rapid change on the world environment and everything, but then the Internet becoming very much a critical infrastructure for lifeline, for all the human being. Therefore, those human rights discussion and the principle is going to be also very, having a very special value, especially today.

Chad Garcia-Ramillo:
What is there left to say about the value of the Internet Governance Forum? We’re all here. We’ve experienced the IGF. What I want to say is that it works, and its mandate should be strengthened and renewed after 2025. I think that is important. But it’s not only the Global Forum. There’s a lot of other regional and national forums associated, the intersessional forums, mechanisms, et cetera. So it is actually quite a sophisticated and really broad process. And we can participate at different levels. And I do think that the IGF has nurtured thinking and practice around the WSIS action lines. There’s also the IGF dynamic coalitions. And in our experience in APC, we’ve participated in many of these, from gender to community connectivity, net neutrality. And these have been important in our thinking, because we talk to other stakeholders. And that really helps build trust. That helps us think of, look at other perspectives, and in the end, be part of the decisions and the policymaking. So I think that, to just bear witness about how important this forum has been. So let me just tell you then one story that relates to WSIS in 2003. So 20 years ago, at the negotiations of the Tunis agenda, the gender paragraph was in danger of being struck out. It was paragraph 23. I still remember this. A handful of us feminists campaigned to keep it in. We literally wore the paragraph on our backs, printed on our T-shirts. Now this gender commitment, paragraph 23 of the Tunis commitment, has morphed into a shared call for addressing gender across all WSIS action lines. In a sense, it’s become like, you know, IGF is a multi-stakeholder forum, it’s important. Now everybody is calling for gender equality to be integrated across all the issues. Yesterday, here at the IGF, minus one, we sat down with civil society, states, tech community, and UN agencies to adopt the feminist principles for including gender in the global digital compact. So this is, I think, this is how we’re able to really make use of the space to broaden the agenda and to really bring change. So again, the IGF works. So here at IGF in Kyoto, we are launching a campaign as a contribution. It’s the IGF We Want campaign to highlight IGF’s impressive track record as a central space for multi-stakeholder engagement. Please, look at our website and just tell us what is it that we want in IGF. Thank you.

Moderator:
Thank you, Ms. Doreen Baghdan-Martin.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin:
Thank you. You know, I think there’s consensus up here on the importance of IGF and the need to strengthen it. So I don’t want to repeat what previous speakers have said, but simply to say the ITU is a strong supporter of the IGF. We’ve been a partner since the very beginning. We look forward to continuing to support it. Chad, I’m glad you brought up the digital gender gap piece, because that’s something when we talk about the online, that’s a gap that just doesn’t shrink. So we need to really, I think, zoom in here and in other fora on that digital gender gap. And maybe just to say, I was in New York for the General Assembly, and I heard in many different fora, people were quoting Madeleine Albright. And they kept using that quote about if the UN didn’t we would have to invent it, and I think you can certainly apply that here to the IGF. If the IGF didn’t exist, we would have to create it. Thank you. Thank you.

Moderator:
Now we have some remarks from the floor, so I would ask to Mr. Stefan Schnorr, State Secretary, Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Germany, to take the floor.

Audience:
Yeah, thank you very much, dear Mrs. Gafanga, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, dear IGF family, it’s indeed a great pleasure for me to address this very important panel, and the good thing is, everything what I have heard before, I can fully support, and this is, I think, very, very important, and Doreen just said, if we do not have an IGF, we have to develop it, and indeed we have the IGF, and as we reach, as we approach the WSIS plus 20, I think it’s time to recall the WSIS 20 years ago as a landmark event, as a landmark event where for the first time, for the first time, participants from different sectors, from the private sector, from academia, from the technical sector, and from the fourth was, I just forgot it, but you know it, come together and work together with 175 representatives from different nations on the Internet governance, and I think this approach, it was the born of the multi-stakeholder approach, and this approach has indeed proven it worth, and we have to continue to work in this direction, and I can say, and I can underline that the German government will support the multi-stakeholder approach also in the future, and we want to do everything that this approach is. our approach for the future. We have indeed a lot of new challenges. In 2019 we had the privilege to hold the IGF in Berlin with over 5,000 participants and we discussed in a very intensive way all the challenges that the Internet has become in the past. And that we have indeed new challenges. Some was mentioned artificial intelligence for example, social media, we discussed about hate speech, we discussed about disinformation. Yes, we have new challenges but the only possibility to handle these challenges and to find solutions can only be the multi-stakeholder approach. Because we are all relevant in the Internet. We all need the Internet. All the different areas need the Internet and therefore when we discuss new solutions we have to discuss these solutions within the multi-stakeholder approach. To address the new challenges we also fully support the global digital compact by the UN. I think this could be a good possibility to see what are new challenges that we have to solve in the future. For us it is important that we do not have parallel structures in the future. We have the IGF and we do not need something else like the IGF. As I mentioned before the IGF has proven its worth and therefore we think that we have to continue working in the IGF but we have to make the IGF, we have to strengthen the IGF to address all the challenges that we have in the future. So again thank you very much for this very important panel here and I hope that in the next days the result of our discussions here could only be yes, we support multi-stakeholder and we want to continue this multi-stakeholder approach also in the future.Thank you very much.

Moderator:
Thank you, Mr. Schnorr. And now Mr. Pearse O’Donoghue, Director for the Future Networks. Thank you very much. Thank you to

Audience:
the panel for those excellent interventions. And just as we look at the achievements in the past, we see the remarkable progress that has been made in harnessing the power of the internet and information and communication technologies. And that collaborative spirit that initiated the process from 2003 has seen stakeholders come together to bridge the digital divide, provide online freedoms and leverage technology for social and economic development. And so the multi-stakeholder model, which has been at the centre of the process, really is something that the EU has been a strong advocate for. And it has been critical to the development and addressing the challenges that we have seen. The fact is that while there have been great advances, we’re still faced with problems of connectivity, digital inclusion and technology for sustainable development. So as well as the technology challenges such as AI, as we’ve heard of, but many others, some of the fundamental problems aren’t necessarily just labelled with a technological name. And as we continue with the process, we have to allow the model that has been put in place to adapt. You’ve seen already with Mr Schnorr, representative of Germany, that there is great unity in the European Union, for example. So that in a world that knows no borders, we really need to have a united front. And so talking about the multi-stakeholder model, and again a strong sense of unity by all those who are speaking here, we have to ensure that the dynamic system for involving all stakeholders in the running of the Internet is preserved. That can only happen if the model itself is allowed to evolve and adapt to the changing technology problems, but also to address what are some of the global challenges that the GDC is seeking to address. So WSIS symbolises our shared commitment to that, and the WSIS plus 20 process allows us an opportunity for improvement, for more inclusive and even more effective multistakeholder involvement, and that includes the issue of gender equality, for example, and other non-discriminations as we referred to. In fact, really mapping the multistakeholder model against the SDGs, which the multistakeholder model can actually provide a ready-made formula to address in a way that a purely governmental approach will certainly not be able to do so. So that is why during WSIS plus 20, the European Commission, the European Union will be working with the multistakeholder community and the other institutions to improve the model in operational terms, to adapt to and to address the new challenges of rapidly developing technology. So if there is consensus here today, then let’s all of us here work together in that direction. Thank you.

Moderator:
Thank you. Mr. Antonio Pedro, Acting Executive Secretary, UN Economic Commission for Africa. It’s a video, so it can start.

Audience:
Honorable Ministers, Excellencies, distinguished panelists, ladies and gentlemen, it is a great honor to join you in this pivotal discussion and lend a voice on the critical challenges facing the World Summit on the Information Society process. The WSIS plus 20 review presents an opportunity to evaluate and reinvigorate the aim of a people-centered and multistakeholder approach to global digital transformation. As we come together to improve the working and impact of WSIS and salvaged SDGs, we must first and foremost acknowledge that we live in a world of digital divides. The global north and the global south. Let me highlight three concerns that Africa grapples with that must be addressed in the remaining of the WSIS process. First, I wish to raise the issue of digital infrastructure divides. Africa remains the least connected continent with only 40% of its population online, compared to 89% in Europe. Gender and rural-urban divides persist. Lack of competition in the telecom sector results in exorbitant internet costs. Smartphones are prohibitively expensive for many, with costs exceeding 40% of the average monthly income. Moreover, African users pay over three times the global average for mobile data. Second, we need to acknowledge the existing policy divides in governing new technologies. New digital innovations like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and autonomous systems offer shared prosperity, but are predominantly controlled by non-African entities. Furthermore, these technologies lack adequate regulatory frameworks, and governments often lack the resources to support safe and equitable digital transformation. Lastly, we face a talent and capacity divide. Talent development is crucial for Africa’s technological advancement. Yet, only 20% of African schools have internet access. Additionally, access to higher education is significantly limited, with African children having only a 6% to 8% chance of going to college, compared to 80% in more developed countries. With Africa’s youth population projected to reach 42% of the world’s youth by 2030, addressing this digital divide is urgent. To create an inclusive digital future, several steps are imperative. We must foster competition and digital literacy. We must implement policies and frameworks that promote competition, attract ICT infrastructure investments, enhance digital literacy and skills, and empower marginalized communities to leverage ICT resources. In addition, we need to harmonize global and regional. regulations. We must dismantle connectivity barriers by harmonizing global and regional regulations, focusing on areas like taxation, consumer protection, cyber security and data standards. Collaboration has seen in initiatives like Africa’s single digital market under the African Union is key to overcoming siloed approaches. Third, we have to champion local content and services as a means of inclusivity. It is important that we encourage development of locally relevant applications, services and content aligning with WSIS principles. Lastly, WSIS plus 20 offers a pivotal moment to reshape an inclusive digital future founded on strengthened stakeholder engagement and coordination. This is in line with sector general’s proposal for digital global compact. By coming together we can build a more equitable digital landscape for Africa and the world. I wish you a fruitful discussions and look forward to receiving the outcomes of your deliberation. Thank you.

Moderator:
Thank you. So we heard Mr. Pedro asking for local relevant application according to WSIS principles and I ask you later the last remark, two minutes as final message. Ms Doreen

Doreen Bogdan-Martin:
I would say I think multi-stakeholderism is key, driving forward inclusive consultative processes are fundamental and of course our goal is to leave no one behind, which for us means leave no one offline and perhaps just picking up, Pierce, on your points about the SDGs, those interlinkages, sometimes we think of the WSIS as sort of the foundation. the SDGs, and we’ve just launched something, a report that demonstrates if you leverage digital technologies, you can actually accelerate progress on almost all SDG targets, and so those interlinkages should not be overlooked, and it really, it just means we have a lot of work to do, and we can do it, and I think it will provide much hope for achieving the SDGs. Thank you.

Moderator:
Thank you. Sir John Whittingdale.

Sir John Whittingdale:
Thank you. So I wasn’t present in 2003 at the first WSIS formation, however I was at the UN in New York in 2015 when I was able to speak on behalf of the UK then, and I’m pleased to say that remarks I made then still, I think, hold true today. In particular, we see the IGF as being the right forum to be maintained as an open and inclusive process at the heart of the development of Internet governance, and I agree with my German colleague that we need to focus on the IGF for that purpose and not allow it to be duplicated elsewhere. But also, I welcomed then the recognition of the importance of human rights and fundamental freedoms at the heart of all aspects of development of the Internet, including the governance structure, and I think that also remains as true today, particularly as we confront some of the challenges that we’ve been discussing, like artificial intelligence, like cyber security, like cyber crime, like disinformation, like hate speech. Human rights and fundamental freedoms are of paramount importance, and it remains the case that we must respect them equally online as much as we do offline. Thank you.

Jun Murai:
Thank you. The infrastructure technology of the internet has been changed a lot, and it’s still changing, and it’s started from the terrestrial infrastructure, and they’re going on to the space infrastructure, which is like a lower level, and it’s a lot of work, and it’s going to take a lot of time, and it’s going to take a lot of time, and we started to discuss about how we can, the internet can connect the moon and Mars type of thing as well, and so infrastructure technology evolved very rapidly, and also the application technology, like, you know, the social media, the cloud services, and the cloud system, with the idea of providing a very, very strong and developing impact to the society, therefore the IGF, and this process open-up for the newly coming stakeholders inviting them, and then providing the opportunity for the IGF to open up for the new stakeholders.

Tripti Sinha:
So, I can say with pivotal truth, the multi-stakeholder model is crucial for sculpting our inclusive digital future and for bridging the digital divide and empowering the entire world. ICANN is part of this collaborative multi-stakeholder governance models, and coordinating one aspect of the Internet, the underpinnings of the technical infrastructure of the Internet, and the other aspects of the Internet, and the multistakeholder model. So, I would like to say going forward, let’s ensure that we preserve principles, and I would say those principles are inclusion, and to ensure that the Internet is used as an agency for change, for good, for empowerment, and equity in access. I would also like to say that, as the global community reconvenes in WSIS plus 20, let us reaffirm the wisdom and decisions of the past, which have proven to be the internet is a very important part of our lives, and it’s a very important part of our lives. And I think that’s why we must uphold this model, because it is adaptable, it is inclusive, and it’s a very effective approach to internet governance. And so, as we navigate the future, and our collective conversations today, and our endeavors must see a vision of the internet that, you know, symbolizes this, you know, equity and inclusiveness, and it’s a very important part of our lives. So, I would like to leave you with one note. We’ve talked a lot about AI, but our digital experience, we talked about how it changed in the last 20 years. It is about to get even more fun in the next 20 years. We haven’t even begun to realize how AI is going to impact us. It will change our worlds. And there’s another technology that we haven’t talked about, which is the digital integration. It’s a technology that is going to be on the brink of adoption, and it’s going to impact us quite soon. It’s on the precipice, on the brink of innovation. And all these innovations have been brought about by an open internet, so it’s served as an innovation platform. Let’s ensure that we protect this. And as Dr. Morai said, let’s not ignore space, because there’s some exciting stuff going on there as well. Thank you.

Maria Fernanda Garza:
Thank you. So, the private sector has been a pioneer in the world of connectivity, that it also includes access to services and relevant content available in local languages, and the skills and capability to transform information into actionable knowledge. Governments alone cannot meet the investment needed to implement these challenges of expanding meaningful connectivity, so the private sector has been a pioneer and a leader in this area. And we need to continue and upscale business investments and enable policy environment. environment is fundamental, and this, for the IGF, it is the right place to create this framework. Thank you.

Sigbjørn Gjelsvik:
Well, thank you so much, and WSIS plus 20 is an opportunity to reflect on the digital areas’ achievements, challenges, and evolving needs. It’s a moment to re-evaluate and set new goals for a more inclusive and equippable digital future. While Norway endures existing structures, we acknowledge the need for continuous improvement and dialogue to address our concerns. The challenges and opportunities before us are more complex and far-reaching than ever before. To navigate this uncharted terrain, we must exclude the multistakeholder process. This means embracing inclusivity in its trust form. We must extend our invitation to those voices yet to be heard, such as startups with bold ideas, the youth who are digital natives, the local leaders who understand the unique needs of their communities, and the experts in different fields. Together, they will guide us toward the Internet we want. Moreover, we must renew our commitment to ethics and accountability. As AI and other technologies reshape our society, we must ensure that our multistakeholder collaboration upholds the highest ethical standards, safeguarding the human rights, privacy, and security. As we envision WSIS beyond 2025, we must anticipate emerging technologies and provide us sustainability. Let us commit to reducing the environmental footprint of our digital endeavours, working towards a greener, more responsible digital future. The IGF role in Visus Plus 20 and beyond is to facilitate open, inclusive and informed discussions and Internet governance challenges and opportunities. Norway wishes 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 IGF in 2025.

Moderator:
Thank you. Thank you.

Chad Garcia-Ramillo:
That’s good to hear. And I guess only two things for myself. The robust, if the multi-stakeholder engagement for WSIS Plus 20 is to be robust. I think, so that it matches the energy and hope generated 20 years ago, we do need meaningful engagement. We in civil society are ready, we are willing, but this willingness, it’s not only about willingness but it needs to be backed up with support. And I do think that this multi-stakeholder engagement, so to be able to really, for the review specifically, it needs political will and accompanying resources. There are many different, as we all know, there are many different governance structures and processes happening. It’s not, it’s very difficult to follow all of these. Our expectation as well is that that these different processes connect with each other. It’s really important. It’s not a zero-sum game. There is space for different processes, but they need to be connected. We need to make sense of, real sense of them. I think Doreen was saying, specifically, the action lines connect to the SDGs. The Global Digital Compact and the Summit of the Future need to connect to what is being discussed here. Otherwise, there’s a fear of fragmentation of governance. And I think that’s not what we want. What we want is connected internet governance, digital governance, where we can then meaningfully engage. And again, I would like to say that it does need political will, and it does need to be backed up with resources. Thank you.

Moderator:
Thank you. Thank you to all our panelists. So we heard that Wisis anticipates a lot of, with his multi-stakeholder approach, anticipates a lot of what we have seen become the problems of the internet world and the internet governance. And if the shift was from thinking humans and other entities and connected entities separated, we see that the challenge is to put the relationship in the center. Wisis and IGF, according to what they said, is a framework that did it, and did it also before the complex situational world we are affording now. So I would ask you to join me to thank all our panelists and invite them to go to the stage there to have a photo together. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.