Closing Ceremony

Summary

This transcript covers the closing session of the 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The discussion centered on reflecting on the forum’s achievements and outlining future directions for internet governance.

Vint Cerf, chair of the IGF leadership panel, emphasized the need for the IGF to earn permanent status within the UN structure by producing more concrete outputs. He suggested revising key documents and developing metrics to assess internet utility and the implementation of the Global Digital Compact.

Olaf Kolkman from the Internet Society highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholderism in internet governance, praising the IGF’s role in facilitating global discussions and local actions. He stressed the need for an inclusive WSIS review process.

Dr. Angela Sulemana, a medical doctor from Ghana, shared her perspective on the impact of digital technologies in healthcare and emphasized the importance of including diverse voices in shaping the digital future.

Dr. Latifa Al-Abdulkarim outlined five key actions for parliamentarians to take in shaping the digital future, including collaboration, investment in digital capacity, fostering inclusivity, embracing flexibility in lawmaking, and providing oversight.

The discussion also included remarks from Juan Fernández of Cuba, who emphasized the need to address digital inequalities between developed and developing countries. The Norwegian ambassador, Kjersti Tromsdal, invited participants to the next IGF in Oslo in 2025.

The session concluded with a video message from Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General, who reflected on the IGF’s evolution and its alignment with WSIS principles. He emphasized the continued relevance of these principles in addressing current digital challenges and called for ongoing engagement in shaping an inclusive digital future.

Keypoints

Major discussion points:

– Strengthening the IGF’s status and funding within the UN structure

– Preparing for WSIS+20 review and implementing the Global Digital Compact

– Importance of multi-stakeholderism and inclusive participation in Internet governance

– Addressing the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to technology

– Looking ahead to IGF 2025 in Norway and building on progress made

Overall purpose:

The purpose of this closing session was to reflect on the outcomes of IGF 2024, highlight key takeaways and priorities for the future of Internet governance, and transition to the next IGF in 2025.

Tone:

The overall tone was positive and forward-looking. Speakers expressed gratitude to the hosts and participants, emphasized the importance of collaboration, and conveyed optimism about the future of the IGF and its role in shaping digital policy. There was also a sense of urgency about addressing ongoing challenges and preparing for upcoming milestones like WSIS+20.

Speakers

Speakers from the provided list:

– Chengetai Masango: Moderator/host of the session

– Vint Cerf: Chair of the IGF leadership panel

– Olaf Kolkman: Principal Internet Technology Policy and Advocacy Director at ISOC

– Angela Sulemana: Medical Doctor from the Tamil Teaching Hospital in Ghana

– Latifa Al-Abdulkarim: Member of the Shura Council, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

– Juan Fernández: Senior Advisor, Ministry of Communications of the Republic of Cuba

– Kjersti Tromsdal: Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

– Li Junhua: Undersecretary General of the Economic and Social Affairs, UNDESA

Additional speakers:

– Mieke Van Heesewijk: Deputy Director of SIDN Funds (mentioned but did not speak)

Revised Summary of the 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Closing Session

The closing session of the 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, brought together key figures in internet governance to reflect on the forum’s achievements and chart the course for its future. The discussion centered on several critical themes, including strengthening the IGF’s role, addressing digital inequalities, and navigating the challenges posed by emerging technologies.

Opening Remarks and Video Presentations

The session began with video presentations from the host country and Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. Li Junhua emphasized the continued relevance of WSIS principles in addressing current digital challenges and the importance of considering ethical implications in emerging technologies.

IGF’s Future and Structure

Vint Cerf, chair of the IGF leadership panel, set an ambitious tone for the forum’s future by advocating for permanent status within the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) structure. This proposal aims to secure more stable funding and enhance the IGF’s influence. Cerf emphasized the need for the IGF to justify this elevated status by producing more concrete outputs from its meetings and activities.

Cerf suggested several improvements for the IGF, including:

1. Revisiting and revising key documents such as ‘The Internet We Want’ to include concrete metrics and milestones

2. Creating a new document titled “The IGF We Need” to outline necessary improvements

3. Developing metrics to assess internet utility and the implementation of the Global Digital Compact

4. Preparing quickly for IGF 2025 in Oslo

Olaf Kolkman from the Internet Society echoed the importance of the IGF as a primary platform for internet governance discussions. He praised the IGF’s role in facilitating global discussions and local actions through national and regional IGFs. Kolkman emphasized the need for self-assessment and continuous improvement of IGF processes to create tangible benefits for all stakeholders.

Multi-stakeholder Approach and Inclusivity

A recurring theme throughout the session was the critical importance of multi-stakeholderism in internet governance. Speakers unanimously agreed on the need for inclusive dialogue and diverse stakeholder involvement in policymaking.

Dr. Angela Sulemana, a medical doctor from Ghana, provided a unique perspective on the impact of digital technologies in healthcare. She shared her personal experience of how digital tools have transformed her medical practice, emphasizing the importance of including health professionals in digital discussions. Dr. Sulemana stressed the need for diverse voices, particularly from young professionals and various sectors, in shaping the digital future.

Dr. Latifa al-Abdul Karim outlined five key actions for parliamentarians to take in shaping the digital future:

1. Collaboration with diverse stakeholders

2. Investment in digital capacity within parliaments

3. Fostering inclusivity in legislative initiatives

4. Embracing flexibility in lawmaking

5. Providing oversight on digital governance issues

She also emphasized the need for policies that protect children, safeguard the environment, and ensure safety as digital citizens.

Digital Inclusion and Development

Addressing the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to technology emerged as a crucial concern. Juan Fernández of Cuba emphasized the need to address digital inequalities between developed and developing countries, calling for increased efforts to maximize the positive impact of the internet in developing nations. He also highlighted the negative impact of unilateral measures that don’t align with the UN Charter on developing countries.

Emerging Technologies and Governance Challenges

The rapid advancement of technology presents new governance challenges that the IGF must address. Dr. Latifa al-Abdul Karim highlighted the need to tackle AI governance challenges and called for the implementation of anticipatory governance to address future technological shifts, including emerging fields like quantum computing and neurocomputing.

Global Digital Cooperation

The implementation of the Global Digital Compact emerged as a key focus area for future IGF efforts. The importance of international cooperation in digital governance was emphasized by several speakers, including Juan Fernández and Kjersti Tromsdal, the Norwegian ambassador.

Looking Ahead to IGF 2025

Kjersti Tromsdal invited participants to the next IGF in Oslo in June 2025, underscoring the continuity of the forum’s work and the ongoing commitment to strengthening diversity and collaboration in digital governance. A video was shown welcoming participants to IGF 2025, and attendees were advised to book hotels early due to limited capacity.

Conclusion

Chengetai Masango provided closing remarks, noting that the Riyadh IGF messages and other outcome documents would be made available on the web. The overall tone of the session was positive and forward-looking, with speakers expressing gratitude to the hosts and participants, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, and conveying optimism about the future of the IGF and its role in shaping digital policy.

Key takeaways include:

1. The push for permanent status for the IGF within the UN structure

2. The need for more concrete outputs from IGF meetings and activities

3. The critical importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and inclusivity

4. The ongoing priority of digital inclusion and addressing the digital divide

5. The necessity of addressing governance challenges posed by emerging technologies

6. The focus on global digital cooperation and implementation of the Global Digital Compact

As the IGF community looks ahead to the 2025 forum in Oslo and the WSIS+20 review, there is a clear emphasis on translating discussions into actionable outcomes. However, several challenges remain, including specific mechanisms for achieving permanent IGF status within the UN, concrete plans for increasing IGF outputs, detailed strategies for addressing the digital divide, and specific approaches to AI governance and regulation. These areas will likely form the basis for ongoing discussions and work in the lead-up to IGF 2025 and beyond.

Chengetai Masango: So now we come to the last session, which is the closing session of this great IGF. And I’ll just wait until we see our first speaker on the screen. Mr. Vint Cerf, the chair of the leadership panel, is going to be our first speaker. Thank you very much. So I would like to introduce Mr. Vint Cerf, the chair of the IGF leadership panel, who is going to be our first speaker for the closing session. Thank you very much. Vint, please take it away.

Vint Cerf: Thank you so much, Chengetai, and once more, thank you to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for an extraordinary hosting of this 19th Internet Governance Forum. I’m hearing a little bit of audio showing up unexpectedly. Based on the discussions among the leadership panel, the MAG, and in the IGF 2024 sessions, I conclude that our objective in the WSIS plus 20 should be permanent status for the IGF within the UN DESA structure. I would also include that the main budget for funding be part of the normal UN practice that the secretariat be supported at the $3 million a year level. To earn this outcome, the IGF and the NRIs must put forward plans for more concrete outputs from the annual and the intersessional meetings. We must earn this enhanced status. UNESCO has proposed a revised set of Internet universality indicators, and these measures might be taken through the NRIs and summarized and reported at the annual IGF. We should look for other metrics of Internet utility. across countries and user groups. The Internet We Want document should be revisited and revised to include concrete metrics and milestones for Internet utility. It’s intended to be a living document, adapting to new applications and needs as the Internet and its applications continue to evolve. We could include in this work metrics for assessing the implementations of the Global Digital Compact, highlighting successes and opportunities for improvement. We should consider preparing another living document, which we might title the IGF We Need, to summarize recommendations for changes and improvements in IGF and NRI execution. Annual review of such a document would be beneficial for informing the IGF and NRI organizers of actions that can be taken to facilitate useful outputs from our efforts. We must prepare quickly for IGF 2025 as it takes place in June in Oslo. Our focus should not only be preparation for WSIS Plus 20, but it should get serious attention in the run-up to and during IGF 2025. WSIS Plus 20 is a major opportunity to examine IGF’s purpose and practices that have evolved over the 20 years since 2006. The collective experience of the participants in IGF and the NRIs is deep and broad and needs to be distilled in forms that others can use for action. Finally, we should not imagine that IGFs can solve all problems. We may be able to identify and characterize them and even make recommendations for solutions, but we should work to deliver these observations to other institutions in the global ecosystem that have capacity and authority to address the problems and the opportunities we have identified. Thank you so much, Chengitai, for the opportunity to intervene. Now back to you.

Chengetai Masango: Okay, yes, thank you very much, Vin. Our next speaker is Ms. Micah Van Heusoek, Deputy Director of SIDN Funds. Please come to the stage. All right, we’ll go to our next speaker then. Dr. Angela Suleimani, Medical Doctor from the Tamil Teaching Hospital in Ghana. Okay, this is interesting. Then I would like to call on Mr. Olof Kalkman, Principal Internet Technology Policy and Advocacy Director at ISOC. I might want to use the microphone.

Olaf Kolkman: Thank you. It’s a little bit closer to my mouth. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, my name is Olof Kalkman. I’m Principal at the Internet Society. I’ve been contributing to the development of the Internet for two and a half decades. This Internet Governance Forum takes place during a very particular moment. The ink on the Global Digital Compact has not dried yet. The pencils are being sharpened for the review of the implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit of the Information Society. As you all know, the IGF is the forum that allows relevant voices to share ideas, shape norms, iron out solutions, address concerns, and take approaches that benefit people no matter where they are and who they are. We are happy to see that the Global Digital Compact recognizes the IGF as the primary multi-stakeholder process platform for discussion of Internet governance issues. However, the IGF is not the only thing that the WSIS has established. WSIS, in addition to defining a set of concrete action lines, acknowledges that multi-stakeholderism, a way of collaborative governance, leads to positive and concrete actions. I actually think of this as a flywheel. Good ideas and approaches are tested at the local level, shared at national and regional IGFs, and lead to inspirations and maybe even informal consensus at the global IGF. Then, these global views percolate downwards to the local level, where people apply them locally while thinking globally. The national and regional IGFs are the cogs of this flywheel. They allow good ideas to bubble up from national to regional to global level, and they enable us to act local while thinking global. We have to remember that multi-stakeholderism is more than just talking. It’s about taking responsibility, fulfilling those action lines. And I know that within the technical community, there are many organizations that work passionately towards connecting people to the Internet, either by funding or sharing their knowledge or build capacity in other ways. At the Internet Society, we have empowered communities to get online and grow their digital literacy so they maintain agency in the digital world. Since 2019, we have invested in projects over 120 countries that are delivering on the WSIS Action Lines. We and other technical community organizations help technical and academic communities to organize themselves and build capacity and skills and have agency. In addition, we built new networks that are so much needed to get stuff done. While connecting to the internet, these communities work within their local governments at municipal level, at regional and national level, often with regulators to achieve their goals. We have seen this model produce results, with people now being connected in the highest speaks from the Himalaya to connecting the most underserved students to their schools in Jacksonville, Florida. The model works from the Canadian Arctic to the Colombian jungle. This, my friends, that’s multistakeholderism in action. Various stakeholder groups getting things done, each within their own role, with their own agency, but in collaboration and in coordination. It’s a model that works, and therefore the Internet Society continues to financially and practically support the IGF at all levels. In 2024 alone, we have supported 67 IGFs, schools of internet governance, and supported youth participation, all that with over half a million dollars U.S. currency, simply because we believe this model to be effective. We put our money where our mouth is. But back to this moment, this peculiar moment after the Global Digital Compact and the WSIS review ahead. Remember, the WSIS Review is a review, and we, collectively, should review which additional actions are needed to address the WSIS action lines and achieve the GDC objectives. We must assess how and where we can evolve the existing processes to make them better and understand where we can apply self-learning to create tangible benefits for all. In order to self-learn, we, all stakeholders, need to be part of the self-assessment itself, so that we collectively grow our approach to Internet governance and digital cooperation. That’s why we call on those that will co-facilitate the WSIS process to make the review inclusive and to not mistake multilateralism with multistakeholderism. The Internet is for everyone, and everyone must have a voice in shaping its future. Thank you very much.

Chengetai Masango: Next I would like to call on Dr. Angela Sulumana from the Tamil Teaching Hospital, Ghana.

Angela Sulemana: Assalamu alaikum, bonjour a tous, hola a todos, esteemed delegates, distinguished guests. My name is Dr. Angela Sulumana. at the Thamaly Teaching Hospital in the northern region of Ghana, currently working in the Department of Surgery and I’m part of Ghana SIG. I stand before you today at the closing ceremony of the 19th IGF hosted by the governments of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. I am filled with profound sense of gratitude and emotions, and it’s an honor to address you all as member of the youth cohort in this prestigious gathering. You’re probably wondering what a medical doctor is doing here. I get that a lot. Let me tell you what this means to me. This forum and this secretariat enabled me to, for the very first time, I left my homeland Ghana to be in Addis Ababa for the Africa IGF. What a privilege. Now thinking about my life in Ghana, my hospital, my region, one experience stands out. A 15-year-old patient of mine, after morning reviews, asked, Dr. Angela, could you have me do a TikTok trend with you? Could you do this latest trend with me? I smiled because this patient’s CT scan wasn’t even ready for the electric surgery. But then I thought to myself, I said that, but at least social media at this point is mentally helping her in terms of joy and satisfaction. Though she had an upcoming surgery, but she had the solace in social media, and she was comforted. Maybe if you had AI algorithms that could analyze the MRIs, the CT scans, this could have helped accelerate the process. But reality for some people, it’s a bit tricky here. I’ve come to understand that in building our multistakeholder digital future, we cannot leave the health sector and health professionals out of this conversation. And I’m proud to be part of this forum. I stand before you just not as a delegate from the youth cohort, but as a voice representing the hopes, the aspirations, and the concerns of young people around the world. Over the past few days, we have engaged in meaningful dialogue and shared valuable insights on the present issues of our digital landscape. And we’ve explored topics ranging from AI and trust to human rights and sustainability. Digital is indeed impacting our lives in all fronts. However, as we reflect on our conversations, we must acknowledge the challenges that persist. Many young people still face barriers to accessing Internet, including a lack of infrastructures, affordability, digital literacy. This digital divide is not merely statistics. It represents real lives and missed opportunities. It is imperative that we work together to ensure that the youth have the chance to participate fully in the increasingly digital world. As youth delegates, we are not just passive observers, no. We are active participants in shaping the youth and the future of the Internet. As we close the 19th United Nations Internet Governance Forum, together with my young colleagues and friends, I spend wonderful five days with, and I want to say a big thank you to the governments of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Nations, and its IGF Secretariat, organizers, speakers, donors, sponsors, and all participants for cooperating and your support. I will say that as a medical doctor, my work is to save lives. The internet is a life-changing and life-saving tool and the IGF is the operating room where all experts join hands to save our collective future. Thank you Anja, thank you Celine, thank you Fifi, my mentor, for the great opportunity into this year’s Internet Forum and I believe there are more medical professionals who continue to get the opportunity to deliver and enjoy the internet we want in 2025. Happy New Year, As-salamu alaykum, thank you very much.

Chengetai Masango: And next I have the honor to call upon Dr. Latifa al-Abdul Karim, member of the Shura Council, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who worked tirelessly for our parliamentary track. Thank you very much.

Latifa Al-Abdulkarim: As-salamu alaykum. As-salamu alaykum. Is it working? Perfect. Thanks so much. Excellencies, esteemed parliamentarians, distinguished multi-stakeholders, participants both in person and online, ladies and gentlemen, online, ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much. Thank you for your presence here, thank your insightful questions and your contributions to this important dialogue. These collaborative efforts underscore our central role as digital citizens, we are all at the end digital citizens, and protecting our humanity. in this rapidly evolving digital world. This year has been significant for the IGF parliamentary track in specific with an increased number of parliamentarians actively participating in shaping the various sessions discussions. As we are closing today, I see five actions that parliamentarians should take to shape and impact the digital future by 2025. These actions will definitely will help in paving the way to govern the digital world responsibly, inclusively, and sustainably. Number one, collaborate, collaborate, collaborate. Participate actively in ongoing global discussions about the governance of digital technologies with a human central approach. This is not just only about policy, but also about shaping the future of our digital world. Mark your calendars now. It is not only the global IGF in Norway in June 2025, but the IGF parliamentary track has also introduced good practices to others where they have all invited you to other global events or well-known global events, the AI for Good Summit, the WSIS review meetings, both in July 2025, and the UNESCO Global Forum on AI Ethics, which is going to be in June 2025, so we have a rich summer. Nevertheless, don’t wait to be invited. I highly recommend that the inter-parliamentary union together with the UN to compile a list of relevant global events and training programs to ensure parliamentarians are actively involved in these. conversations. Number two, invest into the future. Build your roadmap to enhance digital capacity and competencies within your Parliament, including capacity of the parliamentarians themselves or the Parliament’s administration team and the institutions of the Parliament. This is not just about training funds. Don’t wait for funds also. It’s about leveraging free resources, promoting knowledge exchanges and creating a culture of continuous learning. Number three, foster inclusivity. The digital world is not just for the tech community. There is always this misunderstanding. Invite parliamentarians from diverse committees to think together. Invite regional and sub-regional parliaments to work together to close this connectivity gap. Open your Parliament doors to stakeholders from academia, from private sector, entrepreneurs, youth and civil societies. Their perspectives are essential in crafting the legislative initiatives. Number four, embrace flexibility, agility, harmonizations and interoperability. Those are the key principles for those innovative regulations to be embedded in our lawmaking processes. Explore opportunities for creating common regulatory frameworks and interoperable legislations that work across national borders. We must work together to close this governance gap this time. Action on AI is needed. not just the AI Act. We must push for policies that encourage brain exchange rather than brain drain. At the same time, we must ensure that our policies protect children, safeguards the environment, and ensure our safety as digital citizens. Access to data must be universal. With data sets available in all languages to promote equity, this is a principle that we should actively advocate for. Implementing anticipatory governance to address the future shifts in technology, including emerging fields like the quantum computing and neurocomputing, to ensure that we are also prepared for the next frontier. Number five, oversight. This is our job. It’s now our responsibility as parliamentarians to work in alignment with executive bodies to prevent any governance gap, whether in AI and data or different sectors, like what we have just heard from the medical fields, ensuring that the digital ecosystem is governed in a way that reflects a global consensus and shared values. And translates, of course, the objectives, principles, and commitment outlines in the Global Digital Compact into practical actions. Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all those who were involved in organizing this event. Of course, the UN IGF secretariat team. Celine, who was all the time with us, together with Andy from the IBU, and co-organizing the parliamentary track, the Ministry of IT, the Ministry of Communication and IT, and the Digital Governance Government. authority, they were doing all this hard efforts to make sure that everyone is here, welcomed, and feel home, and like making sure that everything is fully occupied for you. And in my final word, I wish the Norwegian Parliament all the best in hosting the next IDF parliamentary track in 2025, and looking forward for your gathering in just six months. Thank you so much, and shukran.

Chengetai Masango: Thank you very much. The next speaker is Mr Juan Fernandez, Senior Advisor, Ministry of Communications of the Republic of Cuba.

Juan Fernandez: I’m going to speak in Spanish, so put your . . . Dear colleagues, I would like to start congratulating the authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the city of Riyadh, and to all the support staff for the successful organization of the 19th edition of the IJF-2024. Since its inception that took place in 2006, this forum has been developed, and it’s not only a yearly event, but it has transformed into a system. that celebrates where national forums and regional forums take place in more than 50 countries and also with activities that take place during the whole year. This amplitude together with its unique feature that the issues that are going to be discussed are decided through consultations on the ground makes that these NRIs and the IGF have become a platform that all the stakeholders can carry on a dialogue concerning policies that are not only important for the Internet governance but also to the digital world. This WESIS, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year, established in an unequivocal way the link between information technologies and communications and development. In the first phase of this summit, after tough discussions, the representatives of developing countries managed that the digital branch can be recognized as a new dimension of social activities that limit the access to knowledge and information. This summit allowed this subject to come out of the technical sphere and it will become a political subject that is interesting for the international community. Two decades later, it has been demonstrated that the information technologies and communications in general and Internet in particular essential tools for the development of the countries. It has also been confirmed that this positive impact of the Internet has much less importance in the developing countries than in the developed countries. So we also are using unilateral measures that don’t agree with the United Nations Charter and this don’t allow for the social development of the affected countries and undermine the welfare of its citizens. It is compulsory to eliminate these obstacles and the breaches that are generated by inequality when we talk about access to these technologies, and we have to create the skills that can contribute to the application of human rights, civil, political, economic, cultural, social rights for everyone, and the development and application of emerging technologies can be online with commitments made for sustainable development. This is not enough to implement the 2030 Agenda, it needs the support of concrete actions, access to markets, financing in fair conditions, transfer of technology, and cooperation North-South. The implementation of the recently approved Global Digital Pact gave us an opportunity to advance in this direction and reinforce international cooperation, but we have to try to increase the processes of digital governance. because if we don’t increase them, this will affect especially the developing countries. Dear colleagues, this declaration of principles of the first phase of the WSIS established a common vision of building an information society centered on the human being and targeting the development. Unfortunately, that noble purpose is still only an aspiration for a big part of the humanity. So now we have to make that this common vision becomes a reality, a commission that was conceived 20 years ago. Thank you.

Chengetai Masango: Thank you very much, Juan Fernandez. Next, I have the honor to call from our next host country, Her Excellency, Ms. Kirsty Tromsdale, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Kjersti Tromsdal: Excellencies, Members of Parliament, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, We have reached the end of the gathering of IGF 2024 here in Riyadh. I will join the voices of others in thanking the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their heartfelt hospitality and for hosting this event so graciously in this magnificent venue. You have been a fantastic host. This IGF has been a great meeting point for interaction between stakeholders in the global Internet community from all over the world. Together, we have truly been building our multi-stakeholder digital future. The vision that has guided IGF 2024. On behalf of the Norwegian government, I wish you all welcome to the next IGF in Norway in June 2025. The forthcoming IGF marks the forum’s 20th anniversary and it will be an important step on the path to the WSIS plus 20 review and the way forward with the Global Digital Compact. On this note, I can tell you that Oslo is a very popular city in the summertime, so we encourage you to book your hotel early. You can already now visit our host country website, IGF2025.no, and make use of the hotel booking facilities there. The Norwegian government wishes to build upon the outcome from this successful IGF here in Riyadh. We believe in an open internet governed through inclusive dialogue where all the stakeholders shape its future. We wish to use the opportunity in Norway to strengthen the dialogue and to secure IGF’s position as the primary global arena for deliberations of internet governance and digital development. I shall not keep you any longer, and I will finish off by showing you a short welcome video for IGF2025, but before I do that, I will conclude by repeating what our state secretary said in his statement in the opening session on Monday. Together we shall strengthen diversity and collaboration through inclusive, multi-stakeholder digital governance, which is crucial for a vibrant and sustainable digital ecosystem. Let’s meet in Norway in June next year for IGF2025 and shape this future together. Thank you. Shukran.

Chengetai Masango: Thank you very much. Our next speaker is a video from the Undersecretary General of the Economic and Social Affairs, UNDESA. That’s the home institution of the IGF, Mr. Li Junhua.

Li Junhua: Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, as we conclude the 19th meeting of the Internet Governance Forum, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you. Thank you for your dedication and collaboration in championing the principles of inclusive and accountable digital governance. On behalf of the United Nations, I extend my profound gratitude to our gracious host, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. By welcoming us to Riyadh, you have marked a historical moment as the IGF is hosted in the Gulf region for the first time. Your leadership and commitment to fostering inclusivity, dialogue, and multi-stakeholder collaboration exemplifies the core values of the IGF. Throughout this week, we explored critical issues under the theme, Building Our Multi-Stakeholder Digital Future. We tackled the challenges and opportunities of the digital age in over 300 sessions. The Riyadh IGF messages reflect the collective wisdom of this forum, distilling the insights and recommendations, and will serve as a guiding light for our shared journey ahead. As we approach the 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society, it is evident that the principles established in Geneva and Tunis are as essential today as they were two decades ago. Consider the foundational aspiration articulated in the WSIS Declaration of Principles to build a people-centered, inclusive, and development-oriented information society. This aspiration remains at the heart of our collective efforts. The ethical dimensions of the information society enshrined in the WSIS Principles emphasize respect for peace, equality, solidarity, and human dignity alongside shared responsibility, justice, and protection of fundamental rights. These principles have never been more relevant. Whether confronting the challenges of artificial intelligence, safeguarding human dignity in an increasingly interconnected world, or ensuring privacy and freedom of thought, these principles provide a steadfast ethical foundation. They remind us to take decisive actions against the harmful uses of technology, including discrimination, violence, and exploitation. Over the past 20 years, the IGF has evolved significantly, embracing and upholding these principles. It has grown into a global platform that not only reflects the values of the WSIS, but it also adapts to the rapidly changing digital landscape. Looking ahead, I am confident that the IGF will continue to thrive as a global space, where diverse voices converge to address the emerging challenges and shape a just, inclusive, and sustainable digital future. As we prepare for the next IGF Annual Meeting, let me express my thanks to our next host, the Government of Norway. I urge you to remain engaged actively. The vibrancy and impact of the IGF depend on your ideas, energy, and continued collaboration. Let us also ensure a successful outcome based on the General Assembly’s review of the WSIS and the IGF’s mandate, building on the progress achieved here in Riyadh. In closing, I thank you all for your contributions, your vision, and your unwavering commitment. Let us carry forward the momentum from REACT as we continue to work together to realize a digital future that leaves no one behind. I wish all of you safe travels and a joyful holiday season. To all stakeholders, on-site and online, thank you very much. I look forward to seeing you next year. Thank you.

Chengetai Masango: Thank you very much. We will now have a closing video from the host country.

Video: To those who imagined, invented, and shaped the circle that brought the far close and made the difficult simple, thank you. Johannes Gutenberg for preserving the essence of words and ideas. Thomas Edison for lighting our path and every path beyond. Alexander Graham Bell for giving voice and endless reach. To the visionaries who left indelible marks on even the smallest details of our lives, who simplified the complex and erased boundaries in communication, we owe you an immense gratitude. Thank you to those who shifted the compass of our needs and revolutionized our world. Thank you. Pioneers of the internet and technology. Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Larry Page, Sergey Brin, Raja Perlman, Jimmy Wales. Your contributions reshaped humanity. To everyone who has made life better, who has opened doors to knowledge and made connections seamless, thank you. The list stretches on and it’s far from complete. There will always be more innovators to honor, more creators to thank. For a future filled with possibilities, thank you. Your legacy shapes our future. Innovating together, shaping tomorrow.

Chengetai Masango: Okay, thank you very much. Before we conclude, I just want to point out that the IGF Riyadh messages and also all the other outcome documents, like from the parliamentary track from our dynamic coalitions and best practice documents are available now on the web and coming next week as well we’ll also be making sure that everything else is up on the web. So I wish you safe travels and I wish you also happy holidays. Thank you.

Agreement Points

Importance of IGF as a global platform for Internet governance discussions

Vint Cerf

Olaf Kolkman

Kjersti Tromsdal

Li Junhua

Permanent status for IGF within UN structure

IGF as primary platform for Internet governance discussions

Strengthening IGF’s position as global arena for Internet governance

IGF as platform for multistakeholder dialogue

Multiple speakers emphasized the crucial role of IGF in facilitating global discussions on Internet governance and the need to strengthen its position.

Need for inclusive and multi-stakeholder approach to Internet governance

Olaf Kolkman

Latifa Al-Abdulkarim

Kjersti Tromsdal

Li Junhua

Multistakeholderism as collaborative governance

Need for diverse stakeholder involvement in policymaking

Importance of inclusive dialogue in Internet governance

IGF as platform for multistakeholder dialogue

Speakers agreed on the importance of involving diverse stakeholders in Internet governance discussions and decision-making processes.

Addressing digital divide and promoting inclusive development

Angela Sulemana

Juan Fernández

Li Junhua

Addressing digital divide and barriers to Internet access

Link between ICTs and development

Need for inclusive and development-oriented information society

Multiple speakers highlighted the need to address the digital divide and ensure that ICTs contribute to inclusive development across all regions.

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers emphasized the importance of producing tangible results and taking concrete actions through the IGF process, rather than just engaging in dialogue.

Vint Cerf

Olaf Kolkman

Need for concrete outputs from IGF meetings

Multistakeholderism as collaborative governance

Both speakers highlighted the need to address governance challenges related to emerging technologies, particularly AI, with a focus on ethical considerations and human rights.

Latifa Al-Abdulkarim

Li Junhua

Addressing AI governance challenges

Ethical considerations in emerging technologies

Unexpected Consensus

Integration of health sector in digital governance discussions

Angela Sulemana

Latifa Al-Abdulkarim

Addressing digital divide and barriers to Internet access

Need for diverse stakeholder involvement in policymaking

The inclusion of a medical professional’s perspective (Dr. Sulemana) and the emphasis on involving diverse stakeholders (including health professionals) in digital governance discussions represent an unexpected area of consensus, highlighting the growing recognition of the intersection between healthcare and digital technologies.

Overall Assessment

Summary

The speakers generally agreed on the importance of strengthening the IGF’s role, promoting inclusive multi-stakeholder approaches to Internet governance, addressing the digital divide, and considering ethical implications of emerging technologies.

Consensus level

There was a high level of consensus among the speakers on core principles of Internet governance and the role of IGF. This consensus suggests a strong foundation for future collaboration and development of Internet governance frameworks. However, specific implementation strategies and priorities may still require further discussion and negotiation.

Different Viewpoints

Approach to IGF’s future role

Vint Cerf

Olaf Kolkman

Permanent status for IGF within UN structure

IGF as primary platform for Internet governance discussions

While both speakers emphasize the importance of IGF, Cerf advocates for a more formalized role within the UN structure, while Kolkman focuses on IGF’s role as a discussion platform without explicitly mentioning structural changes.

Unexpected Differences

Overall Assessment

summary

The main areas of disagreement revolve around the specific role and structure of the IGF, as well as the approaches to achieving concrete outcomes in Internet governance.

difference_level

The level of disagreement among the speakers is relatively low. Most speakers share similar overarching goals for Internet governance and the IGF, with differences primarily in the specific approaches or areas of emphasis. This suggests a generally aligned vision for the future of Internet governance, which is positive for collaborative efforts moving forward.

Partial Agreements

Both speakers agree on the need for more tangible outcomes from IGF processes, but differ in their approach. Cerf emphasizes concrete outputs from meetings, while Al-Abdulkarim focuses on diverse stakeholder involvement in legislative processes.

Vint Cerf

Latifa Al-Abdulkarim

Need for concrete outputs from IGF meetings

Need for diverse stakeholder involvement in policymaking

Similar Viewpoints

Both speakers emphasized the importance of producing tangible results and taking concrete actions through the IGF process, rather than just engaging in dialogue.

Vint Cerf

Olaf Kolkman

Need for concrete outputs from IGF meetings

Multistakeholderism as collaborative governance

Both speakers highlighted the need to address governance challenges related to emerging technologies, particularly AI, with a focus on ethical considerations and human rights.

Latifa Al-Abdulkarim

Li Junhua

Addressing AI governance challenges

Ethical considerations in emerging technologies

Key Takeaways

The IGF is seeking permanent status within the UN structure and needs to produce more concrete outputs to justify this

Multistakeholder collaboration is crucial for effective Internet governance

Digital inclusion and addressing the digital divide remain key priorities

Emerging technologies like AI present new governance challenges that need to be addressed

Global digital cooperation and implementation of the Global Digital Compact are important focus areas

The IGF has evolved into a year-round system with national and regional forums playing an important role

There is increased parliamentary participation in the IGF process

Resolutions and Action Items

Prepare quickly for IGF 2025 taking place in June in Oslo

Focus on preparation for WSIS Plus 20 review

Revisit and revise the ‘Internet We Want’ document to include concrete metrics and milestones

Consider preparing a new ‘IGF We Need’ document to summarize recommendations for improvements

Parliamentarians to actively participate in global discussions on digital governance

Enhance digital capacity within parliaments

Foster inclusivity by inviting diverse stakeholders to contribute to legislative initiatives

Implement anticipatory governance to address future technological shifts

Unresolved Issues

Specific mechanisms for achieving permanent IGF status within the UN

Concrete plans for increasing IGF outputs and demonstrating impact

Detailed strategies for addressing the digital divide and ensuring universal Internet access

Specific approaches to AI governance and regulation

Methods for translating Global Digital Compact principles into actionable policies

Suggested Compromises

Balancing the need for concrete IGF outputs with maintaining its role as an open forum for discussion

Combining global principles with local implementation through national and regional IGFs

Integrating diverse stakeholder perspectives in policymaking while maintaining efficient governance processes

Based on the discussions among the leadership panel, the MAG, and in the IGF 2024 sessions, I conclude that our objective in the WSIS plus 20 should be permanent status for the IGF within the UN DESA structure.

speaker

Vint Cerf

reason

This comment sets a clear, ambitious goal for the future of the IGF, suggesting a significant institutional change.

impact

It framed much of the subsequent discussion around the future role and structure of the IGF, particularly in relation to the upcoming WSIS+20 review.

We must prepare quickly for IGF 2025 as it takes place in June in Oslo. Our focus should not only be preparation for WSIS Plus 20, but it should get serious attention in the run-up to and during IGF 2025.

speaker

Vint Cerf

reason

This comment highlights the urgency of preparation and sets a clear agenda for the next IGF meeting.

impact

It shifted the conversation towards concrete next steps and future planning, which was echoed by subsequent speakers.

We are happy to see that the Global Digital Compact recognizes the IGF as the primary multi-stakeholder process platform for discussion of Internet governance issues.

speaker

Olaf Kolkman

reason

This comment underscores the importance of the IGF in the broader context of global digital governance.

impact

It reinforced the significance of the IGF and set the stage for discussions on how to strengthen its role.

We must assess how and where we can evolve the existing processes to make them better and understand where we can apply self-learning to create tangible benefits for all.

speaker

Olaf Kolkman

reason

This comment introduces the idea of continuous improvement and self-assessment in the IGF process.

impact

It encouraged reflection on how to enhance the effectiveness of the IGF, which was picked up in later comments about concrete actions and outputs.

As we close the 19th United Nations Internet Governance Forum, together with my young colleagues and friends, I spend wonderful five days with, and I want to say a big thank you to the governments of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Nations, and its IGF Secretariat, organizers, speakers, donors, sponsors, and all participants for cooperating and your support.

speaker

Angela Sulemana

reason

This comment brings a fresh perspective from a young medical professional, highlighting the diverse participation in the IGF.

impact

It broadened the discussion to include the importance of diverse voices and sectors in internet governance, including healthcare.

Implement anticipatory governance to address the future shifts in technology, including emerging fields like the quantum computing and neurocomputing, to ensure that we are also prepared for the next frontier.

speaker

Latifa Al-Abdulkarim

reason

This comment introduces the concept of anticipatory governance and highlights emerging technological frontiers.

impact

It pushed the discussion towards considering future technological developments and how governance should adapt to them.

Overall Assessment

These key comments shaped the discussion by setting a clear agenda for the future of the IGF, emphasizing its importance in global digital governance, encouraging self-reflection and improvement, highlighting the need for diverse participation, and pushing for forward-thinking approaches to governance. They collectively moved the conversation from reflecting on the current IGF to actively planning for its future role and structure, particularly in light of the upcoming WSIS+20 review and rapidly evolving technological landscape.

How can the IGF and NRIs put forward plans for more concrete outputs from annual and intersessional meetings?

speaker

Vint Cerf

explanation

This is important to earn enhanced status for the IGF within the UN DESA structure and secure permanent funding.

How can UNESCO’s revised set of Internet universality indicators be implemented and measured through NRIs?

speaker

Vint Cerf

explanation

This could provide valuable metrics for assessing Internet utility across countries and user groups.

How can the ‘Internet We Want’ document be revised to include concrete metrics and milestones for Internet utility?

speaker

Vint Cerf

explanation

This would help track progress and adapt to new applications and needs as the Internet evolves.

How can metrics be developed for assessing the implementation of the Global Digital Compact?

speaker

Vint Cerf

explanation

This would help highlight successes and identify opportunities for improvement in implementing the compact.

How can the IGF community prepare for WSIS Plus 20 and use it as an opportunity to examine IGF’s purpose and practices?

speaker

Vint Cerf

explanation

This is crucial for evaluating and potentially reforming the IGF based on 20 years of experience since 2006.

How can the collective experience of IGF and NRI participants be distilled into actionable forms?

speaker

Vint Cerf

explanation

This would make the insights gained from IGF more useful and applicable for other institutions and stakeholders.

How can the IGF community ensure that the WSIS review process is inclusive and truly multi-stakeholder?

speaker

Olaf Kolkman

explanation

This is important to ensure that all stakeholders have a voice in shaping the future of Internet governance and digital cooperation.

How can parliamentarians build a roadmap to enhance digital capacity and competencies within their parliaments?

speaker

Latifa Al-Abdulkarim

explanation

This is crucial for ensuring that parliamentarians and their staff are equipped to address digital governance issues effectively.

How can parliamentarians create common regulatory frameworks and interoperable legislations that work across national borders?

speaker

Latifa Al-Abdulkarim

explanation

This is important for addressing the governance gap in areas such as AI and ensuring consistent regulation across countries.

How can the positive impact of the Internet be increased in developing countries to match that of developed countries?

speaker

Juan Fernández

explanation

This is crucial for addressing the digital divide and ensuring equitable development through digital technologies.