Experts discuss internet growth and the multistakeholder model at the IGF in Riyadh
Many experts at IGF 2024 highlighted global efforts to address challenges and secure the future of a unified internet.

At the 2024 Internet Governance Forum in Riyadh, experts convened to assess two decades of internet governance since the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). Discussions focused on key achievements, persistent challenges, and principles shaping the future digital landscape. The success of the multistakeholder model, credited with increasing global internet usage from 16% to 67% since WSIS, was a central theme.
Milestones such as the introduction of internationalised domain names, the expansion of internet exchange points, and the IANA stewardship transition were highlighted. Challenges including cybersecurity threats, misinformation, internet fragmentation, and the digital divide were also discussed. Experts agreed on the need for collaborative approaches to maintain a unified, resilient internet.
Speakers included Brendan Dowling, Australia’s ambassador, Kurtis Lindqvist, ICANN President and CEO, and Raquel Gatto, VP of ISOC Brazil and Head of Legal at NIC.br. Tripti Sinha, Chair of the ICANN Board, called for strengthened collaboration among governments, civil society, and the private sector. Ian Sheldon, Vice Chair of ICANN’s Governmental Advisory Committee, also shared insights, emphasising the importance of engaging smaller countries in governance discussions.
The technical community’s contributions were recognised as vital to mitigating risks and building trust. Innovations like DNSSEC and RPKI were highlighted as frameworks for enhancing security and ensuring stability. Discussions explored the potential of technical solutions to address future challenges, such as artificial intelligence governance.
Riyadh’s role as host of IGF 2024 provided an opportunity to reflect on the past and prepare for WSIS+20. Experts stressed that preserving the multi-stakeholder model is crucial for maintaining trust and fostering innovation in the digital age. Continued collaboration among all stakeholders will be essential to creating a secure, inclusive, and open internet for future generations.
All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.