Shaping the future of the IGF: Reflections and aspirations

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

A legacy of dialogue and collaboration

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

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

Evolving for greater impact

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

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

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

Inclusivity and grassroots engagement

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

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

Balancing innovation with privacy and accessibility

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

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

Looking ahead

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

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

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