The 19th United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) opened today in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The forum brings together governments, the private sector, and civil society to discuss critical issues around technology. The forum convened against the backdrop of the recently adopted Global Digital Compact.
The Compact aims to build a governance framework that empowers all stakeholders in the digital ecosystem. Over the next four days, the Forum will explore issues such as promoting safe digital innovation while addressing risks like cybersecurity and privacy. The IGF’s agenda aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to protect human rights, enhance sustainable development, promote peace, and bridge digital divides.
One pressing issue is information integrity, as participants explore the growing difficulty of discerning truth in the age of AI.
United Nations highlights digital governance
The principles outlined in the Compact emphasize collaborative implementation by both the private sector and governments to safeguard truth in the digital era.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted in a video message the “enormous potential” of digital technology to accelerate human progress. He stressed that “unlocking this potential for all people requires guardrails, and a collaborative approach to governance.”
The Forum also emphasized the transformative potential of digital technologies in advancing peace, sustainability, and socioeconomic development. Discussions covered critical issues such as safeguarding human rights online, bridging the digital divide for marginalized communities, and building a safe, inclusive digital environment for all.
Despite advancements in digital tools and innovations, 2.6 billion people worldwide remain offline, predominantly in the Global South. This ongoing digital divide highlights the uneven benefits of digitalization and the risk of deepening existing inequalities. The meeting outcome, the Riyadh IGF Messages, will provide action-oriented policy recommendations on the range of digital and related topics discussed at the Forum.
The IGF meetings facilitate the exchange of information, and the sharing of good policies and practices related to key elements of digital governance.
Rashan is a seasoned technology journalist and visionary leader serving as the Editor-in-Chief of DevX.com, a leading online publication focused on software development, programming languages, and emerging technologies. With his deep expertise in the tech industry and her passion for empowering developers, Rashan has transformed DevX.com into a vibrant hub of knowledge and innovation. Reach out to Rashan at [email protected]
