Global Forum Brings Together Nations to Shape Digital Future
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - The inaugural Global Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Riyadh 2024 has begun, bringing together more than 170 countries in a bid to promote international cooperation on digital governance and ensure that the benefits of digital technology are available to all.
The four-day forum, which takes place against the backdrop of recent adoption of the Global Digital Compact (GDC), marks an important moment for global leaders to come together and address key challenges facing the digital world. The GDC aims to ensure that digital technologies serve humanity's best interests and are used to drive sustainable development and inclusive growth.
In a keynote message, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the transformative power of digital technology but also underscored the need for guardrails and collaborative governance to unlock its potential for all people. "Digital technology has fundamentally reshaped our world and holds enormous potential to accelerate human progress," he said. "But unlocking this potential for all people requires us to work together, with a shared vision, values and norms that align our efforts."
This year's IGF Riyadh 2024 will focus on several critical issues, including digital inclusion, artificial intelligence governance, and countering online misinformation. The forum aims to bridge the digital divide, which remains significant at 2.6 billion people worldwide, mostly residing in developing countries.
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Alswaha, described the event as an "opportunities for promoting international digital cooperation in the era of AI". He emphasized the need to collaborate with stakeholders to establish innovative Internet governance frameworks that will support a prosperous and sustainable digital future for all humanity.
Over the four days, IGF participants will explore diverse topics such as AI governance, online safety, and sustainable digital practices. Sessions will highlight innovative solutions for underserved communities while advancing strategies to combat the spread of hate speech and misinformation online.
The forum also aims to reinforce human rights in digital spaces with a focus on equitable data use and privacy protections. Policymakers are expected to synthesise discussions at the concluding Riyadh IGF Messages into actionable recommendations.
As the global community continues to navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape, efforts led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and other stakeholders will be crucial in ensuring that technology serves humanity and promotes a future where no one is left behind.