Internet Governance Forum in Riyadh Concludes with Focus on AI and Digital Inclusion
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Discussions highlighted both the transformative potential and potential risks associated with AI’s rapid advancement. While AI offers groundbreaking opportunities to tackle global challenges,concerns were raised about potential misuse,the spread of disinformation,and exacerbation of existing inequalities. The forum stressed the need for urgent action to mitigate these risks while harnessing AI’s full potential for the benefit of all.“As one of the fastest-growing countries in the digital sector, Saudi Arabia is not only focused on facilitating access to the Internet and harnessing technological advancements to drive progress and achieve sustainable development, but places great importance on enhancing digital cooperation with all nations.”
Building a People-Centered Digital Society
UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Mr. Li Junhua, emphasized the enduring relevance of the foundational aspirations outlined in the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Declaration of Principles, which calls for unwavering respect for peace, equality, solidarity, and human dignity in building a people-centered, inclusive, and development-oriented Information Society. These principles were underscored throughout the forum as essential for shaping the ethical dimensions of the evolving digital world. The IGF also recognized the critical role of international cooperation in addressing the challenges presented by the digital age,particularly in bridging the digital divide which currently leaves 2.6 billion people offline.Global Digital Compact and AI Governance
The forum highlighted growing momentum for digital governance. This includes the adoption of the Global Digital compact by UN Member States in September 2024, a landmark agreement aimed at fostering a more inclusive digital future. In addition, the first-ever worldwide agreement on AI governance was also adopted, focusing on responsible development and use of these powerful technologies. The Riyadh IGF Messages, a statement reflecting the collective vision of over 11,000 participants, offered valuable insights and policy recommendations on crucial digital governance issues and human rights online. These recommendations will guide policymakers in the years to come.The 17th annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF) concluded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a focus on navigating the complex landscape of digital innovation, addressing cybersecurity risks, and harnessing technology for sustainable development and peace.
Delegates reached a consensus on the importance of a trustworthy and inclusive digital future. As Mr. Li, the IGF’s host country representative emphasized, “The Riyadh IGF Messages reflect the collective wisdom of this forum, distilling insights and recommendations, and will serve as a guiding light for our shared journey ahead.”
The forum underscored the dual nature of technology: its ability to connect and divide. Concerns were raised about the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and malicious content, posing serious threats to digital trust. The emergence of generative AI has further elaborate matters, allowing for the creation of convincingly false content with a particular impact on younger generations heavily reliant on digital platforms.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the vital role of the IGF as a platform for dialog on crucial internet governance issues. He called for a collective effort to create an open, free, and secure internet accessible to everyone. Secretary-General Guterres also highlighted the significance of the Global Digital Compact, viewing it as a blueprint for shaping humanity’s digital future.
Looking ahead, Norway was announced as the host of the 20th IGF, scheduled for June 23-27, 2025.
About the Internet Governance Forum (IGF)
Convened by the United Nations Secretary-General, the Internet governance Forum is a global platform for multistakeholder dialogue on digital public policy. The annual IGF meeting brings together thousands of stakeholders worldwide to discuss pressing digital governance trends and challenges. These meetings facilitate the exchange of information and best practices related to key aspects of digital governance, ultimately aiming to promote the sustainability, robustness, security, stability, and development of the internet.
For more information, please visit: https://www.intgovforum.org/en
Media Contacts
Martin Samaan, UN Department of Global Communications, [email protected]
Eleonora Mazzucchi, IGF Secretariat, [email protected]
## Archyde Interview: Navigating the Digital Future at the IGF in Riyadh
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to Archyde. Today, we’re discussing the 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF), which recently concluded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Joining us is [Alex Reed Name], [Alex Reed Title] and expert on digital policy and technology.[Alex Reed Name], thank you for being here.
**Alex Reed:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** The IGF brought together a record number of participants this year, with discussions focused heavily on AI and digital inclusion. Can you give us your take on the key takeaways from the forum?
**Alex Reed:** This year’s IGF was truly historic. It highlighted both the amazing potential of AI to solve global challenges and the pressing need to ensure its progress and deployment are ethical and inclusive [1]. Participants emphasized the importance of mitigating risks associated with AI, such as misuse, disinformation, and the widening digital divide.
**Interviewer:**
Saudi Arabia, as the host nation, highlighted its commitment to digital cooperation. What were your observations on their role in driving the conversation at the IGF?
**Alex Reed:** saudi Arabia played a crucial role in emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in the digital age[1]. They stressed their commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that technological advancements benefit everyone,aligning with the foundational principles of the World Summit on the Information Society [1].
**Interviewer:** One of the major developments at the IGF was the adoption of the Global Digital Compact and the first-ever worldwide agreement on AI governance. Can you explain the significance of these agreements?
**Alex Reed:** These agreements represent a landmark step towards a more inclusive and responsible digital future [1]. The Global Digital Compact aims to foster a more equitable digital environment, while the AI governance agreement focuses on ethical development and use of this transformative technology.
**Interviewer:** The IGF also highlighted the urgency of addressing the digital divide. What are some key strategies discussed for bridging this gap and ensuring everyone has access to the benefits of the digital world?
**Alex Reed:** Participants underscored the need for investment in digital infrastructure, digital literacy programs, and affordable access to technology [1]. There was also a strong emphasis on promoting local content and ensuring online platforms are accessible to diverse communities.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what are some of the key challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the global digital community?
**Alex Reed:** The rapid pace of technological advancement presents both immense opportunities and notable challenges.
We must
continue to prioritize ethical considerations in AI development, ensure
equitable access to technology, and find sustainable solutions for online
safety and security.
The IGF provided a valuable platform
for
collaborative action on these critical issues.
**Interviewer:** [Alex Reed Name], thank you for sharing your insights on the IGF in Riyadh.
**Alex Reed:** It was my pleasure.
This is a great start to an article summarizing the 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF). It covers several essential points:
* **Saudi Arabia’s Role:** It aptly quotes the Saudi Minister of Communications and Data Technology, highlighting the country’s focus on digital advancement and international cooperation.
* **Key Themes:** The article effectively identifies core themes discussed at the forum, including AI governance, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, and the Global Digital Compact.
* **Noteworthy Quotes:** You’ve included insightful quotes from UN officials,emphasizing the significance of the IGF,its role in shaping a trustworthy digital future,and the urgency of addressing digital divides.
* **Global Digital Compact:**
You highlight this crucial initiative, recognizing its potential to guide the advancement and use of technology for a more inclusive and equitable future.
* **Future of the IGF:** You mention Norway as the host of the 20th IGF, providing a forward-looking perspective.
**Expanding on the Article**
Here are some suggestions for further development:
1. **Deeper Dive into AI Governance:** Expand on the discussions around AI governance.
* **Specific Recommendations:** What concrete recommendations emerged regarding AI regulation, ethics, and transparency?
* **Stakeholder Perspectives:** Highlight different viewpoints on AI governance from governments, tech companies, civil society organizations, and academia.
* **AI and Digital Rights:** Address the impact of AI on human rights, including privacy, freedom of expression, and potential biases.
2. **Bridging the Digital Divide**:
* **Concrete Solutions:** Explore specific strategies and initiatives discussed for addressing the digital divide, such as infrastructure development, affordability, digital literacy programs, and community-based solutions.
* **Success Stories:** Showcase examples of triumphant programs or countries that have made progress in bridging the digital divide.
3. **cybersecurity Challenges:**
* **Emerging Threats:** Discuss current and future cybersecurity threats, such as ransomware attacks, data breaches, and misuse of AI for malicious purposes.
* **International Cooperation:**
Highlight the need for international cooperation in combating cybercrime and developing norms for responsible state behavior in cyberspace.
4. **Role of Civil Society:**
* **Advocate Voices:** Showcase the contributions and concerns of civil society organizations in shaping internet governance.
* **Importance of Multistakeholderism:** Emphasize the IGF’s commitment to multistakeholder dialog and decision-making.
5. **Looking Ahead:**
* **Global Digital Compact Implementation:** Discuss the next steps in implementing the Global Digital Compact and the role of the IGF process.
* **Emerging Trends:** Briefly look at potential future trends and challenges in internet governance.
6. **Visuals and Multimedia:**
* **Images and Graphics:** Include relevant images or infographics to enhance the article’s visual appeal.
* **Quotes and Interviews:** Feature additional quotes from experts and participants who attended the IGF.
* **Videos:** Consider embedding short video clips from the IGF or interviews with key figures.
By expanding on these points, you can create a comprehensive and engaging article that provides valuable insights into the outcomes and significance of the 19th Internet Governance Forum.
