Daily Insights from IGF 2024: Shaping the Future of Internet Governance

Presented by the Youth IGF, supported by .EU powered by EURid.

With opinions from Sahar Albazar, Deputy Chair of Foreign Affairs Committee, Parliament of Egypt; Chris Buckridge IGF MAG; Wouter Kobes from Dutch Government; Daniel Molokele, Hon. Member of the Parliament of Zimbabwe; Tania-Maria Skrapaliori, Greece IGF; Martin Yeza, National Congressman, Argentina & Sebastian Blum, Mathea Essinger, Jaewon Son, Levy Syanseke — young leaders.

The United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 is at the forefront of global discussions on digital inclusion, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and innovative policies shaping the internet’s future. IGF 2024 held particular significance as it intersected with the pivotal WSIS+20 review process, providing an opportunity to reflect on two decades of progress and envision the future of internet governance. Here are the highlights from each day’s podcast report on the forum.

Day 0: A Pivotal WSIS+20 Review

The WSIS+20 review serves as a critical juncture to evaluate progress since the World Summit on the Information Society. Key discussions focused on the Global Digital Compact, emphasizing its alignment with broader WSIS objectives. Topics such as AI adoption, data privacy, and the societal impact of social media highlighted the urgency for collaborative global solutions. A parallel conversation emphasized the importance of expanding internet access to foster inclusivity in a rapidly digitalizing world. Sessions underscored the need for international cooperation and culturally adaptable AI systems, balancing innovation with regulation to respect diversity.

Day 1: Reinventing the IGF for a Modern Era

The forum highlighted the necessity of transforming the IGF into a stronger, more impactful organization. Discussions explored meaningful youth engagement, clarifying approaches like regulatory versus innovative sandboxes, and creating inclusive, human-rights-based digital spaces. Misinformation, platform regulation, and protecting vulnerable populations were key themes, with the EU’s Digital Services Act cited as a model. The pressing issue of digital inequality — linked to economic disparities — further underscored the need for adaptive institutions capable of keeping pace with rapid technological changes.

Day 2: Africa’s Digital Future and Bridging the Divide

The focus shifted to Africa’s potential to harness emerging technologies, particularly AI, for development in agriculture, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Speakers raised concerns about digital inequality, especially the gender gap in internet access, as many rural women in Africa lack connectivity. The digital divide threatens to evolve into an AI divide, prompting calls for technology transfer and skill-sharing from the Global North to the South. Perspectives from Korea and other regions emphasized the need for global guidelines on AI governance and ethical internet practices, aligning internet access with sustainable development goals.

Day 3: Inspiring Innovation and Collaboration

Sahar Albazar expressed inspiration from the opening session featuring Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Technology and Communication, highlighting their visionary approach to global technology contributions and impressive advancements. In her opinion, the IGF 2024 Parliamentary Track provided an opportunity for legislators to exchange ideas on regulatory challenges, lessons learned, and private-sector collaborations. Sahar Albazar plans to bring these insights back to Egypt and urged the Youth IGF community to stay informed and leverage free online educational resources to drive innovation and growth in their respective regions.

Day 4: Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue and Global Leadership

Wouter Kobes emphasized the Dutch government’s steadfast support for the IGF’s multi-stakeholder approach and expressed hope for the extension of its mandate beyond WSIS+20. AI dominated discussions, reflecting its transformative potential and challenges. Tania-Maria Skrapaliori highlighted the EU’s leadership in promoting resilient digital environments and the growing importance of regional initiatives. Human rights concerns were also addressed, with insights on the UN Convention against Cybercrime. The forum reaffirmed the IGF’s role as a cornerstone for addressing global internet governance issues, while providing countries like Greece an opportunity to showcase their initiatives.

Conclusion: Shaping a Resilient Digital Future

IGF 2024 highlights the critical role of multi-stakeholder collaboration in tackling key challenges in internet governance, from bridging digital divides to ensuring the ethical implementation of AI. With voices from diverse regions and perspectives, the forum continues to serve as a vital platform for shaping a resilient, inclusive, and equitable digital future. However, young leaders at the forum raised an important question: how can youth engagement move beyond rhetoric to actionable participation? While there is widespread acknowledgment of the need to include youth, many feel that meaningful avenues for their involvement remain insufficient. Policymakers, tech leaders, and citizens worldwide are urged to not only stay engaged but also to work actively towards fostering impactful youth participation as the IGF drives transformative discussions in the digital age.