8 topics that will bring us closer to the Internet we want

Surfing the Internet for work, school or to get the latest news. Today, more and more people have access to the world wide web. How can we further improve connectivity and create an online space which empowers people? This is the mission of the  Internet Governance Forum (IGF) taking place from 8 to 12 October. Here are the 8 main topics on IGF’s agenda:

1. AI & Emerging Technologies: AI is fast-moving but we have been living with it for longer than we think

While the rise of generative AI in early 2023 was dizzying, AI has long been integral to our digital experience and is responsible for everything from sorting our inboxes to giving us shopping recommendations.

2. Avoiding Internet Fragmentation: Internet fragmentation can mean different things and have several causes

‘Internet fragmentation’ makes us think of ‘walled gardens’ and ‘firewalls’, but a wide range of political, economic, and technical factors can drive fragmentation.

3. Cybersecurity, Cybercrime & Online Safety: Cybersecurity isn’t just an issue for collective or individual security, it’s important for sustainable development

Standards that enable cybersecurity are essential for an open, secure and resilient Internet that supports sustainable development. Cybercrime affects all countries and costs are steep.

4. Data Governance & Trust: We’ve all heard of data privacy, but what about ‘data poverty’?

The populations of least developed countries often don’t have access to the data sets needed for development.

5. Digital Divides & Inclusion: There are multiple digital divides and they aren’t linked to coverage

With just 5% of the world out of reach of a mobile broadband signal, lack of connectivity is due to ‘usage’ not ‘coverage’. Digital divides along income, gender, generational and educational lines persist.

6. Global Digital Governance & Cooperation: Key opportunities are around the corner

The Secretary-General is proposing a ‘Global Digital Compact’ as part of the Summit of the Future in 2024; in 2025, governments will review the results of the UN World Summit on the Information Society.

7. Human Rights & Freedoms: Rights to education and health can be transformed by technology

The global pandemic showed that expanded resources for digital education and telehealth can help fill existing gaps. Attention is needed to ensure that human rights are respected online as well as offline.

8. Sustainability & Environment: Both risks and possible benefits for the environment and climate urgently need to be addressed

Extraction of resources critical for digitalisation is associated with about 90% of total biodiversity loss and water stress. However, advanced digital technologies have the potential for mitigating climate risk.

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is taking place from 8 to 12 October 2023 in Kyoto, Japan under the theme “The Internet We Want – Empowering All People”. The event is accessible to all onsite, online and via livestream.

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