More than 8,000 participants from across the globe are set to converge at the 18th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Kyoto, Japan, from October 8th to 12th, 2023.
This landmark event, convened under the theme “The Internet We Want – Empowering All People,” aims to address the pressing challenges and opportunities that the rapidly evolving digital landscape presents.
🗓️T-3 Days to #IGF2023! @intgovforum is ready and waiting for you at the beautiful International Conference Center in 🇯🇵Kyoto
Badging is open! If you’ve registered, you can pick up your badges at the hours posted here: https://t.co/nGWiRZFOdv#InternetWeWant pic.twitter.com/pPKxM5j6k0
— IGF – Internet Governance Forum (@intgovforum) October 5, 2023
The forum will explore critical issues such as how to manage the exponential growth of AI applications and establish essential guardrails. Discussions will also revolve around the responsible use of data in this new digital era and how to harness the immense potential of technology for the betterment of society and the planet.
One of the central concerns of the IGF is the digital divide, with 2.6 billion people worldwide still lacking internet access, primarily in the Global South and vulnerable communities. The forum emphasizes that digitalization impacts all of society, including those who are connected and those who are not.
The 18th IGF plays a pivotal role in the development of a new ‘Global Digital Compact,’ which will be introduced at the UN’s Summit of the Future in 2024. It also contributes to the review of the World Summit on the Information Society by the General Assembly in 2025 (WSIS+20).
Additionally, the IGF aligns with the renewed commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, emphasizing the importance of leveraging digital solutions for climate action, health, education, and other critical areas.
The forum’s agenda includes various sessions, such as a Parliamentary Track, a Youth Track, and high-level discussions. These high-level sessions will explore topics like “Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT),” “Evolving Trends in Mis- & Dis-Information,” “Looking ahead to WSIS+20: Accelerating the Multi-stakeholder Process,” and “Access & Innovation for Revitalizing the SDGs.”
The 18th IGF is hosted by the Government of Japan at the Kyoto International Conference Centre and will be held in a hybrid format, allowing both physical and virtual participation. This event serves as a critical platform for global stakeholders to come together, deliberate, and chart a course toward a safe, open, and reliable internet that empowers people worldwide.
