The 17th Internet Governance Forum being held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia until Dec. 2 will highlight the importance of digital technology in both developing and least-developed countries where connectivity remains elusive while also addressing risks and challenges.
“With the right policies in place, digital technology can give an unprecedented boost to sustainable development, particularly for the poorest countries,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement.
“This calls for more connectivity; and less digital fragmentation. More bridges across digital divides; and fewer barriers. Greater autonomy for ordinary people; less abuse and disinformation,” he added.
With the theme “Resilient Internet for a Shared Sustainable and Common Future”, the forum calls for “collective actions and a shared responsibility to connect all people and safeguard human rights; avoid Internet fragmentation; govern data and protect privacy; enable safety, security, and accountability; and address advanced digital technologies.”
For the first time in 11 years, the said forum is back in Africa to focus on the region’s lack of access, affordability, and skills training on the internet.
The UN noted that Africa’s burgeoning youth population holds the key to transforming the region’s digital future, saying “there is immense potential in empowering youth to thrive in a digital economy and leapfrogging technologies.” The forum also aims to address digital divides or “digital poverty” happening around the world.
The UN cited that more men use the Internet, with 62 percent, compared with 57 percent of women globally.
Rates of Internet use are also higher for those with more education, it noted.
The increase in Internet use also causes the rampant spread of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech, the regular occurrence of data breaches, and an increase in cybercrimes.
According to Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition, a total of 182 Internet shutdowns in 34 countries in 2021 have been recorded, which is an increase from 159 shutdowns recorded in 29 countries in 2020.
The forum will also address the development of a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive digital infrastructure, particularly the use of advanced digital technologies such as AI and its consequent risks, ensuring that new innovations are developed and deployed in a human-centric manner.
“The Internet is the platform that will accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our collective task here in Addis Ababa is to unleash the power and potential of a resilient Internet for our shared sustainable and common future,” said Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.
The Internet Governance Forum, which will hold more than 300 sessions, will serve as a driving force for multi-stakeholder dialogue, cooperation, and partnerships among governments, the private sector, the technical community, civil society, and international organizations in sharing best practices and experiences that will help shape national and global policies on the Internet.