My Reflections 18th Global Internet Governance Forum #Kyoto2023.

The recently concluded Global Internet Governance Forum in Kyoto, Japan from 8th to 12th October2023, in my mind achieved all what the theme was about “The Internet We Want - Empowering All People''.? From the Leadership panel lead by Vint Cerf high level panel discussion ?to the numerous plus 300 sessions it was very obvious that Internet Governance as it has evolved since the first one held in Athens in 2006 has a place in each country of the global.

Despite the fact the forum is not a decision-making body, and within the global south particularly my beloved continent of Africa having only two state ministers present in Kyoto, ?it was obvious that the ideals of multi stakeholder engagement in terms of Internet Governance is still the best approach where each stakeholder has equity in the global discussions around the internet.?

Above all despite the discussions around very emerging issues especially ?Artificial Intelligence been very dominant ??from ?numerous sessions to side talks the relevance of ?this 18th Internet Governance forum still covered all ?the core areas of classifications ?of Internet Governance namely; ?Infrastructure and Standardisation Basket, Legal Basket, Economic Basket, Socio-Cultural Basket, and Development Basket.

State actors most ensure in areas marginalized in the globe to get the unconnected connected when this happens based on meaningful connectivity there is no doubt a lot will be achieved in building a true global digital village where no matter your status you can benefit from digital solutions wherever you are in the globe.

In my view the global digital compact has a home within the Internet Governance forum, a home using a bottom top approach where the National and Regional Initiatives (NRIs) based on a multi stakeholder approach bring issues pertinent to the Global Digital Compact to the forefront of topics that will finally get addressed at the global Internet Governance yearly from National to Regional then Global.

Japan was ?a wonderful host, from organisation to rooms provided for ?sessions and other unplanned meetings technical support, time keeping etc, the host Japan where? spot one in making it a truly global IGF to remember. Other would-be global host have to take the Japanese approach to organizing an inclusive event from ushering services, to medical to support services etc, it was a well noteworthy event for all in my view onsite and virtually.

?It was very encouraging to see Prime Minister Fumio ?Kishida of Japan not only give an opening statement but staying for a session.? Notably Prime Minister Kishida in his opening statement, “ mentioned holding a video conference call with Group of Seven leaders this autumn to formulate international guidelines and a code of conduct for developers of artificial intelligence (AI) tools.”? That statement by the prime minister in my view showed ?why AI was basically at the centre of discussions at this 18th global Internet Governance forum based on global concerns from all stakeholders. Yes, AI ?seems the buzz word globally in technology today.? However, the truth remains majority of the global south countries just want their citizens to get meaningful connectivity that is that too much to ask our leaders and partners to try to achieve as we count down to the renewal of the IGF mandate in 2025 hopefully.

Despite our views on very topical issues during 18th ?Internet Governance forum, Internet Governance has ?become a yearly ?forum to discuss exactly how we want the internet to be. We must not allow the multistakeholder approach to lose its value despite divergent views its always a watershed moment to hear from all actors how they perceive “Public Policy Issues” pertinent to the Internet.? For the +8000 registered attendance in person and virtual at this year’s 18th Global Internet Governance Forum, the work continues from our national levels, we should not wait to another forum let the discuss continue within our national levels, above all our passion and commitment despite the fact we might disagree to agree on our approaches we ?should build on the multistakeholder approach within this space the global internet governance forum has provided for us. Kyoto was brilliant, but I will end this write up ?with the three key questions raised during the opening statement for this year’s 18th Global Internet Governance Forum ?by Li Junhua , The United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs which are:-

First, has the IGF delivered on its mandate and purpose? ?

Second, how can the Internet better support and accelerate the achievement of the SDGs??

Third, how can the IGF –best support both the preparation of and follow-up to the Global Digital Compact and the Summit of the Future??

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How we answer these three questions raised by Li Junhua as we reflect on the 18th IGF in Kyoto gives a true picture of the how we see the IGF moving forward. For ?me its relevance remains the same since the IGF got its ?mandate eighteen years ago in 2005 through the World Summit on Information Society, we build on.,

#IGF2023 ?#TheIGFWeWant campaign

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