IGF 2024 Open Forum #12 Ensuring an Inclusive and Rights-Respecting Digital Future

With a number of key multilateral processes underway that have a potential of changing the Internet governance landscape, notably the UN Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact (GDC), this session will provide a platform for the various stakeholders in this space, including governments, civil society, the private sector, academia, the technical community, and relevant UN bodies, to discuss strategies for upholding the multistakeholder model of Internet governance. With the WSIS+20 Review coming up in 2025, participants will explore the path forward in implementing the Pact and GDC through the process for a rights-respecting and inclusive digital future. Relatedly, the session will also aim to provide an opportunity for relevant stakeholders to discuss the future of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in light of its mandate review in 2025. Stakeholders will examine ways to ensure the IGF’s role as a key platform for multistakeholder policy dialogue on Internet governance and for the promotion of an inclusive, open, safe and secure digital space, outlined in the Tunis Agenda, is reaffirmed and strengthened, as well as discuss how the IGF can advance the commitments outlined in the GDC.

1) On-site support staff and online moderators will ensure that there is a seamless level of interaction between panelists present at the venue and those participating through a virtual meeting platform. Attendees both in-person and online will also be invited to ask questions through the available platforms. Ample time will be carved out for engagement from audience members. 2) We will aim to set rules of engagement for all attendees (inform them about the different ways they can interact during the event with the speakers and fellow participants, both online and offline, let online attendees know how they should use the chat feature, help them understand when to stay muted/unmuted, advise all participants on how and when they should ask questions, tell them who to contact in case any technical or practical issues arise). We would also assign designated online and on-site moderators, and prepare compelling content and structure of the agenda while being wary of meeting length. 3) We have not had any complementary tools or platforms planned at this time (subject to change).