Diplo and the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP) will be actively engaged at the 2022 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) which will take place on 28 November and 2 December in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Just-in-time reporting
As in previous years, the GIP Digital Watch observatory will provide just-in-time reporting from the IGF. Make sure to follow the GIP’s Twitter account and bookmark the Digital Watch space where the just-in-time reports and Daily newsletters will be announced and published.
Diplo/GIP at IGF sessions
WS #335: Fragmented reality. New horizons of digital distrust
Tuesday, 29 November | 09:00 – 10:00 local time (06:00 – 07:00 UTC)
Internet fragmentation is becoming an important issue, which can deteriorate the functioning of the web and slow down technological progress. Such fragmentation would devalue the core principles of the internet and could transform it from an open communications platform into an excessively regulated media space that serves corporate or national interests. The workshop will facilitate a discussion on how to allow the internet to develop while remaining open, free and interoperable. How fast could internet fragmentation develop in the current realities of global distrust? And where could the practices of blocking, formation of separate ecosystems lead the world? Event link on IGF website.
Participating: Jovan Kurbalija
Open Forum #4: Digital self-determination: a pillar of digital democracy
Tuesday, 29 November | 13:50 – 14:50 local time (10:50-11:50 UTC)
Data has become prevalent in most aspects of our lives, fostering innovation, better policy-making and the improvement of living standards. In Switzerland, the concept of “digital self-determination” and “trustworthy data spaces” has been put forward to advance a vision of the future that is founded on people’s autonomy and their freedom to manage the data they generate. Using this experience as a starting point for the conversation, this Open Forum aims to provide insights on legislative and regulatory activities as well as practical approaches on establishing reliable data environments while encouraging ethical innovation. Event link on the IGF website.
Participating: Marilia Maciel
WS #66: Reassessing government role in IG: How to embrace Leviathan
Tuesday, 29 November | 16:15 – 17:15 local time ( 13:15 – 14:15 UTC)
The workshop will explore the following key questions: What are/should be the responsibilities of governments concerning internet governance and respect for human rights, and what is needed for them to fulfill these in an efficient and effective manner? What are the evidence-based solutions available for the governments to achieve the goals? How can governments make use of digital technologies to promote more equitable and peaceful societies that are inclusive, resilient, and sustainable? How can we make sure that the governments help avoid digital technologies being developed and used for harmful purposes? What values and norms should guide the development and use of technologies to enable this? Event link on the IGF website.
Participating: Jovan Kurbalija
Parliamentary session 3: Unpacking UN process
Thursday, 1 December | 09:30 – 11:00 local time (06:30 – 08:00 UTC)
Part of the IGF parliamentary track, the session will explore UN processes related to cybersecurity and cybercrime. It will start with an overview of the current international framework of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace, as shaped by the Group of Governmental Experts and the Open-Ended Working Group – what it brings and what direct implications it has for the work of parliaments. Also to be covered: the work of the Ad Hoc Committee on cybercrime; other intergovernmental processes that tackle cybersecurity issues; and the role of parliaments in strengthening the engagement of national actors in these processes. Event link on the IGF website.
Participating: Vladimir Radunovic, Sorina Teleanu
WS #401: Strengthening African voices in global digital policy (hosted by Diplo)
Thursday, 1 December | 13:45 – 15:15 local time (10:45 – 12:45 UTC)
Africa needs stronger voices in global digital governance. The session will look into how to strengthen African digital voices globally, by leveraging what already exists, while developing digital foreign policies for countries, regions, and the overall continent. It will start by exploring the digital policy priorities of African countries and their involvement in global digital governance processes. In doing so, the session will build on in-depth study titled ‘Stronger digital voices from Africa’, recently published. After looking at the current situation, the panel discussion will provide practical insights and suggestions on why and how to broaden African digital diplomacy footprint in international processes. Event link on IGF website.
Participating: Jovan Kurbalija, Mwende Njiraini
WS #393: Protect the digital rights and data security for the elderly
Friday, 2 December | 09:30 – 11:00 local time (06:30 – 08:00 UTC)
Taking the main background of digital civilisation development into consideration, this workshop will discuss the protection of digital rights and data security for vulnerable groups, especially the elderly. Issues and topics to be discussed include the current situation and problems of vulnerable groups represented by the elderly in the global digital field of data security and personal information protection; the experience and cases of various countries in providing data security and personal information protection services for the elderly; data protection measures and policy systems formulated by countries for the elderly; how to improve the digital literacy and digital risk prevention awareness of the elderly; and the products, tools and services provided by digital enterprises for the elderly to use digital services and ensure safety. Event link on the IGF website.
Participating: Jovan Kurbalija
Diplo/GIP booth in the IGF village
If you are attending the IGF in Addis, make sure to drop by our DiploFoundation and GIP booth.
If you’re joining the meeting online, check out our space in the virtual village.
