What 4 things does the IGF have in common with end of year festivities?

  • 18 December 2017
igf2017 netgov

For many people around the world, the end of the year is a time for sharing, caring, exchanging and looking ahead to what the future will bring. We’ve noticed that the Internet Governance Forum, taking place this year from 18-21 December at United Nations Headquarters in Geneva, has a lot in common with end of year festivities.

Can you think of four of them? We can:

1. A time to share
Participants come to the IGF knowing that hearing the views of all Internet stakeholders paints a bigger picture and leads to better understanding of the needs and ideas of the entire online community. That’s why ministers, business leaders, policymakers, educators and Internet pioneers converge at the multi-stakeholder IGF to share their experiences and perspectives on an equal footing and in an open environment…

2. …and to care
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the Internet play an underpinning role in the realization of each of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agreed to in 2015. With calls mounting to drive real action on the 17 goals, informed policy making and full understanding of the Internet ecosystem are more important than ever.

3. Exchange and retrospection
Whether representing business, governments, the technical community, academia or civil society, each participant is an equally-empowered IGF contributor. The event is not only dedicated to capacity building but is an opportunity for participants to share the knowledge they have built and to exchange best practices they have established.

4. With intentions for future improvement
The theme of IGF 2017 is Shape Your Digital Future! This is because the IGF advances Internet policy through frank discussion rather than negotiation. By contributing to discussions, participants help to inform the decisions relating to Internet policy and practice development that may come back to affect you and your business operations. That’s why your voice at IGF matters.

ICC’s Business Action to Support the Information Society (BASIS) initiative works to mobilize business participation at the IGF, organizing business briefings for all business delegates, ensuring private sector representation in main sessions and relevant workshops, and convening side meetings for business to exchange perspectives with governments or stakeholders on developments.

The IGF is a leader in ensuring inclusivity and facilitating access to discussion from your office or home. If you are not able to join us in person in Geneva for the 2017 IGF, you can access the action remotely from your home or office. Or you could join an IGF hub which allows participants to watch webcasts together and send questions to session panelists when the floor is opened to questions. Find out more here.

And don’t forget, you can also follow our activities via our dedicated social media accounts on Twitter @ICCnetgov or join the conversation using #IGF2017.