More than 8,000 participants from around the world will converge in Kyoto, Japan, from October 8th to 12th, 2023 for the 18th Internet Governance Forum (IGF), to find ways to bridge the digital divide affecting over 2.6 billion people globally.
In Nigeria, 98.63 million people representing about 44.6 per cent of the population, did not use the internet at the start of 2023, according to a report.
Statistics show that the digital divide disproportionately affects women and girls with low income, low literacy, those with disabilities, those living in remote or rural areas, internally displaced people, younger adolescent girls and older women.
This year’s event themed “The Internet We Want – Empowering All People,” sets out to tackle the urgent challenges and prospects presented by the rapidly advancing digital landscape, such as the management of AI applications and establishment of guidelines.
Deliberations will also circle around the responsible use of data and how to channel the immense potential of technology for societal and environmental enhancement.
A central concern of the IGF lies in the digital divide, affecting 2.6 billion people globally who still lack internet access, predominantly in the Global South and vulnerable communities.
The IGF aligns with the renewed commitment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, as it emphasizes the critical role of harnessing digital solutions for climate action, health, education, and other vital domains.
The forum’s agenda is rich and diverse, featuring sessions such as a Parliamentary Track, a Youth Track, and high-level discussions.
These high-level sessions will delve into topics like “Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT),” “Evolving Trends in Mis- & Dis-Information,” “Looking ahead to WSIS+20: Accelerating the Multi-stakeholder Process,” and “Access & Innovation for Revitalizing the SDGs.”
Hosted by the Government of Japan at the Kyoto International Conference Centre, the 18th IGF will adopt a hybrid format, facilitating both physical and virtual participation.
The even will also play a key role in shaping a new ‘Global Digital Compact,’ slated for introduction at the UN’s Summit of the Future in 2024, and contribute to the review of the World Summit on the Information Society by the General Assembly in 2025 (WSIS+20).
Global stakeholders are expected to use the platform to unite, deliberate, and collectively chart a course towards a secure, open, and dependable internet that empowers people across the globe.