IGF 2023 Networking Session #65 The road not taken: what is the future of metaverse?

Time
Monday, 9th October, 2023 (00:30 UTC) - Monday, 9th October, 2023 (10:15 UTC)
Room
Room B-2

Center for Global IT Cooperation
David Otujor Okpatuma, Friends for Leadership, Intergovernmental organization, African Group Alim Khapov, Center for Global IT Cooperation, Civil Society, Eastern European Group Alena Yudina, EmTech Metaverse and Quantum Leap Strategy, Private Sector, WEOG

Speakers

Daniil Mazurin, Apollo42 (social NFT marketplace), Private Sector, Asia-Pacific Group Yuri Lindre, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Technical Community, Eastern European Group Umirbek Abdullaev, Mountain Hub, Private Sector, Asia-Pacific Group

Onsite Moderator

Alena Yudina

Online Moderator

David Otujor Okpatuma

Rapporteur

Alim Khapov

SDGs

8.5
8.6
16.6
17.17
17.6
17.7

Targets: The widespread adoption of Metaverse-enabling technologies has far-reaching implications that require the engagement of various sectors in dialogue to establish a fair and just regulatory framework (17.17). This is especially crucial for countries in the Global South, where these technologies have the potential to positively impact the lives of their populations (17.6, 17.7). Metaverse has the potential to exacerbate inequality, making it essential to establish a fair regulatory framework. What is more, integration of virtual reality and education might contribute to the reduction of the proportion of unemployed and uneducated young people (8.6) as well as ensure work opportunities for young people and persons with disabilities (8.5). However, it should be noted that sustainable development of metaverse-enabling technologies requires creation and maintenance of transparent institutions on all levels of Internet governance (16.6).

Format

Birds of a Feather

Duration (minutes)
45
Language
Russian
Description

The future of metaverses is a topic that has been generating a lot of buzz lately, especially in the context of recent news that major players like Meta, Microsoft, and Disney are reversing their bets on the metaverse development. In this networking session, we will explore the expediency of the development of metaverse-enabling technologies and discuss what is the potential future of virtual worlds. One of the key themes the attendees will focus on will be dedicated to the discussion of the reasons for recent behavior of big tech players, which are slowing down their efforts on the metaverse front. Discussion will aim to delve into the current state of metaverse development, including the technologies being used to create these immersive environments. Together with young members of the IT industry from CIS countries we will also discuss primary challenges facing the development of metaverse, such as scalability, interoperability, and regulation. Another thesis the session will try to elaborate on is that setbacks for the development of metaverse-enabling technologies by big tech present a unique opportunity for smaller independent players to step up and fill the void. Overall, this session promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of the future of metaverse. Whether you are an industry insider or simply curious about the potential of metaverse.

Session is designed to ensure the best possible experience for online and onsite participants, we will use a variety of presentation formats, such as slideshows, videos, and live demonstrations during the discussion. Moreover we plan to use complementary online tools/platforms such as virtual whiteboards to increase interaction during the session and encourage active participation from both onsite and online attendees. All of these methods, including an active role of online moderator will allow attendees to share their thoughts and ideas in real-time, regardless of their location.