IGF 2024 Open Forum #13 Processes Shaping the Future of Internet Governance

The transformative impact of the Internet that we celebrate today is based on the Internet being open, accessible, inclusive, and globally interoperable. The multistakeholder approach to Internet governance has allowed it to thrive. Open Internet standards are a great example of the benefits of diverse participation. They keep the Internet running as smoothly as we expect, especially if agreed openly and collaboratively. As Internet governance discussions continually evolve alongside geopolitical developments, more processes within the UN multilateral system have come to the fore that impact on Internet governance discussions. These include the new Global Digital Compact (GDC) as part of the UN Summit of the Future, the ITU WSIS+20 Forum High Level Event and the impending WSIS+20 review process in 2025. Outside the UN system, the announcement of the NetMundial+10 meeting is perhaps another response from the multistakeholder community to all these UN processes. This session will take stock of the outcome and/or progress of discussions at NetMundial+10, ITU WSIS+20 Forum High Level Event, and GDC, and will examine their potential impact to the future of the Internet, including how they might affect or influence the 2025 UN WSIS+20 review process. Most importantly, the session will encourage community discussions on the importance of the multistakeholder approach, and how these developments could impact the evolution of Internet governance. The session offers the opportunity to follow-up on some of the discussions from the IGF 2023 Town Hall #74 “Internet fragmentation and the UN Global Digital Compact”. Methodology/Agenda 5 mins Welcome and housekeeping by moderator 15 mins Scene setting: Outcomes of NetMundial+10, ITU WSIS+20 High Level Forum, Global Digital Compact, and ongoing WSIS+20 Review process 15 minutes Discussion of Question 1: What are the key takeaways from: • NetMundial+10, • ITU WSIS+20 Forum High Level, and • GDC 15 minutes Discussion of Question 2: What are the principles of the Internet that should be protected to avoid Internet fragmentation that need to be highlighted to policymakers? 15 minutes Discussion of Question 3: What should be key priorities for the upcoming UN WSIS+20 Review process? 15 minutes Discussion of Question 4: How can the IGF community best participate in the WSIS+20 review? 10 mins Final remarks, Moderator summarizes and wraps up

The session is designed to be interactive, enabling both onsite and remote participants to share their views equally. The online moderator will ensure that views from online are captured and voiced on the mic.