The 19th session of the United Nations’ Internet Governance Forum (IGF) has opened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, underscoring the need for governance and inclusive access to digital technology. With the theme “Connecting All People: Enabling Digital Transformation,” the summit has set the stage for discussions on how to harness the potential of digital technologies while mitigating risks and ensuring equal access for underserved populations.
In his opening remarks, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the urgent need for guardrails in the digital age. He emphasized that technology must be governed collaboratively to protect citizens from its downsides while maximizing its benefits. “To unlock the potential of digital technology, we need global guardrails. This requires a collaborative approach where all voices are heard,” Guterres stated. His remarks echoed the launch of the Global Digital Compact, which aims to establish a universal agreement on international governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This initiative seeks to include all member states in a global dialogue on AI, ensuring that the development and implementation of these technologies are transparent and equitable.
Li Junhua, the Under-Secretary-General of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), highlighted the importance of digital governance in navigating the future. “It is important to ensure that digital technologies work for the people, not against the people,” Junhua noted. His statement reflects a growing consensus that digital transformation must be inclusive and responsive to the needs of all, particularly marginalized and underserved communities.
Despite the progress in digital technology, the road to bridging existing divides remains daunting. As of 2024, 2.6 billion people worldwide still lack access to the internet, according to a report by the EDISON Alliance. This lack of connectivity is not just a matter of economic disparity; it is also influenced by geographic location, age, and education level. It is estimated that it will take 134 years to close the digital divide fully a timeline that underscores the urgency of the issue. Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Technology in Saudi Arabia, emphasized that the global gender divide alone is costing humanity $7 trillion. His remarks highlighted that achieving digital inclusion is not just about access but also about ensuring equal participation in the digital economy and society.
To address these challenges, the forum explored innovative solutions such as advancements in airborne and space-borne networks. Alswaha noted, “Connecting the world from terrestrial networks is going to cost humanity half a trillion dollars…we could connect it from the skies.” This vision of a connected world via airborne networks represents a breakthrough in overcoming the limitations of physical infrastructure and bridging the digital divide more effectively.
A significant portion of the IGF summit’s discussions centered around advancing human rights through digital technologies. Ivana Bartoletti, the Global Chief Privacy and AI Governance Officer at Wipro, stressed the importance of ensuring privacy as a fundamental public good. “Privacy and innovation can go hand-in-hand, and we must consider privacy as a fundamental public good that allows anyone to be more respected in the digital space,” Bartoletti said. She also called for the inclusion of diverse perspectives in the design and governance of AI technologies, noting that existing AI models often reflect biases and fail to serve all communities equitably.
Bartoletti’s advocacy for diversity in technology development underscores the need for inclusive approaches not just in access but also in participation. “Who is designing output? You have to have diversity at the table where you audit the systems,” she added. This approach is crucial for eliminating biases and ensuring that digital technologies are designed to work for everyone, particularly vulnerable populations who are often left behind.
As the IGF summit continues its sessions, the call for governance and inclusion in digital technology remains at the forefront of the agenda. Bridging the digital divide is not just about improving access to technology but also about ensuring that technology is developed and used in ways that empower all individuals and communities. The Global Digital Compact and the discussions at the IGF Summit represent critical steps towards a digital future that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.
The road ahead is challenging, but the collective efforts of governments, businesses, civil society, and international organizations at the IGF Summit indicate a growing recognition that technology can and should be a tool for positive change. As we move forward, it is imperative to maintain a focus on governance that balances the benefits of digital transformation with the need for privacy, security, and inclusion.
The 19th IGF Summit has opened with a strong message: digital technology must be harnessed in a way that benefits everyone. Bridging the digital divide requires not just technological advancements but also comprehensive policies and governance frameworks that ensure equitable access and participation. As global discussions continue, the hope is that these initiatives will pave the way for a more inclusive digital future where no one is left behind.