Internet Governance Forum 2024 Concludes with Urgent Call for AI Regulation and Digital Cooperation

Global Leaders Convene for Largest-Ever Internet Governance Forum

The 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) concluded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking its largest gathering to date with over 11,000 participants from 160 countries 1

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. Held from December 15-19, 2024, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, the forum brought together experts, private sector representatives, and civil society to address the transformative opportunities and risks posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies 3

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Urgent Call for AI Regulation and Digital Cooperation

The forum, themed "Building Our Multistakeholder Digital Future," emphasized the critical need for stronger multistakeholder action to harness the promise of digital technologies while tackling potential threats 1

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. Participants highlighted that while AI presents groundbreaking opportunities to address pressing global issues, it also carries the potential for harm, including increased disinformation and exacerbation of existing inequalities 2

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Key Discussions and Outcomes

Across over 300 sessions, the forum addressed several crucial digital concerns:

1. Enhancing trust in digital systems
2. Combating misinformation and disinformation
3. Leveraging digital identity for secure e-processes
4. Bridging the digital divide, with 2.7 billion people still offline 1

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The forum resulted in the adoption of the Riyadh IGF Messages, which offer insights and recommendations to guide future policymaking. These messages focus on digital governance, human rights online, digital innovation, and the contribution of digital technologies to peace, sustainability, and development 2

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Global Digital Compact and AI Governance

Speakers highlighted recent progress in digital governance, including the adoption of the Global Digital Compact and the first-ever universal agreement on AI governance by United Nations Member States 2

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. These initiatives aim to ensure responsible development and use of powerful digital tools for the benefit of all.

Saudi Arabia's Role and Digital Advancements

His Excellency Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized Saudi Arabia's commitment to facilitating internet access, harnessing technological advancements, and enhancing digital cooperation with all nations 3

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. The forum showcased Saudi Arabia's progress in e-commerce, banking, healthcare services, and government transactions, positioning the Kingdom as a leader in digital innovation and international cooperation 3

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Looking Ahead: Challenges and Future Directions

The forum acknowledged the critical juncture at which we stand in the digital age, where technology has the power to both connect and divide. Generative AI was identified as a particular challenge, enabling the creation of highly convincing false content that particularly impacts younger generations 2

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As the forum concluded, Norway was announced as the host for the 20th IGF, to be held on June 23-27, 2025 1

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. This upcoming event will mark 20 years since the inception of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), with a comprehensive review planned by the UN General Assembly to assess progress and identify ongoing challenges in the digital landscape 1

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