The 19th edition of the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is underway at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. Organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Digital Government Authority (DGA), the forum runs until December 19, with over 10,000 participants from 160 countries. It features more than 1,000 international speakers across 300 specialized sessions, workshops, and interactive discussions.
This year’s IGF is centered on the theme “Building Our Multistakeholder Digital Future,” aimed at driving digital transformation and fostering innovation. The event is structured around four key streams: harnessing innovation while balancing digital risks; enhancing the digital contribution to peace, development, and sustainability; advancing human rights and inclusion in the digital age; and improving digital governance for a future-driven internet.
Saudi Arabia’s role as the host nation highlights its leadership as a regional and global hub for digital innovation and advanced technology. The forum underscores the Kingdom’s significant strides in digital transformation and aligns with its Vision 2030 initiative to build a thriving and inclusive digital economy. The event also reaffirms Saudi Arabia’s commitment to bridging the global digital divide and supporting the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.
The IGF has attracted key international leaders and experts, who are actively contributing to discussions on critical digital challenges and exploring transformative applications of digital innovations. Key sessions have focused on the adoption of digital technologies, global access facilitation, and addressing challenges and opportunities within the digital space.
The forum offers a valuable platform for global experts to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and build strategic partnerships to advance the communications and information technology sector. It aims to maximize the benefits of digitalization and ensure the internet serves as a catalyst for positive global change.
About the Internet Governance Forum (IGF):
The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is an international platform hosted annually by a member state of the United Nations. It brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society, to discuss policies surrounding internet governance. For more information, visit: IGF.
About the Digital Government Authority (DGA):
The Digital Government Authority (DGA) is a Saudi government entity established by a Council of Ministers decision on March 9, 2021. It is responsible for all aspects of digital government in Saudi Arabia, focusing on developing the digital infrastructure of government agencies, enhancing the efficiency of digital portals, and regulating digital government operations in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. For more information, visit: DGA.
