By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
DiploFoundation
has hosted a briefing for Geneva-based Permanent Missions on the Internet
Governance Forum (IGF), focusing on the implications of the World Summit on the
Information Society (WSIS)+20 resolution. The briefing took place with the
participation of the IGF Secretariat, which contributed to discussions aimed at
informing Permanent Missions about the Forum’s role and future direction.

The
session provided an overview of the IGF’s evolution over the past two decades
into a mature and inclusive multistakeholder platform for dialogue on internet
governance issues. Participants examined how the IGF has developed in
structure, scope and impact since its establishment.
More
than 40 representatives from across the United Nations membership attended the
briefing. Several Member States contributed to the discussion in their capacity
as former IGF host countries, including Ethiopia, Switzerland, Japan, Brazil
and Lithuania, sharing perspectives based on their hosting experiences.

Discussions
also focused on the relevance of the IGF in advancing global internet
governance objectives and its role in supporting the implementation of the
WSIS+20 resolution. Participants expressed interest in strengthening engagement
with the IGF and exploring ways to translate the outcomes of the WSIS+20
process into practical action.