The 11th Internet Governance Forum 2016 Successfully Concludes in Mexico

The 11th Internet Governance Forum 2016 (IGF) was held from 6 to 9 of December 2016 in Zapopan, Jalisco, México. The IGF provides a main platform to discuss how internet can help to enable sustainable growth. This year, the main theme of the event was ‘Enabling Inclusive and Sustainable Growth’. During the event more than 2000 delegates from 83 countries participated in 200 sessions. The IGF meetings featured interactive dialogue and debate, and addressed a broad range of themes and issues. From Pakistan, Dr. Ismail Shah and Ahmed Shamim Pirzada also participated in the event.

The 11th Internet Governance Forum 2016 Successfully Concludes in Mexico

Day 1:

On day one, all sessions’s main focus was on Assessing the Role of Internet Governance in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs offer a broad and inclusive agenda that addresses economic, social, and also environmental challenges in both developed and developing countries. The fact of SDG is to remain vital to put people first not technology.

Day 2:

On second day, the meetings were focused on “Sustainable Development, Internet and Inclusive Growth“. This session built on the 2015 main session. That session was on Internet economy and sustainable development and promoted Internet without leaving anybody. No doubt, humans are important but the main target of this session was to empower people. Further, this can be done by changing technology. Especially stakeholders should make successful partnerships to bring effective use of internet for all.

Moreover, for the very first time, the NRIs organized a main session where IGFs individually represented their initiatives. The objective of this session was to illustrate the substantive differences that exist across countries and regions with regards to Internet governance related issues.

International cooperation and strategic partnerships cultivated through the IGF can help bridge digital divides and provide crucial new opportunities for people living in poverty

Day 3:

IGF also conducted a Main Session on Human Rights, Social and Cultural Rights on Internet on third day of the event. This session focuses on civil and political rights; economic, social and cultural rights. Further, Different topics like privacy and big data; the Internet of Things; dealing with radicalised expression; gender-based violence etc. However, Different stakeholders demonstrate that IGF is providing a main platform to discuss these broad issues.

For the first time, Internet Governance Forum 2016 arranged a session on Trade Policy and the Internet. In the session, different in trade agreements were discussed like Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), Trade in Services Agreement (TISA), Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Day 4:

On day 4th, the session arranged on “IGF Best Practice Forums (BPFs) and Policy Options for Connecting the Next Billion(s)“. This show highlighted 2016 IGF stakeholder-driven Best Practice Forums (BPFs) on IXPs, IPv6, Gender and Access, and Cybersecurity. Another session also arranged on “Taking Stock: Emerging Issues – Future of the IGF and IGF Retreat Consultation“. This session allowed all the participants to give their marks to improve the IGF services.

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