The Importance of Non-Governmental Iranian Actors in the World Internet Governance Forum

Non-governmental Iranian actors must play an effective role in the World Internet Governance Forum (IGF).

According to reports from the Public Relations of the Information Technology Organization of Iran, the participation of non-governmental Iranian activists in the World Internet Governance Forum is crucial.

At a meeting titled "Experience Sharing of the 18th Annual IGF," held at the Information Technology and Communication Research Institute (Iran Telecommunication Research Center), the discussion centered on how to utilize Iran's experiences at the IGF to play an effective role in future sessions.

The meeting, attended by Dr. Khansari, Deputy Minister of Communications, members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, and the Strategic and International Affairs Advisor to the Minister of Communications, discussed the history of the IGF and the role of non-governmental actors in it.

Dr. Khansari explained that since its inception in 2005, the IGF has been designed to minimize the role of governments and emphasize the position of other stakeholders such as civil society, the private sector, and technical communities.

He added that while governments still have a role to play, they should also act as facilitators to enable private actors, universities, and non-governmental organizations to participate effectively in the World Internet Governance Forum.

Dr. Khansari also highlighted some of the topics discussed at the most recent IGF in Japan, including child online protection and the intersection of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence with ethical, legal, technological, and developmental issues.

The head of Iran's Information Technology Organization described Japan's Digital Agency as an interesting example of coordination between the government, private sector, and civil society in developing e-government and digital transformation.

Protecting children online was identified as an area where Iran shares common ground with other countries at the IGF. While there may be differences in diplomatic approaches between countries, this issue presents an opportunity for collaboration.

Other topics discussed at the IGF included cybersecurity, cybercrime, online safety, digital rights for children, and ethical and responsible aspects of artificial intelligence.

Standards, governance, regulation, legal and ethical aspects and accountability of artificial intelligence were among the interesting speeches in this conference.