Participation of our Representative, Mr. Patrick Adeyemi Ilori in the 17th Internet Governance Forum (IGF22), held Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 28 Nov.-2nd Dec.2022.

The 17th Internet Governance Forum (IGF 2022) convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 28 November to 2 December 2022, bringing together over 5,000 participants from 170 countries in a hybrid format. This landmark event marked the first IGF held in Africa since 2016, underscoring the continent’s growing role in shaping global digital policy.Internet Society+2ICC – International Chamber of Commerce+2iccuae.ae+2iccuae.ae

🌐 Theme: “Resilient Internet for a Shared, Sustainable, and Common Future”

IGF 2022 centered on five critical sub-themes:Internet Society+1Afnic+1

• Connecting All People and Safeguarding Human Rights

• Avoiding Internet Fragmentation

• Governing Data and Protecting Privacy

• Enabling Safety, Security, and Accountability

• Addressing Advanced Technologies, including AIintgovforum.org+5Internet Society+5intgovforum.org+5info.intgovforum.org+3Afnic+3Internet Society+3info.intgovforum.org+3intgovforum.org+3Afnic+3

These themes align with the UN Secretary-General’s Global Digital Compact initiative, aiming to foster an inclusive and secure digital future for all. Internet Society+2ITU+2United Nations+2

🏛️ High-Level Engagement

The forum featured participation from prominent figures, including:United Nations

• Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed

• UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua

• ECA Acting Executive Secretary Antonio Pedro

• Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen HassenallAfrica.com+4United Nations+4ICC – International Chamber of Commerce+4

Their involvement highlighted the forum’s significance in global digital discourse.

🔑 Key Outcomes

• Addis Ababa IGF Messages: A synthesis of insights from nearly 300 sessions, offering policy recommendations on digital rights, cybersecurity, and data governance. intgovforum.org

• Best Practice Forums (BPFs): Focused on Cybersecurity and Gender & Digital Rights, these forums provided actionable strategies for stakeholders.intgovforum.org

• Policy Networks: Addressed issues like Internet Fragmentation and Meaningful Access, promoting collaborative solutions.intgovforum.org+2intgovforum.org+2Internet Society+2

🌍 Africa’s Digital Agenda

IGF 2022 emphasized Africa’s digital transformation, with discussions on:intgovforum.org+3Internet Society+3ITU+3

• Affordable and meaningful connectivity

• Cybersecurity and data protection

• Digital skills and capacity building

• Infrastructure developmentallAfrica.com+1African Union+1African Union

The forum also spotlighted the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030) and the Malabo Convention, aiming to harmonize digital policies across the continent.