A high-level U.S. delegation will participate in the 19th annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF), hosted by the United Nations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 15-19, 2024. The delegation includes Jennifer Bachus, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy; Allison Peters, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor; and Jaisha Wray, Assistant Administrator for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
Advancing Multi-Stakeholder Internet Governance
The United States remains a strong advocate for a multi-stakeholder approach to Internet governance, which emphasizes collaboration among governments, private sector actors, civil society, and technical experts. The delegation’s mission underscores U.S. priorities for fostering global digital connectivity, interoperability, and inclusivity while safeguarding human rights both online and offline.
The IGF, recognized as the leading global platform for dialogue on Internet-related public policy, provides an opportunity for diverse stakeholders to discuss critical issues such as technology governance, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, and multilingualism.
U.S. Priorities at the IGF
This year, the U.S. delegation will focus on advancing rights-respecting approaches to technology governance and digital policy, with particular emphasis on:
- Human Rights Advocacy: Promoting freedom of expression and protecting individuals from prosecution, surveillance, and censorship in alignment with international law.
- Cybersecurity: Countering ransomware and other digital threats to enhance global online safety.
- Digital Equity: Encouraging solidarity and inclusivity to bridge digital divides and support multilingual Internet access.
- Child Online Safety: Advocating for robust measures to ensure the safety and well-being of children in the digital space.
A Platform for Global Dialogue
The U.S. delegation views this year’s IGF as an essential platform to listen to the perspectives of diverse stakeholders from around the world and to collaborate on addressing pressing digital policy challenges. The forum will also serve as an opportunity to reaffirm U.S. commitments to fostering a free, open, secure, and rights-respecting Internet.
The IGF, established in 2006, continues to be a cornerstone of global efforts to shape the future of the Internet in ways that uphold democratic values and the principles of inclusivity and accountability.