The High Level Government Meeting (HLGM), organised as part of the ICANN80 conference, brought together ministers, deputy ministers and senior officials from 81 countries in Kigali, Rwanda, on 9 June. This event was marked by the participation of the Luxembourg Department of Media, Connectivity and Digital Policy. These meetings, organised by theInternet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which is the international regulator of IP addresses and domain names, aim to foster meaningful engagement between government representatives and ICANN management.
Main Objectives and Discussions
This fifth edition of the HLGM focused on digital inclusion, especially in disadvantaged communities, and connectivity challenges in Africa. Discussions also addressed the impacts of new technologies on the Domain Name System (DNS) and ICANN’s future policies. Claudine Kariger, Senior ICT Policy Advisor of Luxembourg, stressed the importance of these exchanges to ensure a secure and inclusive internet for the future.
Context Geopolitics and Technology
The growing importance of the WSIS+20 process and the Global Digital Compact (GDC) in the current geopolitical context and advances in artificial intelligence has been recognised as requiring enhanced multilateral collaboration and dialogue. These initiatives aim to establish a framework for global internet governance that is more participatory and inclusive, involving a multitude of international actors.
Diversified Participation and Multistakeholder Model
ICANN meetings are held in different parts of the world to encourage diverse participation and facilitate access for stakeholders from all walks of life. This year, Kigali, Rwanda, was chosen to host the event. The city is recognised as a technology capital and is home to the Kigali Innovation City, an innovation hub to promote pan-African talent.
Claudine Kariger stressed that the choice of this location helps to give a stronger voice to African countries in the development of Internet connectivity. She added that ICANN meetings, based on the multistakeholder model since 1998, play a crucial role in exchanging ideas, sharing best practices and advancing policies through diverse perspectives and inclusive decision-making. For example, internationalised domain names allow users of all languages and scripts to have equal access to the internet.
Impact and Importance of ICANN80
The ICANN80 meeting thus addressed critical issues concerning Internet infrastructure and digital governance on a global scale. The event not only provided a platform for future policy development, but also strengthened collaboration between global leaders in internet governance. In conclusion, Claudine Kariger expressed her inspiration for this enriching exchange of ideas and perspectives. She stressed that such gatherings are a reminder of the importance of diverse perspectives and inclusive decision-making in shaping an Internet that benefits all.
The HLGM has therefore highlighted the need to continue promoting collaborative digital governance that includes all voices and ensures a fair and secure global connection. These efforts reflect the commitment of ICANN and its partners to build an Internet that respects the principles of openness, innovation and freedom of expression, while ensuring security and data protection for all users.