Ethiopia says ready to make upcoming 17th Internet Governance Forum successful

Addis Ababa, July 8, 2022 (FBC) – The Internet Governance Forum (IGF2022) Second Open Consultations and Multi stakeholder Advisory Group /MAG/ meeting is being held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 06-08 July 2022 in a hybrid format.

During the meeting, Huria Ali, State Minister of Innovation and Technology, assured the international community of Ethiopia`s readiness and commitment to make the 17th upcoming Internet Governance Forum /IGF/ 2022, which will be held from 28 November to 2 December 2022, in Addis Ababa.

Huria briefed the participants about the preparations undertaken so far by the government, pointing out that a national IGF coordinating committee led by the Minister of Innovation and Technology and a Steering Committee led by the State Minister were established, among others.

A website dedicated to the forum is developed and all stakeholders like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ethiopian airlines, and the Ministry of Education are engaged, she said.

Regarding outreach efforts, invitations have already been sent to the Member states, observers, and all participants, she added.

The state minister underscored the importance of organizing such a series of consultations and meetings until the end of the forum to make IGF more impactful and successful and reassured Ethiopia’s continued support of these meetings.

Ambassador Zenebe Kebede, on his part, appreciated the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs /UN-DESA/ and the IGF Secretariat, who selected Ethiopia to host the 17th IGF-2022 forum in Addis Ababa.

Ambassador Zenebe also briefed the audiences about the safety rules, the experiences Ethiopia has developed so far and the experiences of the successful conclusions of forums and conferences undertaken in 2022, including the March 2022 Africa Union Heads of State and Government Summit.

The participants, on their part, appreciated the preparatory work and progress made by the Government of Ethiopia and the vibrant working relationship with the Ministry and all stakeholders concerned.

They also expressed their excitement to see the forum again in Africa after 13 years as the fourth annual IGF Meeting was held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt on 15-18 November 2009.

The Internet Governance Forum / IGF/ facilitates a common understanding of how to maximize Internet opportunities and address risks and challenges. The first Inaugural Meeting of the IGF took place in Athens, Greece, from 30 October – 2 November.