Side Event: 2nd Small Island Developing States Internet Governance Forum

Date |Time : 29 May 2024 | 14:00 – 15:30

Venue: Room 11

Introduction 

The 2^nd Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is proposed to be a significant Special Event during the SIDS4 conference in Antigua and Barbuda. Building upon the foundational work of the inaugural SIDS IGF in 2022, this forum aims to further enhance the dialogue and cooperation among SIDS in the realm of Internet Governance (IG), Internet Policy, and the Digital Economy. By aligning with the current theme of the SIDS 4 conference, this event seeks to leverage the collective experiences and challenges of SIDS, to foster a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable digital future for all.  

Background 

The first SIDS IGF established a vital platform for SIDS across the Caribbean, Pacific, and the Africa, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, and South China Sea (AIMS) regions to engage in the global discourse on Internet Governance without the necessity of formal membership in entities such as the Dynamic Coalition on Small Island Developing States in the Internet Economy (DC-SIDS). This forum highlighted the unique challenges and opportunities facing SIDS in the digital economy, fostering a global recognition of the need for inclusive dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. It set the stage for ongoing cooperation and identified initial governance, procedural, and operational mechanisms to address critical issues effectively. 

Meeting Objectives  

• Maintain this globally visible, reputable, recognised platform and ongoing process where SIDS can be involved, collaborate, cooperate, share experiences and have their voices heard re: issues arising from and impacts on their countries by IG, Internet Policy and the Digital Economy without necessarily having to “join” an entity (e.g. the DC-SIDS)  
• Highlight and seek solutions for the critical issues affecting SIDS efforts towards a resilient prosperity. 
• Consider and Identify appropriate initial governance, procedural and operational mechanisms to effectively address and achieved resilient prosperity 
• Ensure that all stakeholders, including marginalised and remote communities, are included in the dialogue on Internet governance and digital economy, promoting equitable and inclusive growth.