Latest news with #IGF
See - Sada Elbalad
03-07-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Senior Egyptian Judge Highlights the Role of the Judiciary in UN Forum
Nada Mustafa Justice Adel Maged, Vice President of the Criminal Chamber at Egypt's Court of Cassation, made a remarkable contribution to the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF 2025), held in the Kingdom of Norway from 23 to 27 June. His intervention marked a pivotal moment for the inclusion of judicial perspectives in the global dialogue on digital governance and artificial intelligence. The IGF, established by a resolution of the UN General Assembly in 2006, serves as a multistakeholder platform for dialogue on internet policy, digital rights, and emerging technologies. Over the past two decades, it has evolved into the leading global forum for addressing critical issues at the intersection of technology, development, and human rights. The 2025 edition—attended by representatives from 165 countries, including over 3,300 in-person participants and 9,000 virtual attendees—was a milestone in promoting inclusive, rights-based governance of digital technologies. Justice Maged took part in a high-level session titled 'Can AI Replace the Human Element in Court?', where he firmly emphasized that the use of artificial intelligence in justice systems must be ethically guided and legally constrained. He warned that AI must never supplant judicial conscience or compromise the core principles of justice—namely fairness, impartiality, and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. In his remarks, Justice Maged presented a compelling perspective that bridged judicial tradition with the rapidly evolving digital landscape. He cautioned against over-reliance on algorithmic decision-making and stressed that AI should be deployed in ways that uphold human dignity, procedural safeguards, and the rule of law. His central message was clear: technological progress must serve justice, not undermine it. Following his widely praised participation in the thematic session, Justice Maged was invited by the IGF Secretariat to deliver a statement at the Closing Ceremony of the Forum. His address not only reaffirmed the need to include judicial voices in digital policy-making but also served as a catalyst for the formal adoption of a Judiciary Track in future IGF agendas. In his closing remarks, Justice Maged expressed his sincere gratitude to the colleagues at the IGF Secretariat who facilitated his participation in this distinguished international forum—particularly in the Judiciary Engagement session—and commended their foresight in ensuring that the justice dimension was meaningfully reflected in the Closing Ceremony. Their support was instrumental in elevating the role of the judiciary within the Forum's broader mission. Justice Maged called for expanding the judiciary's role from a peripheral consideration to a core pillar of IGF deliberations. He emphasized that a judiciary that is informed, empowered, and actively engaged is essential to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the ethical use of technology in society. He also linked this vision to Egypt's national initiative launched by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in September 2024, 'A New Beginning for Building the Egyptian Human,' underscoring the importance of public awareness and legal consciousness in the age of artificial intelligence. Justice Maged's speech resonated broadly across national and international audiences. The Egyptian diplomatic delegation in Norway, led by Ambassador Dr. Gamal Metwally, praised the international recognition that Egypt received through this high-level engagement. The Closing Session featured a distinguished panel of global leaders, including: • Ms. Maria Ressa, IGF Leadership Panel Vice Chair and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. • Baroness Maggie Jones, UK Minister for the Future Digital Economy and Online Safety. • Mr. Dhruv Dhody, Member of the Internet Architecture Board (IAB) and Principal Engineer at Huawei. • Ms. Jacqueline Jijide, Youth representative from Malawi and Digital Inclusion Practitioner. • Mr. Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman of the Telecom Authority of India (TRAI). • Mr. Åsmund Aukrust, Norway's Minister of International Development. • Mr. Li Junhua, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. • Ms. Natalie Becker Aakervik, digital governance expert, served as session moderator. Each speaker reflected on the Forum's achievements and emphasized the importance of international cooperation, equitable digital transformation, and the safeguarding of democratic values in online spaces. Justice Maged's contribution stood out by championing the judiciary as a vital guardian of rights in the algorithmic age and by proposing the institutionalization of a permanent Judiciary Track in IGF deliberations. The adoption of the Judiciary Track marks a turning point in the evolution of the IGF. It reinforces the centrality of the rule of law in digital governance and ensures that legal institutions will play an increasingly prominent role in future international processes, including the upcoming WSIS+20 Review. The WSIS+20 Review refers to the 20-year evaluation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), a global initiative launched by the United Nations to harness the potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for development. The IGF 2025 itself was a landmark edition, convening more than 12,000 participants from 165 countries—onsite and online—to tackle urgent issues such as the ethical use of AI, digital inclusion, online safety, misinformation, and cross-border data governance. One of its most significant outcomes was the growing consensus on embedding human rights, the rule of law, and judicial engagement into global digital policymaking, culminating in the formal recognition of the Judiciary Track as a foundational element of future IGF editions. The Forum concluded with a strong call for international cooperation and digital solidarity to ensure that technological advancement promotes justice, equality, and sustainable development for all. A significant part of Egypt's accomplishments at IGF 2025 can be credited to the vision, dedication, and impactful international engagement of Justice Adel Maged. His distinguished career bridges both national and international spheres, combining judicial leadership, academic excellence, and principled advocacy. As a jurist, educator, and global voice for justice, his contribution to IGF 2025 marks a defining moment in integrating judicial perspectives into the rapidly evolving field of international digital policy. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
IOL News
03-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Why South Africa needs an urgent ICT policy reform to leapfrog into global digital leadership
South Africa's digital future depends on how quickly and boldly we reform our ICT policy landscape, says the author. Having recently participated in the Global Internet Governance Forum (IGF), I left with one burning realisation: South Africa's digital future depends on how quickly and boldly we reform our ICT policy landscape. The IGF discussions revealed a sobering geopolitical reality: ICT infrastructure is no longer just about connectivity or convenience; it has become a strategic asset, a tool of control, and, in many ways, a modern currency in the global power play. Subsea cables, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks, radio frequency spectrum, and hyperscale data centres are now at the heart of geopolitical influence. The Global North is rapidly consolidating control over these digital arteries, ensuring that data traffic, internet governance decisions, and emerging technologies remain within their sphere of influence. Sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa, is heavily dependent on foreign-owned undersea cables and satellite services. Over 80% of South Africa's internet traffic is still routed internationally. Global content companies and Big Tech are increasingly dominating African digital spaces, often without contributing adequately to local economies. Without intentional ICT policy reform, South Africa risks remaining a digital consumer in a world where ownership equals power. South Africa's ICT history is complex. Under apartheid, ICT infrastructure was an exclusive domain, designed to serve a minority and reinforce state surveillance. Post-1994, South Africa made significant strides: • The Electronic Communications Act, • The Broadband Policy (SA Connect), • The establishment of regulatory bodies like Icasa and ZADNA. These were critical steps towards inclusivity and access. However, ICT policy in South Africa has not evolved at the pace required by technological advancements. Globally, ICT policy cycles average five years or less. In contrast, several key South African ICT laws remain over 15 years old. To illustrate this: South Africa has had more than 11 different ICT ministers since 1994, each introducing policy directions with limited continuity. This leadership churn, coupled with slow regulatory updates, has undermined investor confidence and delayed critical infrastructure investments. Technology is moving at a speed that no static policy can match. Consider developments like: • 6G spectrum planning (IMT-2030), • Artificial Intelligence governance models, • Quantum computing frameworks, • Satellite mega-constellations. These emerging areas require dynamic, agile and future-proof legislation. The longer we delay, the wider the gap becomes between South Africa and global digital leaders. Investor confidence is built on policy certainty. Currently, South Africa's unpredictable policy environment is a deterrent for both local entrepreneurs and global technology investors. For South Africa to attract data centre investment, subsea cable landing stations, and satellite gateways, we need a clear, stable, and forward-looking ICT policy framework. Equally critical is data sovereignty. With most government data currently stored in foreign-owned infrastructure, South Africa must prioritise the development of local, black-owned data centres, especially those hosting sensitive public sector data. This is not just a cybersecurity concern; it's a sovereignty issue. South Africa's ICT policy reform must focus on several strategic areas: • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Ethical use, innovation governance, and positioning South Africa for AI competitiveness. • AI Data Centres: Ownership models that ensure local control over high-density computing infrastructure and government datasets. • Next-Generation Connectivity (6G/IMT-2030): Preparing for spectrum allocation and next-generation mobile broadband services. • Optical and Non-Terrestrial Networks: Expanding fibre infrastructure and integrating satellite systems (LEO, MEO, GEO) for national coverage. • Subsea Infrastructure: Strengthening and diversifying ownership of subsea cable landing stations and promoting local investment. • Data Sovereignty: Developing legislation that mandates local data storage for public and sensitive private sector data. • Cybersecurity: Establishing robust national frameworks to address both global and domestic cyber threats.• Child Protection and Online Safety: Addressing emerging online harms and developing national frameworks for digital child protection. • Digital Diplomacy and Geopolitics: Preparing South Africa's position on space governance, suborbital policies, and international digital negotiations.• Content Platforms and Broadcasting: Addressing the impact of new media platforms on local content industries and ensuring protection of South African content. The South African Internet Governance Forum (ZAIGF), in partnership with the Department of Communications and ZADNA, has already demonstrated the capacity to convene multistakeholder dialogues that reflect the voices of government, business, academia, and civil society. However, South Africa must now institutionalise the IGF outcomes into formal policy processes. Annual ZAIGF recommendations should feed directly into national policy development frameworks, especially given the fast-changing global internet governance landscape. Furthermore, South Africa must closely monitor, implement and align with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) resolutions and World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) outcomes to remain globally competitive and future-ready. We stand at a pivotal moment. The global digital divide is widening. With bold, inclusive, and visionary policy reform, South Africa can not only catch up but leapfrog into a position of global digital leadership. This is not just a policy exercise; it is a national development imperative.
Scoop
28-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Global Digital Cooperation In Focus As 20th Internet Governance Forum Concludes In Norway
Lillestrøm, Norway, 27 June 2025 — The 20th annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF) concluded today in Lillestrøm, Norway, celebrating two decades of advancing open, inclusive, and secure digital development. Hosted by the Government of Norway in collaboration with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), this milestone gathering brought together more than 9,000 participants onsite and online from across the globe, including policymakers, civil society leaders, academics, youth, and the private sector. In his opening remarks earlier in the week, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres reflected on the significance of the occasion, noting: 'Two decades ago, digital cooperation was a bold aspiration. Today, it is an absolute necessity – and a shared responsibility.' He also highlighted the recent adoption of the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact, which recognized the Internet Governance Forum as the primary multistakeholder platform for digital governance issues. This year's IGF welcomed high-level participation from governments, especially from Africa and the Global South, alongside representatives from leading technology companies including Meta, OpenAI, and TikTok. Actor and producer Joseph Gordon-Levitt also took part, engaging in discussions that explored the creative and ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence. Through its inclusive multistakeholder format, the IGF provided a trusted platform for open dialogue and cooperation on the world's most pressing digital issues. In his closing statement, Li Junhua, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, emphasized that as we look toward the General Assembly's review of the IGF mandate this December, 'We have a critical opportunity to reaffirm and re-energize the IGF's role as the global home for inclusive dialogue and digital policies.' He further underscored that 'ensuring safe and secure deployment of digital technologies is a shared responsibility—and a critical priority—for the global multistakeholder community. We must deliver it.' Held under the overarching theme 'Building Digital Governance Together,' the Forum featured more than 260 sessions over five days. Discussions covered critical areas such as data governance, emerging technologies, cybersecurity, universal connectivity, digital rights, and the future of global digital cooperation. Karianne Tung, Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance of Norway, remarked in her closing statement, 'We are proud that this year's Internet Governance Forum, hosted in Norway, has laid a strong foundation for the forthcoming WSIS+20 process. A continued, permanent, and strengthened IGF mandate will be vital in shaping the future of global digital governance. I extend my sincere gratitude to all stakeholders who engaged in vibrant, thoughtful discussions here in Norway, and who played a key role in the success of IGF 2025.' A key outcome of the Forum was the Lillestrøm IGF Messages, which reflect shared priorities and recommendations from IGF participants. These Messages offer actionable guidance for policymakers, focusing on digital governance, human rights online, the opportunities and risks of digital innovation, and the role of digital technologies in advancing peace, sustainability, and development. Throughout the week, participants underscored the urgent need to address rising challenges in the digital landscape. Concerns were raised about the erosion of digital trust, driven by the rapid spread of misinformation, disinformation, and malicious content. The emergence of generative AI has made it easier to produce convincing yet false content, exacerbating the risks—particularly for young people who increasingly rely on digital platforms for information and interaction. About the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) The Internet Governance Forum, convened by the United Nations Secretary-General, is the global multistakeholder platform for dialogue on digital public policy. Its annual meeting brings together thousands of participants from governments, civil society, business, academia, and the technical community to exchange knowledge, share good practices, and collaborate on solutions to the world's most pressing digital governance challenges. For more information, visit:
Express Tribune
27-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PTA chief, envoy discuss digital cooperation
Listen to article Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (R) Hafeezur Rehman, held a high-level meeting with Pakistan's Ambassador to Norway, Saadia Altaf Qazi, during his official visit to Norway to represent Pakistan at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2025. According to an official statement released by PTA on Thursday, the meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the digital sector and identifying strategic opportunities to strengthen Pakistan's digital footprint on the global stage. During the meeting, the PTA chairman briefed the ambassador on the country's evolving digital regulatory landscape. He highlighted PTA's strategic priorities, including expanding digital inclusion, improving broadband penetration, and bolstering cybersecurity, all in line with international best practices. The statement noted that Ambassador Qazi appreciated PTA's proactive efforts in driving an inclusive and secure digital transformation. She assured the PTA chairman of her full support in promoting international collaborations that align with Pakistan's vision of a connected and empowered nation.
New Indian Express
24-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
'Another blow to Indian diplomacy': Congress flays Centre amid ASEAN 'displeasure' over Goyal's remarks
NEW DELHI: The Congress on Tuesday slammed the government over the reported displeasure expressed by the ASEAN co-chair for the review of India FTA following Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's 'B-Team of China' remark, and said it was "another blow" to Indian diplomacy. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh shared on X a media report which claimed that the ASEAN co-chair for the review of India FTA has expressed displeasure over Goyal's recent remarks, describing several countries in the region as a "B team of China." In his post on X, Ramesh said, "India has very close civilizational, cultural, economic, and political ties with the 10-nation ASEAN Group--Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. ASEAN, that came into being almost six decades back, has a combined GDP just slightly lower than that of India." The Union Commerce and Industry Minister dismisses them as the "B team of China", he said. "ASEAN now ticks him off. Indian diplomacy suffers yet another blow. This was needless," Ramesh added. Last week, speaking at the India Global Forum (IGF) session on UK-India Science, Technology and Innovation Collaboration at the Science Museum in London, Goyal had said, "There was a point of time 15 years ago when we were more focused on doing FTAs with countries who were our competitors. So if I am doing an ASEAN agreement, it really is silly because (that is) opening up my market to my competitors, many of whom have now become the B team of China." The Congress had slammed Goyal for his remarks against the India-ASEAN trade agreements, saying labelling these countries as "B team of China" is "irresponsible and insulting." In a statement, Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma had said Goyal's statement "belittling India ASEAN Trade Agreements is unwarranted, ill advised and unfortunate."
