My Unforgettable IGF 2023 Experience: Exploring Internet and Takeaways

Thursday 14 December 2023
HongTholly Sonit
4 Minutes Read

Embarking on an incredible journey to the Internet Governance Forum 2023, hosted by the United Nations in Kyoto, Japan, was a dream come true. In this blog post, I will share my highlights from the event, shed light on key discussions, and discuss the impacts it had on me moving forward.

Immersive Openings and Engaging Sessions

The forum spanned across five days, designed to engage and inspire participants. The first day saw the grand opening, filled with captivating workshops and high-level discussions on cutting-edge topics such as AI, cybersecurity, and more.

Beyond the sessions, the booths area presented various opportunities to connect with companies, organizations, and youth groups advocating for their services and programs. Additionally, attendees had the chance to experience the traditional beauty of Japan through wearing traditional Japanese clothing and participating in the Japanese tea ceremony. The day ended the day with a loud celebration including fireworks and Japanese traditional performances.

Building Connections:

Networking was another aspect of my experience at IGF 2023. I had the privilege to invite numerous individuals to our two sessions, AI-Driven Learning Revolution in Cambodian Higher Education and Accelerating an Inclusive Energy Transition. These sessions were the first ever session with Cambodians as the panelists in this international forum. I was glad to witness numerous participants that were interested in our topic.

Powerful Opening Ceremonies:

The opening ceremony of IGF 2023 was a momentous occasion, graced by esteemed individuals such as Prime Minister of Japan, Kishida Fumio, and Mr. Vint Cerf, the father of the internet himself. Their speeches underscored the pivotal role of the internet in our daily lives, emphasizing its impact on socio economic activities, development, health, and security. Importantly, they recognized the threats posed by misinformation and cybercrime, while calling for responsible policies and an inclusive approach to bridge the digital divide.

**Key Takeaways from Interesting Sessions**

Talking with the Metaverse Resident:

In this session, I had the opportunity to meet with Nem, a popular YouTuber and a Metaverse resident. The session discussed the benefits of using the Metaverse for creative content creation, such as cost-effectiveness, the ability to escape reality, enhanced creativity through customizable appearances and backgrounds, and promoting gender diversity.

Benefits and Challenges of Immersive Realities:

One of the intriguing discussions revolved around the potential benefits and challenges presented by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and immersive reality. We explored the need for common principles and values to guide their development, ensuring they align with human rights and ethical considerations. Transparency, accountability, and explainability were identified as crucial factors in their design and governance. The need to strike a balance between top-down and bottom-up approaches, focusing on global standards and value-based development, was identified as essential.

A Decade Later: Content Creation and Access to Open Information:

The conversation steered towards the importance of the users in shaping new technologies, addressing challenges related to managing user-generated content, connectivity, accessibility, and content distribution techniques. We delved into the significance of copyright frameworks in supporting content production, the need for closer coupling between network and content services, and the vital role of linguistic and cultural diversity in the streaming environment.

Facing Disinformation and Digital Marketing Realities:

The conversation shed light on the importance of considering local context when studying information in the global South, urging an understanding of the larger ecology of rights and struggles. Ethical safeguards, good practices in advertising, and risk analysis in marketing campaigns were highlighted to counterbalance the potential threats to journalism and free speech. The use of personal data by digital platforms for amplifying content necessitates regulatory measures and transparency to combat the dissemination of false and misleading information.

Mainstreaming Cyber Resilience and Development Agenda:

The discussion centered around cyber capacity building and its connection to development goals. Four key areas for prioritization were identified: strengthening the role of cyber resilience, fostering sustainable cyber capacity building, professionalizing cyber capacity building, and reinforcing the role of cyber resilience in development. Experts called for clear connections to be established between cyber resilience and sustainable development, sustained capacity building efforts on the ground, and involvement of legislators in training and resource allocation for cyber security.

Impressions of Japan:

Beyond the IGF 2023 proceedings, Japan left a lasting impression on me. The fast and accessible transportation, the pristine cleanliness pervading every corner, and the country’s dedication to showcasing its rich culture were remarkable. Lessons can be drawn from Japan’s soft power, incorporating cute merchandise, food, and cartoons as iconic symbols to attract international visitors.

Future Plans and Gratitude:

The IGF 2023 experience has reignited my passion for internet governance, pushing me towards participating in more forums and conferences to widen my knowledge and share it with others. I am inspired to establish a digital community to exchange insights on internet governance, generative AI, and content creation. I am immensely grateful to Open Development Cambodia (ODC) for granting me the opportunity to attend the event, covering my transportation and visa expenses. Their recognition of my efforts has propelled me towards expanding my international network and knowledge.

The Journeys and Higher Purposes of the New Organizing Committee toward YIGF Cambodia 2024

Tuesday 23 July 2024
YIGF Team, Meas Molika
Events

In July 2024, the Cambodia Youth Internet Governance Forum (YIGF Cambodia) welcomed five new organizing committees, each assigned to one of four main teams: administrative, program, website, and communication. With clear goals and missions, these committees are dedicated to promoting Internet governance topics and addressing key issues within the YIGF Cambodia framework.Here are five enthusiastic new organizing committees that will be strong assets for the upcoming YIGF Cambodia 2024. They will share their journey of entering the YIGF Cambodia community, discuss internet issues they are concerned about and hope to tackle in Cambodia, and present their missions, goals, and key messages that they aim to spread to the public, especially youths, regarding internet matters.Website TeamChan Ty, 20, is a 4th year student in Digital Business from the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT) and has completed a diploma in software engineering at the American University of Phnom Penh (AUPP).Ty first learned about YIGF Cambodia in 2023 through his school, which immediately caught his interest due to its focus on technology and Internet advocacy. With a background in coding and design, Ty decided to apply as a website committee member for YIGF. His mission is to create a collaborative environment where youth can learn, exchange ideas, and develop solutions to the Internet\'s current challenges.“My goals include promoting digital literacy through educational programs and workshops and encouraging youth engagement with CamYIGF. That is why YIGF 2024 is such an important event that I must help make it a successful forum by joining as a committee,” he said.The final key message from the new website committee is: “The internet is a powerful place for connection and innovation, but it requires responsible use and active participation. Stay informed, advocate for a free and open internet, and prioritize online safety and privacy. Your voice matters—let\'s work together to create a positive and inclusive digital future.”Another member of the website committee is Hour Livhoung, a year three student in Computer Science, specializing in Data Science, from the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT).She has always been fascinated by Internet governance, particularly its impact on online spaces, privacy, security, and access to information for everyone. These questions have motivated her to apply for the YIGF Cambodia committee.“When I saw the incredible work the YIGF Cambodia website committee was doing, especially their work on promoting media literacy among young people, I knew I had to be a part of it. Their website is a powerful tool, and I wanted to jump in and contribute to making the internet a safe and informative space for everyone,” Livhoung recapped.“It\'s an honor to be selected for the YIGF Cambodia Website Committee. I\'m brimming with ideas to combine my technical skills with my internet governance knowledge to create a website that empowers young Cambodians to be active participants in shaping the digital future,” Livhoung said after she was selected to be a member of the new website YIGF committee.With her background in data science, she will use her skills to make the Cambodian YIGF website a dynamic hub for everyone who is interested in internet governance topics by creating data visualization to make complex topics more convenient to understand for the audience.She added, “I want to use data to tell compelling stories that make complex topics accessible. Imagine interactive quizzes that test your media literacy skills or infographics that showcase the benefits of responsible online behavior.”Cyber threats are a growing concern in Cambodia, and she sees the YIGF Cambodia website as a weapon against them.“Don\'t be a passive passenger on the internet highway! The YIGF Cambodia website is your launchpad to become an active citizen. Learn about your rights, understand the rules of the road, and join the conversation about building a better internet for everyone. Remember, with knowledge and a little data magic, we can all be changemakers! \"\"—final key message from the new YIGF Cambodia website committee.Administrative CommitteeOu Cheatta, aged 21, is a junior student majoring in English for International Business at the Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL), Department of English, RUPP. Additionally, she is a sophomore studying International Relations at the University of Cambodia (UC).Cheatta is a young enthusiast who is curious about Internet Governance topics as she believes it has a tremendous influence in society which drives her to be part of YIGF Cambodia 2024.She was selected by YIGF Cambodia Committees after evaluation and interviewed. Now, she becomes YIGF Cambodia member, in Human Resources and Administrative team. She was selected by the YIGF Cambodia Committee to become the new Administrative YIGF committee after application evaluations and interviews.YIGF Cambodia is a community where Cheatta hopes to explore more new experiences while connecting what she has learned from schools to put into practice in the administrative team.“Having got selected in YIGF Organizing Committee 2024 made me feel blissful. Being a part of the YIGF Organizing Committee 2024 will benefit me and my youth team, for us to comprehend in depth internet governance and internet access,” Cheatta said.As a new YIGF committee, Cheatta demonstrated the optimism of the internet for Cambodia society with the mission to make the internet accessible to everyone and everywhere.“Lacking internet access to information is not the challenge for our community anymore. Additionally, we are pleased to know that our community has improved with internet governance and we, as youths, are committed to engaging together with the policy\'s procedures from the government, and we promote the stability of social security and social development.”Seeing there is still a lack of knowledge regarding the internet, especially for those who are in rural areas in Cambodia, Cheatta would like to join YIGF Cambodia which aims to address ‘The Gap of Internet Accessibility and Internet Knowledge’ in Cambodia.“We, as youths and changemakers, had better enhance our capabilities on internet matters. To propose the essential solutions to the challenges, we have to engage together in activities, campaigns and so on. Therefore, cooperating with government movements enables us to develop technological access in advance,” her last key message.Program Team Hok Lihuy, 27, obtained a bachelor degree from Royal University of Law and Economics and got selected as a new program YIGF Cambodia committee.Lihuy applied for the YIGF committee because she sees the potential opportunity that would broaden her perspective beyond her current professional responsibilities and serve as an inspiration for her to be involved in ‘Internet Governance’.“Being part of the committee will not only facilitate ongoing learning and skill development but also empower me to actively contribute to a community dedicated to shaping the future of internet governance,” she said.As a new program YIGF Cambodia committee, Lihuy hopes to apply her skills in program designation and the knowledge that she has to contribute to the safe internet user community.“It brings back memories of how I was super excited back then when I was a student volunteer,” she expressed her feeling after she got selected.Lihuy envisioned herself as a digital citizen who would love to take any given opportunities, either participating in or designing any internet-related discussion with YIGF Cambodia .Her ideal mission would be to address the issue of digital literacy, which involves offering individuals the necessary skills to utilize digital tools and navigate online platforms, understand digital privacy and safety, and utilize technology for both personal and professional growth.“Approach the internet with a mindset of both opportunity and responsibility. The internet offers incredible potential for learning, connection, and innovation, but it also requires us to be vigilant about privacy, security, and the accuracy of information. Embrace digital literacy, be critical of the content you consume and share, and always consider the ethical implications of your online actions. By doing so, we can create a safer, more inclusive, and empowering digital environment for everyone,\" was the was the last key message from Lihuy.

My point of view of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023

Wednesday 20 March 2024
Bean Seynak
Events

If people ask me about my Kyoto trip, I will tell them about the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023. It was such an eye-opening experience for me. Let’s get to know IGF 2023 a bit, what is it? The IGF 2023 is the 18th annual meeting of the Internet Governance Forum which was hosted by the Government of Japan in Kyoto from 8 to 12 October 2023. The Forum’s theme was: The Internet We Want – Empowering All People. The following sub-themes are: AI & Emerging Technologies, Avoiding Internet Fragmentation, Cybersecurity, Cybercrime & Online Safety, Data Governance & Trust, Digital Divides & Inclusion, Global Digital Governance & Cooperation, Human Rights & Freedoms, and Sustainability & Environment. Let’s continue reading to see how my point of view of the forum is! HIGHTLIGHT OF THE PROGRAM The five-day forum was full of different program and sessions and was hosted in a hybrid format as well which some speakers gave a presentation via online. I couldn’t join all the sessions and had to schedule only selected interesting sessions. Its program was such a new experience I witnessed, involving participants from all stakeholders ranking from high-ranking level to youths. Over 355 sessions were featured in the forum with over 80 booths to share their work missions with the participants. The opening ceremony was conducted on the second day and to my surprise, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also gave a speech representing the country host of the IGF 2023. H.E. Mr. Fumio Kishida said in his speech, “Generative AI not only improves operational efficiency, but also, to accelerate innovation in various fields such as drug discovery and development of new treatment, thereby bringing about dramatic changes in the world”. The United Nations Secretary General, H.E. Mr. Antonio Guterres also paid a virtual visit to the forum by recording a video. In his speech, H.E. Mr. Antonio said, “I look to the gathering in Kyoto to provide critical input to advance our collective efforts. Together we can realize the ambition spelled out in the theme of your forum and the internet to empower all people”. In the evening of the second day, buffet was served with the music night as well as the welcoming firework outside of the conference building. INTERESTING SESSIONS As there were over 355 sessions, I couldn’t join all of sessions; therefore, I scheduled sessions I wanted to join. Below are sessions I found very interesting to share in this blog. EVOLVING TRENDS IN MIS- & DIS-INFORMATION Digital platform and social media are greatly beneficial to communication and information; however, it is also a concerning when it comes to the spread of inaccurate and falsified content as well as the information that causes harm. So, misinformation is intentionally and disinformation is not. Disinformation spreads through the action of both malicious actors and also mainstream media and social media platforms that are up for engaging ordinary users. What was so interesting about this session is that different stakeholders came together discussing on the issue and raising different perspective. One of the panelists, Ms. Maria Ressa who is the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, stressed on the risk of advancement of the technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) which could easily be used to spread false narrative. She called on all stakeholders to be cautious as AI is moving ahead of human right now. An interesting question for all panelists was, what can we do to protect and empower women and girls, refugees, ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ people and what tools can they use to protect themselves? It is given the situation that these communities usually bear the brunt of harm caused by online disinformation and misinformation intended to target them. Ms. Vera Jourova, European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency, stated that the mantra in the EU treated what illegal offline the same as online as well. She also raised an issue that some big techs are running an attention economy which is the same as dirty business. It’s when those who runs the algorithms were making big money on hatred, alarming news, and dangerous information. The EU also discussed the issue with the big tech and tried to stop them with the legally binding digital services Act. Tatsuhiko Yamamoto, Professor of Law and Deputy Director of Global Research Institute of the Keio University, responded to the question that attention economy become more serious in the online world than in the real physical world; containing hate speech, disinformation and misinformation. Combining these harmful acts together could become a very impregnable force; therefore, a speedy moderation would be the solution to the problem. Ms. Maria expressed that EU’s laws that are coming out is the race of the turtles while the technology is coming out every two weeks; therefore, it’s an agile development which human need to move faster and shouldn’t rely on the tech companies alone because their motive is profit. Nic Suzor, Professor at the Law School at Queensland University of Technology, responded that what lost in this debate is the acknowledgment, that it matters. It’s very difficult for tech companies to know who the online target is. When classifying hateful content, there are only high-level figures. He proposed that we need to be more proactively to ensure that the systems that we are building are built with historical inequality in mind. If we focus on what tools people use, it would be another burden on the people who are already marginalized. EDUCATION, INCLUSION, LITERACY: MUSTS FOR POSITIVE AI FUTURE This session focuses on artificial intelligence in higher education. The foundational principles for higher education were initiated globally to promote new literacies. Six principles include: (1) People, not technology must be at the center of our work, (2) We should promote digital inclusion within and beyond our institutions, (3) Digital and information literacy is an essential part of a core education, (4) AI tools should enhance teaching and learning, (5) Learning about technologies is an experiential, lifelong process, and (6) AI research and development must be done responsibly. CONTRIBUTING TO THE INTERNET GOVERNANCE IN CAMBODIA In January 2022, Cambodia’s approach to internet governance involves a mix of regulatory frameworks and policies to manage and control various aspects of the internets. The development in Cambodia’s approach to internet governance includes Regulatory Frameworks, Internet Infrastructure, Digital Economy Policy, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Cybersecurity, Online Freedom, Social Media and Online Platforms, Data Protection and Privacy, and International Collaboration. After participating in the IGF 2023, I will continue to contribute to the internet governance in Cambodia by engaging with stakeholders; attend conferences, workshops, and events to build relationships and understand different perspectives. Another contribution would be advocating and raising awareness; promote an open and accessible internet and raise awareness about the importance of digital rights, freedom of expression, and the role of the internet in economic and social development. Lastly, I will join or collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that focus on digital rights, internet freedom, and technology policy. KYOTO, JAPAN Japan Government chose just the right and best place to host its conference as Kyoto is renowned for its historical and cultural significance. Visiting Kyoto, I find moments of peace and reflection while exploring the serene temples and scenic spots. It has well-maintained gardens, bamboo groves, and traditional landscapes contribute to a tranquil atmosphere. My overall feeling after visiting the city is a combination of admiration for its cultural richness, a sense of tranquility, and a deep connection to Japan’s historical legacy. SPECIAL THANKS All the way to IGF 2023 in Kyoto of Japan wouldn’t have been happened for me without a generous support from the Open Development Cambodia Organization (ODC). The support from the ODC not only provided the necessary resources but has also served as a source of motivation and encouragement for youths who advocate internet governance in Cambodia. The impact of the support goes beyond the financial aspect; it is a testament to the power of community.

An Eyes-Opening Experience of The World: Advancement of Internet and Technology at Internet Governance Forum 2023

Wednesday 6 March 2024
Meas Molika
Events

The 18th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2023, hosted by the Government of Japan at Kyoto for five days alongside the support of the United Nations, 12 Cambodian Youth Internet Governance Committees had their first chance to join in the world class forum. It was an eye-opening experience which strengthened interest to foster the internet topics in their home country. More than 170 countries joined the forum to discuss and raise challenges and opportunities surrounding the topic of the internet. The global multistakeholder forum for dialogue on internet governance issues was held under the theme, ‘The Internet We Want–Empowering All People’, with the aim of gathering various international stakeholders. Cambodia delegates were also included alongside with the support from the United Nations (UN). It made our dream come true to have a chance to visit and join the international conference at Kyoto, Japan for five days, from 8th to 12th October 2023. As part of the Cambodian Youth Internet Governance Committee 2023, I am enthusiastic to share what I have learnt and perspectives from the IGF 2023 at Japan for all of you, especially for those who would love to know more about this forum and internet governance topics. The program featured more than 300 sessions that span over eight sub themes. These were AI & Emerging Technologies; Avoiding Internet Fragmentation; Cybersecurity, Cybercrime & Online Safety; Data Governance & Trust; Digital Divides & Inclusion; Global Digital Governance & Cooperation; Human Rights & Freedoms; and Sustainability & Environment. I would like to share some interesting topics that I have joined during the IGF 2023 below. Cultural Showcase For the first day of the event in the evening, there was an opening ceremony which takes place at the Kyoto International Conference Center with fireworks, introducing Japanese traditional drums performance and wearing Khmer traditional clothes. It’s like exchanging cultural tradition together, I got to know the taste of Japanese culture through their art performance. The next day marked an official opening day of IGF 2023, with the opening remark from the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, stating about the significant role of the internet in society. While the advancement of the internet is important, the PM of Japan also raised concerns over issues surrounding the internet, such as unlawful and harmful information including disinformation cyberattacks, which are intimidating the safe space for socioeconomic development. Hopefully the IGF 2023 will help to improve and address those problems through the discussion in this forum, aimed at strengthening the regulation of AI and cybersecurity to make the internet a safe space for all. The present United Nations’ Secretary-General, António Guterres stated that digital technologies can be used to achieve the UN’s SDGs, such as tackling climate issues and building a sustainable world. After that there was an opportunity to dress in traditional Japanese clothes (kimono) and many nationalities around the world came to try and capture the moments of wearing Japanese traditional clothes. I felt comfortable with the vibrant pink color of their clothes and smooth textile and it doesn’t take long to dress up. I hope I can have a Kimono set. Then we enjoy visiting the stalls coming from different organizations, private companies that were showcasing their new technology, discoveries and introduced us to their companies’ mission to help tackle issues in the digital era. AI Advancement As a person who works in media, I was fascinated by Multilingual Translation Technologies that have the ability to translate multiple languages to subtitles at the same time through one language voice, using AI simultaneous interpretation technology that is currently being developed by National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) of Japan. Committee members and I also joined the ‘Talking with Metaverse residents– a new identity and diversity’ workshop session during the event. It has shown the advancing technology of AI in the metaverse is moving forwards to help solving gender gaps and allowing youth to express their true identity that belong to who they are without fear of judgement or social norms in transgenders. It helps them to become any gender or appearance or dressing styles in whatever they wish by generating identity avatars and doing any activities people dream to do freely in the world of metaverse. The other workshop, ‘Involving Schools of Internet Governance in achieving SDGs’ , has shown me that there are many issues from different countries regarding education and there is a good sharing from developed countries to ensure the internet is safe to use in school and improving the knowledge of SDGs. Cambodia\'s representative also delivered key research of AI in education as well. Mr. Heng Soklay, from the Cambodian Youth Internet Committee, presented his research, ‘AI-Driving Learning Revolution in Cambodian Higher Education’. It demonstrated that AI usage likeChatGPT is controversial between students and teachers in Cambodia and we don’t have the regulations or rules yet. However, the participants from different countries also raised concerns about this matter as well, and some countries shared that it has both positive and negative sides for students’ studying and their ability to conduct research. After joining the Internet Governance Forum 2023 with Cambodian Youth Internet Governance Committee, we have seen global challenges and many perspectives from different countries in AI, internet and cybersecurity usage. We see that they are moving faster than Cambodia in terms of cybersecurity protection laws, AI usage rule, and the world is gaining higher potential of the benefits from the internet usage to develop their economy, cutting down the gender gaps and solving many issues in their countries. I hope Cambodia can improve internet safety and be able to absorb the advantages from the internet in this digital era like other countries do. As a Cambodian YIGF committee member, I am curious and optimistic regarding the future of the internet. The YIGF can serve as a community safe space regarding the internet, and advocate for all Cambodians by raising awareness, sharing concerns and facilitating multi-stakeholder discussion with public, private sectors and public to achieve digital economic success for more people.