Norway
Members of the press,
It is my great pleasure to be here in Lillestr?m, alongside Her Excellency Karianne Tung, Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance of the Kingdom of Norway.
On behalf of the 51Ó°Ôº, I extend sincere thanks to the Government of Norway for hosting the 20th annual Internet Governance Forum ¡ª for its warm hospitality and deep commitment to inclusive, global digital dialogue.
This year¡¯s IGF theme, ¡°Building Digital Governance Together¡± could not be more urgent.
As digital transformation accelerates across all sectors, the need for effective, inclusive, and rights-based governance has become a global imperative.
For two decades, the IGF has provided the vital space where diverse voices forge common solutions to our shared digital challenges.
This year, we are honoured to welcome over 8,000 participants¡ªboth onsite and online.
This powerful convergence of governments, the private sector, civil society, the technical community, parliaments, and the UN system, demonstrates a united front.
We are especially energized by the growing participation of youth, who bring fresh perspectives, new energy, and a demand for inclusive and ethical digital policy.
The stronger presence of parliaments and courts is also notable, reflecting the deepening ties between digital governance and our legal frameworks.
Over the course of this week, more than 150 sessions will address the defining issue of our time, including:
? Responsible AI and emerging technologies;
? Digital trust, safety, and data protection;
? Infrastructure and access¡ªespecially in underserved regions;
? Cybersecurity and online rights;
? And digital tools for peace, inclusion, and sustainable development.
This Forum is also a critical engine for global digital policy. The discussions here are vital inputs for the 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20) and the Global Digital Compact ¨C ensuring that digital governance remains people-centered, with greater coherence and collaboration.
The IGF is uniquely placed to support that.
At the close of the week, we will release the IGF 2025 Messages ¡ªdistilling key insights, recommendations, and priorities, to guide governments and stakeholders towards a safer, more inclusive digital future.
As we mark this 20-year milestone of the IGF, we recognize both our progress and the road ahead.
The digital age is evolving rapidly. While opportunities grow, so do the risks.
The IGF¡¯s core values ¡ª openness, inclusivity, transparency, and collaboration, are more essential than ever.
Let us use this week to advance our shared goal: an inclusive, open, free, safe and secure digital future for all.
Thank you.