Internet Governance Forum in Athens

The first meeting of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) begins today in Athens. It is an important milestone agreed last November at the World Summit on the Information Society in Tunis (WSIS) as part of the drive to internationalise internet governance, to safeguard freedom online and to bridge the global digital divide. The Commission strongly supports this forum as a unique opportunity for an open multi-stakeholder policy dialogue on internet governance and development, helping to make the Tunis agreement reality.

“The possibility of worldwide communications via the internet is definitely one of the most positive aspects of globalisation”, said Viviane Reding, EU Commissioner for Information Society and Media, who opened the meeting in Athens with a keynote speech. “However, the internet can only continue to drive democracy and economic development if freedom of expression and the freedom to receive and access information are guaranteed. This is why the European Commission calls on governments and industry around the world not to tolerate public restrictions on internet access or cyber-repression.”

The first meeting of the Internet Governance Forum takes place in Athens, Greece, from 30 October to 2 November 2006. This new forum for multi-stakeholder policy dialogue is convened by the UN Secretary-General, as agreed at the Tunis summit (see IP/05/1433). It aims to transparently discuss a broad range of governance topics with all stakeholders.

“Internet Governance for Development” is the overall theme for the inaugural meeting, with the debate focusing on:

·Â Â Â Â Â Â  Openness: Freedom of expression, free flow of information ideas and knowledge.

·Â Â Â Â Â Â  Security: Creating trust and confidence through collaboration.

·Â Â Â Â Â Â  Diversity: Promoting multilingualism and local content.

·Â Â Â Â Â Â  Access: Internet connectivity, policy and cost.