Honourable members of parliament,
Distinguished participants,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Internet has been advancing rapidly.
But from a regulatory perspective, we are lagging behind.
Parliaments have an important role to play in ensuring a safe, open, secure and united Internet for all. So, I am grateful for your engagement here today at the 17th annual meeting of the Internet Governance Forum.
Dear Participants,
One of the issues under review is cybersecurity.
Cyberspace has never been more at risk.
Ransomware, infodemics, cyberattacks, cyberbullying and other harms are on the rise.
Global user platforms, critical infrastructure and supply chains are targeted, often with devastating and massive consequences.
These affect people and institutions globally. They directly impact global order, peace and prosperity.
At the same time, we are witnessing the positive contributions of digital technologies, transforming lives and livelihoods for sustainable development.
This duality of the Internet calls for the world to act together.
We must work together to ensure safer and more secure Internet services and make digital connectivity accessible and affordable for everyone everywhere.
Legislators have a critical role.
Your work helps to safeguard the Internet through regulation and standardization. You are helping to shape the guardrails that guide us along the path to resilience.
I am glad to see that many parliaments are represented at the IGF here in Addis Ababa.
It is a shining example of a multi-stakeholder model that brings all disciplines together to discuss ways forward and make informed decisions.
I salute your commitment to this multi-stakeholder approach!
And I encourage you to continue engaging in global multistakeholder dialogue, including through the IGF and other UN processes, as well as through national and regional IGFs.
In closing, I wish to thank the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Parliament of our host country, Ethiopia, for cooperating with UN DESA in hosting the parliamentary track.
I look forward to the outcomes of your discussions.
Thank you.