IEEE Joins Global Leaders at Upcoming Internet Governance Forum in Mexico
IEEE will lead and participate in sessions to advance conference theme: “Enabling Inclusive and Sustainable Growth,” helping connect the unconnected to the internet
Click here for Spanish translation
PISCATAWAY, N.J., USA, 17 November 2016 – IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for humanity, will participate in the 11th Annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Guadalajara, Mexico, 6-9 December 2016 at the Palace of Culture and Communication (PALCCO) Centre.
“Enabling Inclusive and Sustainable Growth” is the theme of this year’s multi-stakeholder event for dialogue regarding internet policies, initially convened in 2006 by the United Nations (UN) General Secretariat. With the UN’s renewal of IGF’s mandate in December 2015, the IGF consolidates itself as a platform to bring people together from various stakeholder groups as equals in discussions on public policy issues relating to the internet.
“While economic growth and societal good have resulted from the internet, the benefit to humanity yet to be realized is even greater,” said Oleg Logvinov, chair of the IEEE Internet Initiative. “The IGF provides an open venue for stakeholders from around the world to engage in public policy conversations on today’s internet governance challenges as well as developments.”
“IEEE is honored to contribute to the exchange of information and sharing of best practices at IGF as part of the global internet community working to maximize internet opportunities for societal and economic growth,” added Karen McCabe, senior director of technology policy and international affairs for the IEEE Standards Association.
IGF 2016 sessions will be broadcast live for those unable to attend in person. Check the IEEE event webpage for the IGF live stream link prior to the conference. The IEEE Internet Initiative is organizing three of the sessions:
Pre-Event/Day Zero on 5 December: 13:00-18:00 CST – Advancing Solutions for Connectivity: Improving Global Coordination and Collaboration. Joined by Global Connect, International Telecommunications Union, Internet Society, UNESCO, World Economic Forum and the World Bank, this session will bring together IGF 2016 participants to discuss how to strengthen cross-sector collaboration and to identify new and innovative approaches and resources for advancing solutions that provide affordable and meaningful internet access in local regions—to provide access, tools, training and content for communities of users.
Panel on Security, Privacy and the Ethical Dimensions of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in 2030 on 6 December: 09:00-10:00 CST
Panelists from various professional interests and backgrounds will discuss challenges in today’s internet- and ICT-centric world, working to identify critical issues. Experts will bring to the table possible opportunities to foster positive outcomes in the future while remaining cognizant of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the potential impact that internet governance, security, privacy and the ethical dimension of ICTs will have on achieving these goals.
Open Forum: Making Connections for Solutions on 6 December: 12:00-13:00 CST
This session builds on events IEEE has organized in regions around the world to connect policymakers, technologists and other internet policy stakeholders. The Open Forum will share insights from previous conversations for use by stakeholders to enable inclusive and sustainable growth. Expert participants representing government organizations, universities and corporations will focus on issues including internet access and affordability for social inclusion and economic growth, and privacy and security. In addition to opportunities in new services, improved productivity, real-time decision-making and new business models, the drive toward universal connectivity, the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the adaptation of ICTs in new industries are bringing to the forefront a complex set of issues calling for regional solutions.
About IEEE Internet Initiative
The IEEE Internet Initiative is a cross-organizational, multi-domain community that connects technologists and policymakers from around the world to foster a better understanding of, and to improve decisions and advance solutions affecting internet governance, cybersecurity, and privacy issues. Learn more at http://internetinitiative.ieee.org and follow @IEEENetPolicy on Twitter.
About IEEE
IEEE is the largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities, IEEE is the trusted voice in a wide variety of areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers, and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power, and consumer electronics. Learn more at http://www.ieee.org.
Media contact:
Lloyd Green
Director, Engagement Marketing & Creative Community Services
+1 732-465-6664
l.g.green@ieee.org