Eyes and ears on Turkey as it hosts the 9th Internet Governance Forum

People from the government, private sector, technical community and civil society will gather at the 9th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) to be held in Istanbul from Sept. 2 to Sept. 5 at the Lütfi Kırdar International Convention and Exhibition Center (ICEC). Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Head of the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA) Tayfun Acarer said Turkey has become an international hub for organizations thanks to developments in information technology. "Following the International Cyber Shield 2014 Exercise [conducted back in May], Turkey proved its success as the host country of the IGF under the leadership of the U.N.," he added. Acarer stated that the Internet has become the most important means of economic, social and cultural development, and it is impossible to think of the world without it. The U.N. General Secretary created the forum to better benefit from the opportunities of the Internet and minimize its disadvantages including cybercrimes.

The IGF has brought together consumers, researchers, the private sector and statesmen since 2006. The international event allows participants to openly exchange perspectives and concerns on key issues that may affect the future of the Internet in an informal platform, free from binding negotiations. As one of the most significant international organizations, the IGF will welcome senior government officials, representatives of international institutions and leading names from the information industry. Interested individuals might also attend the forum that will presumably bring together more than 2,500 attendants including roughly 2,000 foreign participants. Acarer said that the Internet eliminates the borders between states and unites continents.

This year's proposed overarching theme is "Connecting Continents for Enhanced Multistakeholder Internet Governance." Acarer also underscored the unique location of Istanbul where the East connects with the West. The subthemes are listed as follows: policies enabling access content creation, dissemination and use; Internet as engine for growth and development; IGF and the future of the Internet ecosystem; enhancing digital trust; Internet and human rights; and critical Internet resources and emerging issues. The upcoming forum will host 120 sessions in 12 different halls. Simultaneous interpretations services will be available in all sessions. The main sessions will be given in the U.N.'s six official languages as well as Turkish.

The forum offers remote participation opportunities, allowing interested individuals from across the globe to follow and take part in the discussions. All sessions will be available on the Internet and can be watched again, with detailed documentation available before each session. Final reports will be collected into a book and published online.