https://intgovforum.org/en/content/igf-2024-support-for-global-south-jou...
The Internet Governance Forum (IGF)’s first-ever support to journalists from the Global South is an initiative to promote insightful, balanced, and impactful journalism on digital governance and its dynamics, as they are discussed at the IGF. It aims to attract journalists from the Global South who have experience with digital issues to cover the 19th Annual IGF on “Building Our Multistakeholder Digital Future”, scheduled for 15-19 December 2024 in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Recognizing the critical role of journalism in shaping the global digital discourse, this initiative seeks to amplify Global South voices. Selected journalists will have the opportunity to highlight key issues such as digital inclusion, cybersecurity, data governance, digital economy, human rights online, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies. The initiative is supported by the IGF Secretariat and subject to availability of funding.
Narratives on digital governance often lack localized insights and the perspectives of those most affected. Enhanced journalistic focus through a local, national or regional lens can elevate coverage of urgent issues, foster more inclusive policy discussions, and ensure that global digital policies are informed by diverse voices and community contexts.
Journalists from the Global South are now invited to apply!
Aims and Objectives
The overarching goal of the initiative is to enhance the quality and diversity of reporting on digital governance and policy.
Specific objectives include:
- To select a group of journalists passionate about highlighting digital issues from a Global South perspective.
- To promote in-depth, knowledgeable, and nuanced coverage of the 19th IGF and related digital governance topics.
- To have the coverage appear on diverse platforms with different audiences.
- To facilitate the building of a network of journalists from the Global South who can continue to share insights and coverage on digital governance issues beyond the IGF annual meeting.
Expected Outcomes
The initiative aims to generate high-quality reporting that captures the complexity and urgency of digital governance challenges and opportunities facing the Global South and/or from a Global South perspective, during and after the 19th IGF meeting.
A longer-term desired outcome is the establishment of a robust network of journalists from the Global South engaged in the digital policy discourse and contributing to sustained awareness of critical digital matters discussed at the IGF.
Why Participate?
Network – Participate in all IGF has to offer and connect with fellow journalists, policymakers, and experts on the digital issues of the day.
Learn - Gain insights into priority and emerging issues, including the development of digital cooperation frameworks like the Global Digital Compact (GDC).
Impact - Your reporting can drive positive change within the global digital discourse.
How to Apply
Any journalist who meets the eligibility criteria can apply for this opportunity by 18 October 2024, 23:59 UTC, using this link: https://forms.office.com/e/P5qfMb6F3P
Documentation
- Please find the Terms and Conditions, including Eligibility Criteria, here.
- The IGF 2024 Schedule is available here.
- The outline of IGF 2024 Themes is available here.
The United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) serves to bring people together from various stakeholder groups in discussions on digital public policy. While it does not produce negotiated outcomes, the IGF informs and inspires those with policy-making power in both the public and private sectors. As a year-round process, the IGF includes policy, outreach, and community and capacity-building activities, all dedicated to facilitating a common understanding of how to maximise digital opportunities and address digital risks and challenges. IGF intersessional work culminates in annual meetings, where delegates discuss current and critical issues, share good practices and exchange policy recommendations with one another. The IGF’s resulting outputs are transmitted to global and national decision-making bodies.
Annual IGFs are convened by the UN Secretary-General and supported by a different host country each year. The upcoming 2024 IGF will be held Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, following the 2023 IGF in Kyoto, Japan.
The IGF is currently in its 18th year. Its mandate is set out in paragraphs 72 to 78 of the Tunis Agenda endorsed at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in 2005. The mandate was extended for a further ten years with the resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on 16 December 2015, (70/125) 'Outcome document of the high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the overall review of the implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society'.
For more information please refer to the ''About the IGF'' Brochure V1 | V2 and the FAQs below.
