Baku hosts 5th Regional Internet Governance Forum

Within the project “Modernization of  Sustainability and Efficiency of ICT Infrastructure and Services in the Republic of Azerbaijan” jointly implemented  by the United Nations Development Programme and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the 5th  Regional Internet Governance Forum (RIGF) was held on  the theme “Internet as the Key to Innovation and Prosperity”. The event is jointly supported by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), IGF Geneva Secretariat, and the University of ADA.    

 It should be noted that the foundation of  the Regional Internet Governance Forum was laid on the threshold  of the 7th Internet Governance Forum in Baku in 2012 and has become an annual tradition.

The main purpose of the Forum is to hold discussions on the role of the internet for a more efficient  regional innovation development, exchange of experience between local and international experts, and shortcomings in this area.

Topics such as “Role of government and international organizations in the era of ICT start-ups: trends and challenges” , “Role of  Internet in improving the innovative, competitive and developing  economy”, “Azerbaijan’s  potential in e-participation and open government: initiatives and risks” , “What can be done to attract stakeholders for the development of the ICT field?” were discussed at the event.

 Representatives of government, business, diplomatic corps, experts in the field of science and civil society took part in the discussions.

The forum was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies, United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and ICANN.