The following are the outputs of the captioning taken during an IGF intervention. Although it is largely accurate, in some cases it may be incomplete or inaccurate due to inaudible passages or transcription errors. It is posted as an aid, but should not be treated as an authoritative record.
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>> RIBEKA: I would like to welcome all of you to the closing ceremony of the 18th Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum. My name is Ribeka, and it is an honour to serve as the emcee for this ceremony. Before we move onto remarks from the multi‑stakeholder representatives to close the event of IGF Kyoto 2023, we will have calligraphy performance, and lecture by Mori Seihan was more than in 1940 after graduating from university in 1963. He held various positions including the chief priest at Shinpukuji Temple and Tajikistan. Since 1988 he has been the head priest of team team. In Japan he is widely known for writing a single Kanji representing a year on the stage of team team which is selected through a public balance lot in a contest. Today he had write a single Qanji that represents IGF Kyoto 2023. Now, please, give a round of applause to welcome Mori Seihan, the head priest of team team to stage.
(Applause).
>> MORI SEIHAN: Thank you very much for your introduction, I'm head of team team. I would like to say a few words. First of all, I would like to congratulate the Internet Governance Forum keto 23 a gathering of people from ‑‑ Kyoto 2023 a gathering of people from the technical community, academia and civil societies for successfully.
concluding a Conference with this closing ceremony.
Congratulations.
I have just written bond. The Japanese Kanji is made up of Ito thread and Hang, half, which is related to the character to pull together and it originally this word was to have a negative connotation as it was used to refer to a string that's connects the legs of a horse or tie up a horse.
But it had a positive connotation as a bond that is firmly connects people. So it was referred to as the bond of friendship or the bond between husband and wife. So now it carries positive connotation. This has changed once again drastically over the last 12 years.
On March 11, 2011 the great east Japan earthquake occurred. The earthquake ensued by tsunami and nuclear accident was truly a disaster of unprecedented scale. At that time people all over Japan and the world came to the aid of the people in the affected areas.
At that time, the word was all over the newspapers, on TV and on the Internet. So this word is a watch word, everyone join hands and try to help each other. According to a survey conducted a company, the number of times the word Kizuno was used in various Articles and newspapers and on the Internet that year was double that of the previous year.
At the end of each year, the Kanji character for the year is selected by a ballot organized by the Japanese Kanji testing foundation.
The Kanji of the year 2011 was Kizuno, which was exactly what I had expected. At the time the word Kizuno was no longer used to refer to personal ties with people such as bonds of friendship or bonds of husband and wife as I mentioned earlier, so it carries a wider connection. So the word is now used to refer to the bonds that connects people all over the world. And I hope that not a single person will be left out of the Kizuno in which all people can lean on and support each other.
This is exactly what the great work of the Internet is ball about. The main theme of this Conference is the Internet to empower all people. Everything in this world is made up of connections. All life in this world is supported by the lives of those around us. I have high expectations for the Internet as one of the bones that support such lives and I wish for its further development.
In closing, I would like it thank you for inviting me to this prestigious Conference hosted by the United Nations. Thank you very much.
(Applause).
>> RIBEKA: Thank you very much, once again please give a big round of applause to Mori Seihan.
(Applause).
So now I would like to hear closing remarks from the multi‑stakeholder representatives. First of all, we would like to welcome Mr. Koichi Watanabe the state Minister for internal affairs and communications. Mr. Koichi Watanabe, please proceed to the podium.
(Applause).
>> KOICHI WATANABE: Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, good evening. My name is Koichi Watanabe, state Minister for internal affairs and communications. The IGF is about to finish its five‑day program. I would like to thank the United Nations and national and Regional IGFs both at home and abroad for their preparation and hard work to bring success to this meeting.
My gratitude also goes to City of Kyoto for their hospitality as the City of Host. On behalf of the host Japanese Government we would like to thank all of the Governments, international organisations, companies, engineers and academic communities, civil society, and students who have joined this meeting.
Over the past five days, more than 8,000 stakeholders with diverse background from all over the world participated either off and online in about 300 sessions and engaged in fruitful discussions on a variety of issues related to the Internet.
I am very grateful for that to have happened. I trust many of you enjoyed meeting with people with whom you do not normally have the opportunity to do so.
I hope when you go back to your home countries, such exchanges you had in Kyoto will inspire you even if you go home and provide bonds of friendship that will last for years to come. The Internet is indispensable infrastructure for our daily lives and economic and social activities, and the landscape surrounding the Internet evolves rapidly. The theme at IGF would also have to change.
For example, Generative AI has been a major topic for the past year and rightfully was one of the central topics at this meeting. Through IGF multi‑stakeholder approach I hope Japan did its share of contribution to better Internet. I am confident that the IGF will continue to be the world leading forum for discussion in the coming years.
Finally, I would hope very much that you have energy left in you to enjoy the City of Kyoto and Japanese culture, food, and hospitality. Thank you very much for your hard work over the past five days. With these words I would like to conclude my greeting. Thank you so much!
(Applause).
>> RIBEKA: Thank you very much Mr. Koichi Watanabe.
Next I invite Mr. Daisaku Kadokawa, mayor of Kyoto city to deliver a remark. Mr. Daisaku Kadokawa, please proceed to the podium.
(Applause).
>> DAISAKU KADOKAWA: Hello, everyone. My name is Daisaku Kadokawa, the mayor of the City of Kyoto. First of all, I would like to extend my gratitude to all of those who have been joining this Conference from all over the world and I would like to thank you all for your active discussions, and also thank you very much for sending information from Kyoto to the world.
I would like also to extend my gratitude to those who organized this event, so on behalf of the host City of Kyoto, I would like to express my gratitude to you all. The Internet Governance Forum is most important forum in terms of Internet policy. I'm grateful to have been able to host this important forum in Kyoto. So we have discussed cybersecurity, AI and emerging technology in relation to Internet Governance.
With this discussion, I hope Internet will develop further in order to achieve the SDGs, with the concept of no one left behind. I believe your work in this forum will contribute to the achievement of SDGs.
Kyoto had been the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years. It is blessed with beauty of nature and it's still maintains a traditional landscape as well. You can access the Kyoto on the Internet as well, however, coming here to physically experience Kyoto is the best way, and in the spring one of the Japanese Government institutions, the agency for cultural affairs was moved from Tokyo to Kyoto for the first time in 150 years, Kyoto became once again the capital of culture of Kyoto.
We have organisation that promotes Japanese food, Japanese culture, and tourism. And we try to disseminate the culture of Japan and from Kyoto to the world, and we want also to contribute to the world in different means from Kyoto. Kyoto is also well known for tourism as well, however, the charm of Kyoto I believe is in culture and also product making and innovation. For example, in Kyoto the product making especially ceramic making have fostered, and prospered for 1,000 years. Now, that is used in ceramics and printing technology is one of the strengths of Kyoto.
So printing technology that is now converted to the manufacturing technology for semiconductors and other high tech devices. And one thousand years ago there was a picture that was drawn here in Kyoto to make people understand the Buddhism that is the basis as well, and also some Trump card which were made in Kyoto at a company called Nintendo. So Kyoto is where Nintendo is based and also the Sake liquor. So Kyoto has a long history of making Sake liquor. That is also related to development of bio technology, and I am drinking Sake every year, every day, in order to contribute to the development of the bio technology. So please, you yourself enjoy Sake in order to develop bio technology. Thank you very much!
So you can't taste Sake over Internet, so please enjoy physically the Sake. Of course, we take advantage of the technology of Internet in product making, manufacturing, and creating innovation from manufacturing, and Kyoto is also City of Students. Over 10% of the population in Kyoto is students. And there are 36 universities and colleges in Kyoto, and there are more than than 15,000 students in Kyoto.
And also and we welcome many students to Kyoto. That now comes to 15,000, so Kyoto is also interactive place for the overseas students as well. And also you can feel the charm of Kyoto on the Internet as well. So once you go back to your home countries, please access information of Kyoto over the Internet.
For those who have come to Kyoto more than five times, actually 50% of the adults will come to Kyoto over five times. There are many people who have come to Kyoto over ten times. Every time they come to Kyoto they discover a new charm in Kyoto. So I hope you come back to Kyoto in the future. I would like to close my speech by wishing all the best. Thank you very much!
(Applause).
>> RIBEKA: Thank you very much. So next I invite Mr. Terezinha Alves Brito, youth programming fellow to differ remarks. So please proceed to the podium.
(Applause).
>> TEREZINHA ALVES BRITO: Excellency, Ministers, distinguished participants, ladies, gentlemen and non‑binary people. It is a pleasure to address you on this final day of the IGF., also known as the day our bodies are finally used to the Japanese time zone.
I am Terezinha Alves Brito, a lawyer and researcher from (?) in the Brazilian region. I am a fellow of the youth program held by the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee, and without a doubt I would not be able to attend this forum by my own resources. Due to that, I want to highlight the value of youth initiatives.
At the end of this IGF, it is now even more clear how we need to step up to the main challenge of our time. We named this year's meeting, The Internet We Want, empower all people. This has been a significant step towards this urgent goal.
However, I have not seen sufficient diversity of people and stakeholders and even of perspectives. It's urgent, and we can do better, whether in Internet Governance or in the IGF itself.
Our struggle in bringing practical discussion lies on the resistance to recognizing the value of diversity. Therefore there is a need to take action for a more meaningful multi‑stakeholderism which needs more diversity of gender, race, social class, origin, culture and age.
That is why different perspectives are and have to be seen as essential assets to Internet Governance. Otherwise, we will not be able to set the effective insights we all need.
Secondly, there will exist no free, open, or inclusive Internet if we do not commit to address climate change and minimize its impact. Addressing climate change is vital to protecting vulnerable community, especially children and youth in the Global South from losing their homes and heritage.
We are now facing major disasters in Brazil due to seasonal storms and droughts at the same time. We must remember that no virtual environment will be able to simulate the affection, belonging and legacy that brings us here. The Amazon forest voice must be heard. In addition, we cannot forget the 2 billion people who continue to be totally excluded from these debates.
In 2023 they still have no access to the Internet or lack of meaningful connectivity. Mostly in the Global South. It is the duty of states, but also of the global governance community to come up with answers to tackle this problem, which is both the result and the amplifier of economic and social inequalities. As youth we are keepers of yesterday's heritage, but it is not possible to solve problems with the same thinking that caused them.
It is already time to have us in the decision making spots. Finally, I call upon the global youth community. The Internet that we want will not be given to us. We have to build it. We are here and we are not leaving. Thank you very much.
(Applause).
>> RIBEKA: Thank you very much.
(Applause).
Next I invite honorable Cedric Sabbah, house chairperson of oversight and ICT Committees South Africa National Assembly to deliver remarks.
>> CEDRIC FROLICK: Program Director, Excellencies, honorable members of parliament, Representatives from the LGBTQI+ formations, ladies and gentlemen, all protocol observed. Firstly, thank you to the organizers and especially the hosts for the superb arrangements and hospitality over the last five days that can be best described as a festival of ideas, discussions and collaboration in the important matters that is facing the world as far as artificial intelligence is concerned.
Indeed, there has been very fruitful discussions on the global trends, the initiatives currently under bay as well as futuristic perspectives of under artificial intelligence. During its opening address, His Excellency, the Prime Minister of Japan gave us insight on the work being done by the G7 countries in the Hiroshima artificial intelligence process, and as legislators in particular we must follow and analyze this very important development that will probably soon culminate in international guidelines and codes of conduct for developers of advanced artificial intelligence systems.
This initiative is very important, necessary, but as a member of Parliament and legislate for from South Africa, I wish to remind us that we should guard against a new digital governance divide between the G7 and the rest of the world. What was absent particularly in the parliamentary track is the broader participation of legislators from countries of the G7 on the one hand, and other Governments and stakeholders from the BRICS countries who could have been engaged in these important discussions, a new digital divide and what at times ever being referred to especially in Africa as a new form of artificial imperialism must be avoided at all cost.
That is why multilateral forums such as the IGF must be utilized as constructive, collaborative platforms to enhance cooperation for the common good of humanity. We must continuously strive to be inclusive in these type of forums by covering the necessary geographic, demographic and other dimensions in our participation, create more opportunities for youth and women involvement in gender mainstreaming in the work that we do, and further collaborate with Interparliamentary Union that represent 179 member Parliaments in the world.
The parliamentary track indeed provided the platform for open discussion and honest assessment on the role that Parliaments must play in shaping digital trust for The Internet We Want.
One bus word that emerged from the discussion was the need for not for regulation and law making and indeed parliamentarians have the responsibility to make laws and to ensure that the national interest is protected. However, whenever we engage in this law making process, we must be very clear as to what do we want to regulate. Why do we want to regulate? And who will benefit from the regulation and law making? It must be the citizens of the country who must be protected from possible abuse and infringements of the privacy who must be at the centre.
It is thus important that the balance must be struck between regulation on the use and the impact of technology and on the other hand the technology itself. Regulation must not stand in the way of new technological developments. That balance must be created.
As such, parliamentarians represent the interest of the citizens and they are entrusted to put the necessary law making mechanisms in place to ensure prosperity, development, and safeguarding the rights and privacy of its citizens. Yes, while we must be aware of harmful surveillance, privacy concerns and breaches as well as other potential practices, we must be aware of the advantages that can be utilized by all people.
This can be ref lent in a number of fields and it ‑‑ prevalent in a number of fields and it can be overcome by ensuring we have transparency, accountability and inclusivity in what we are doing. Ensuring at international level agreements in cooperation and development is clear, and it is clearly understood in the language of the citizens of the world, and we must move towards the development of norms and standards. That is for the politicians on the one hand, but involve all of the stakeholders as well as those who are advancing at the forefront of the development of artificial intelligence.
I'm of the opinion that artificial intelligence is not an existential threat that mankind is facing. The devastation caused by climate change, induced natural disasters is the greatest threat to humanity at this stage. Let us use and harness and encourage the use of technology that will improve amongst other the forecasting of climate change‑induced natural disasters and possible global health pandemics, advanced universal healthcare, ensure gender mainstreaming in all of the different programmes and processes and advance digital literacy across the board. I want to conclude by quoting a famous African proverb that says, and I quote," if we want to go fast, go alone. If we want to go far, go together" let us ensure that nobody let's left behind. Thank you very much for your kind attention.
(Applause).
>> RIBEKA: Thank you very much. Next I invite Mr. Mahesh Kasar, Senior Vice President of Rakuten symphony to differ his remarks.
>> MAHESH KASAR: Thank you. The United Nations Under Secretary‑General, the United Nations General Assembly, Ministry of Internal affairs, communications, the Kyoto Government, Excellencies, and the participants of this forum, in last five days, we have been discussing in different forums about the Internet Governance, however, I would like to highlight another aspect of our discussions which we did in last five days.
In 2011 the United Nations judged the Internet as a key tool enabling Human Rights allowing people to exercise their right of freedom of expression and opinion. Despite the efforts from the world's largest Internet players to make the connectivity affordable and accessible, billions of people are not online.
As my fellow speaker, the youth program fellow mentioned, the Internet should be accessible and inclusive. More alarming still is a billion of kids do not have access to Internet at their home yet. Lacking Internet access hampers the development of individual kids. It impacts the progress of entire swaths of the human race.
As an industry we can and we must do something about this. As my organisation Rakuten our mission has always been since the inception the empowerment of the society. We believe connectivity is key to unleash human potential, and we are committed to bring access to everyone. Since launch of Rakuten mobile, we have been advocating for the democratization of global telecom industry to enable this change.
I'm thrilled to be part of Rakuten team driving the change and innovation within the global teleco industry through our fully virtualized open brand technology.
Through this change we welcome the opportunity to collaborate, the Government, the regulators and entire enterprise organisations to advocate adoption of the open technology, diversity and established ecosystem that will enable cost‑effective network deployment which will bring down the cost and make the Internet connectivity accessible to billions of unconnected people. Thank you very much.
(Applause).
>> RIBEKA: Thank you very much Mr. Mahesh Kasar. So next, I invite Mr. Rodney Taylor, Secretary‑General of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union to deliver remarks. Mr. Taylor, the floor is yours.
(Applause).
>> RODNEY TAYLOR: Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, good evening. I am honored to speak this evening and I had the privilege in 2017 as the then Chair of the Barbados chapter of the Internet Society to lead a multi‑stakeholder process that led to the country's first national IGF. We kicked off two days of very enriching discussions on various topics including the issue of what is Internet Governance.
We also used the opportunity to pay tribute to two people, one was Bernadette Luis who is now the Secretary‑General of the Commonwealth telecoms organisation, the CTO. We honored her pioneering spirit as the first female Secretary‑General of the CTU, eye feat she has gone on to achieve five for the CTO as well as, the first female of the CTO's 120 year history. We honored her for her leadership also for the first Internet Governance Forum in 2005 which was done at the request of the Caribbean community or CARICOM.
We say it's the oldest IGF on record, and we will celebrate 20 years in 2024. You will forgive me if I say this every time I'm given access to a microphone, but we are very proud of this fact. The Caribbean IGF has produced a policy framework that serves to guide our Member States on matters of Internet policy. This is the kind of reports where concrete outcomes contemplated in the future of global digital cooperation. We seek to strengthening the IGF process, the so called IGF+.
We honored another person on the name of alenEmtage, in 1989 he conceived of and implemented ARCHI, he eye on neared many of the techniques used by search engines today. Allen who is one of the founding members of the Internet Society was subsequently inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame in 2017. We interviewed his parents and did a short video production at the time.
They said they had no clue what he was doing. But realized it was something serious when he started to traveling the world, and started rubbing shoulders with the like of Vint Cerf and John Pastel. I mention these examples as testimony to the fact that in complex and interconnected global challenges, solutions are often best developed by involving a wide range of perspectives and expertise.
This is one of the reasons that the CTU has sought to champion the road of SIDS to strengthen the collaboration particularly in they are of the digital governance and digital diplomacy, not just here but in other spaces such as ICANN, ITU, and the Global Digital Compact, among others.
Last year we hosted the first SIDS IGF, and are advocating for a focus on digital governance in the upcoming fourth international Conference on Small Island Developing States or SIDS 4 that takes place in Antigua and Barbuda in May '24 ahead of the Summit of the Future.
Just today we hosted an Open Forum in IGF on the road to GDC bringing SIDS perspective to the issue of the future of Internet Governance and what has worked for small states and what has not. There is a temptation for Governments toiled the existing multi‑stakeholder processes where for all intents and purposes one country has one vote irrespective of size. The multi‑stakeholder process on the other hand while open and inclusive still requires significant resources in order to participate meaningfully.
Just yesterday in this room at the Leadership Panel, I raised the issue of greater support and greater linkages with the NRIs and consideration of how we may take a form of this scope and scale in whole or in part to a small state which could help to raise the profile of the discussions with the stakeholder group and mobilize human and financial resources to bolster their ongoing participation.
As we move closer to the Global Digital Compact and WSIS+20 let us see this as an opportunity to renew our commitment to work together. The IGF process has not been perfect, but it provides a platform for all of us to make our voices heard, to share, network and to learn from each other.
Collectively, we can come up with solutions to cybersecurity challenges, the digital divide, diversity, child online protection, regulation, or not, of AI, and the list goes on.
This is the Internet Governance Forum that we want to give us the Internet that we need. Let me close by expressing my appreciation to our host, the Government of Japan for your excellent facilitation and hospitality. Japan has been a friend of the Caribbean and in fact the first time I came to Japan more than 20 years ago it was with the support of the Japanese international cooperation agency or JICA.
And the knowledge I gained then from that study tour has helped me in my professional capacity and development to this day. Thank you also so the Leadership Panel for this opportunity to address you as we close the 18th IGF. Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for your time.
(Applause).
>> RIBEKA: Thank you very much, Mr. Taylor. So next I invite Ms.
>> SYLVIA CADENA: , acting Chief Executive Officer APNIC foundation to deliver her remarks so please proceed to the podium.
>> SYLVIA CADENA: Good evening. My name is CIL and I'm the acting CEO of the APNIC foundation, I am honored to be speaking today on behalf of the technical community. Let me start by expressing my sincere appreciation to the Government of Japan, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, and Vice Minister and their teams, we are extremely grateful for their efforts and commend them for a logical location. It is our hope that the IGF leaves a legacy that helps to grow the interest and participation from the Japanese community so we can hear more from Japan in future Internet Governance discussions. The technical community is responsible for the development and functioning of the single interoperable Internet collectively it shares an obligation to steward number resources, protocol development, unique identifiers management, core infrastructure components and others which results in its stable, reliable and resilient operation.
It is important to emphasize its success as it continues to evolve and adapt as shown in our response to the COVID pandemic. Over the years, the technical community has pledged support for for the multi‑stakeholder model of Internet Governance. We are calling all stakeholders to renew their commitment once more and to show support for the institutions and processes that keep the Internet working and operating as their health is of paramount importance to the global community.
The technical community shares a story, a history of seeking alignment with different stakeholders by promoting discussions and active collaboration. At the recent African Internet Summit some of the work the regional registers do to support Internet development was presented including our support to provide funding for capacity building, research and deployment. On that I would like to thank the IGF for providing here the perfect scenario to award three outstanding organisations contributing to the development of Internet Exchange Points in Myanmar. Pakistan and Malaysia this week.
Such initiatives require active engagement and collaboration from civil society organisations that continue to be further refined. I would like to include the recommendations from the scoping civil society engagement and digital cooperation session that was held on day zero from this excerpt, more proactive engagement of the tenge community is required. The GDC should not reflect a narrow scope of our understanding as the range of policy discussions reflect the range of issues relevant to Internet Governance.
At the session, civil society representatives cautioned against this poll littization, especially in relation to the constant voluntary technical cooperation that sustains its open and secure architecture.
In closing, I would like to leave you with a personal note of thanks. I have been involved in the IGF processes for almost two decades, and consider one of the highlights of my professional career to have served as a member of the Multi‑stakeholder Advisory Group. This is a space that can be improved, but I treasured as it has afforded me the unique opportunity to contrast views, expand my understanding and build an invaluable network of people that continue to work tirelessly for the development of the Internet.
Our work is not done, and I invite you to continue it. Thank you.
(Applause).
>> RIBEKA: Thank you very much Ms. Cadena. Next I would like to introduce a video from Mr. Dens, president of the United Nations General Assembly.
>>
>> DENNIS FRANCIS: Mr. Secretary‑General, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, in today's fast evolving digital landscape, technology presents us with both awesome opportunities and indeed challenges. On the one hand, it can be a force for good and progress in our world. On the other, it can cause devastating harm, both online and offline.
Ultimately, the decision on how to strike a delicate yet pragmatic balance on the use of technology is vested in our hands as the ultimate consumers of technology. In order to empower all people our priority must be to close the digital divide and to establish the necessary guardrails. The increasing disparity between technological haves and have‑in thes is one of the most ‑‑ have‑nots is one of the formidable challenges of all time. Indeed the accessibility and affordability of technology is exacerbated by pre‑existing inequalities.
A mere 57% of women use the Internet with a staggering 1.1 billion women in middle and low income countries lack access to mobile Internet. It is disheartening that when online, women face 27 times more sexual harassment, defamation and hate speech than their male counterparts. Beyond the digital divide, misinformation, disinformation, and edge degreous falsehoods spread like wildfire on line, and have been responsible for cat traffic consequences by fueling conflict and mass atrocities.
Friends, can he cannot let the Internet be a lawless realm. A stringent regulatory framework is imperative to enforce digital accountability. This framework should be developed in close cooperation with all stakeholders including Governments, private sector, international and civil society organisations. I am convinced that a Digital Compact will offer a unique opportunity to address vital aspects of digital cooperation including artificial intelligence, transfer of technology, and a Human Rights perspective to new technologies contributing to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Achieving our ambitions will require a thorough overhaul of our data governance and promoting data literacy among users and decision makers alike. We need more events like this one bringing together stakeholders from cross cutting fields. I am, therefore, immensely grateful to the Government of Japan for pioneering this initiative.
With the rapid pace of change, we cannot afford to be playing catchup while the world changes around us. I sincerely welcome this discussion and I encourage all participants to couple it with concrete action which I have no doubt your fruitful discussions will engender. I thank you.
(Applause).
>> RIBEKA: Next we would like to play a closing remark video from Mr. Junhua Li, Under Secretary‑General for Economic and Social Affairs.
>> JUNHUA LI: Excellencies, distinguished participants, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. The last five days have been intensive, inspiring and rewarding. I'm pleased to witness that by myself. I'm equally pleased to join you here on the closure of the 18th Internet Governance Forum. By all standards the Kyoto IGF has been a record whereas over 8500 registered participants from over 175 countries across all continents of the world.
We are joined by over 100 Ministers, parliamentarians and Chief Executives and thousands of stakeholders from all levels representing this diverse community including women and youth. Over 160 national, regional and youth IGF initiatives and 35 IGF remote hubs have allowed hundreds if not thousands more online participants to contribute to this forum. But numbers are, of course, not enough.
From these numbers emerge important outcomes insights and key messages as well as forward thinking actions and policies. I invite you to review and reflect these important outcomes, first, the Kyoto IGF messages, second, the 18 IGF summary report, third, the do you means of the parliamentary track and Global Youth Summit, and, fourth, over 300 inside session reports you have pulled together.
I urge you to translate these outcomes into actions through your respective constituency, your Government, your communities, and your institutions. Ladies and gentlemen the past 18 year journey of the IGF has been a remarkable one thanks to the whole process of the IGF. Let's us broaden multi‑stakeholder inclusion and engagement. The next two years will be crucial before the WSIS+20 and the review of the IGF mandate by the General Assembly of the United Nations.
Let me remind you the three questions I put before you at the opening. First, has the IGF delivered on its mandate and purpose. Second, how can the Internet better support and accelerate the achievement of the SDGs? Third, how can the IGF best support its preparation of and follow‑up to the Global Digital Compact and the Summit of the Future? Witnessing our collective efforts here in the past week, I'm confident that IGF is indeed delivering on its aims and objectives.
Together let us do more, empowering more countries and all stakeholders from an inclusive and applicable digital future for all optimizing opportunities and managing risks. Thank you, all of you here in Kyoto or virtual across the world. Last but not least, on behalf of the United Nations, I once again express our immense gratitude and profound appreciation to the Government of Japan for its generosity and hospitality as our host. Looking ahead from Kyoto to Riyadh, I extend our support to our next host, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, UNDESA stands ready to support you fully. Goodbye, Kyoto. See you in Riyadh next year.
(Applause).
>> RIBEKA: At last we will show you a video from the Government of Saudi Arabia on the IGF 2024.
(Applause).
>> RIBEKA: Excellency, distinct delegates and participants we are now approaching to the end of the closing ceremony. Allow me to extend our appreciation on behalf of the United Nations and the Government of Japan to all attendees of your active participation and productive exchange of view. So before you depart, kindly ensure you have all of your belongings with you, and please also be sure to hand over the receiver to the staff at the exit door when you leave. Thank you very much for your cooperation.
Once again, thank you very much for your attendance, and see you all at IGF 2024!
(Applause).