IGF’s knowledge unlocked: AI-driven insights for our digital future | IGF 2023 side event

Knowledge Graph of Debate

Session report

Markus Kummer, Senior Advisor, GIP & DiploFoundation

The initial stages of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) primarily focused on connectivity and internet access, with no consideration given to artificial intelligence (AI). During that time, the main concerns revolved around ensuring that people had access to the internet and were able to connect. However, as time went on, the landscape changed significantly with the advent of apps, video streaming, smartphones, and other technological advancements facilitated by AI. These developments highlight the growing importance of AI in shaping the digital world.

Despite the progress made in connecting people to the internet, challenges still exist in bringing the last billion individuals online. The assumption was that the industry would take the lead in connecting this population, but it has proven to be a difficult task. One of the major hurdles in this endeavor is language and cultural diversity. The remaining individuals who are not yet connected to the internet predominantly come from non-English speaking countries. Overcoming these linguistic and cultural barriers is essential to ensure universal access to the internet.

The Tunis agenda, a significant document related to Internet governance, outlined a broader definition of the concept beyond just the management of the Domain Name System (DNS) and internet protocol resources. It acknowledged that Internet governance encompassed a range of issues concerning the use and abuse of the internet. This expanded understanding remains relevant and continues to guide discussions and decision-making in the field.

The IGF has accumulated an immense amount of data over the years. It has been suggested that this data should be mined for valuable insights. In 2011, Vint Cerf, one of the founding fathers of the internet, highlighted the importance of data mining during the Nairobi IGF. Data mining involves extracting meaningful information and patterns from extensive datasets. Given the rich and diverse dataset available within the IGF, there is the potential to uncover valuable insights that can inform future policies and strategies around internet governance.

AI applications can play a crucial role in mining and categorizing the vast amount of data accumulated through the IGF. Markus Kummer, a prominent figure in internet governance, has mentioned the publication of a book summarizing the knowledge generated through the IGF. This highlights the challenge of effectively mining and utilizing the wealth of information available. By leveraging AI tools, the process of data mining and categorization can be significantly enhanced, allowing for more efficient and accurate analysis of the vast dataset.

In conclusion, while AI was not initially considered during the early stages of the IGF, its importance has become increasingly significant with the evolution of the digital landscape. Challenges persist in connecting the last billion individuals to the internet, particularly in dealing with language and cultural diversity. The broader definition of internet governance outlined in the Tunis agenda remains valid and continues to shape discussions within the field. The immense data accumulated through the IGF presents an opportunity for valuable insights when mined and analyzed effectively, with AI applications serving as useful tools in this process.

Jovan Kurbalija, Executive Director, DiploFoundation

The importance of preserving the knowledge generated during Internet Governance Forum (IGF) sessions was emphasised. This knowledge has the potential to assist and benefit communities affected by digitalisation issues. The Diplo Foundation, in collaboration with Markus Kummer, has been documenting IGF sessions since 2006. To facilitate this process, AI technology is employed, enabling the creation of summaries, reports, and daily digests. The AI system has the capability to codify and translate the arguments presented during sessions, resulting in the development of a comprehensive knowledge graph.

The knowledge database generated from IGF discussions is considered a public good that belongs to all stakeholders. However, it was noted that this valuable resource is currently underutilised. Therefore, there is a collective call for the initiation and promotion of the IGF knowledge database, aiming to fully harness its potential benefits.

While there are extensive discussions about the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on humanity, the need to explore AI as a practical tool and gain a comprehensive understanding of its functionalities was recognised. It was suggested that the Internet Governance (IG) community should focus on delving into the practical aspects of AI, rather than mere speculation about its potential impacts.

To enhance knowledge sharing and coherence, it was proposed that an AI tool be developed to connect and compare discussions across various IGF sessions. This tool would help identify commonalities, link related topics, and facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

The use of AI for the session report system was viewed positively, as it allows experts to collaborate with AI technology to generate interactive reports. These reports include detailed breakdowns per speaker, narrative summaries, and discussion points, as well as information regarding speech length and speed. The AI system continuously learns and improves through the integration of corrective feedback.

The IGF has evolved into a knowledge base that holds significant influence over Internet-related organizations. It serves as a platform for learning, capacity building, and the provision of global resources. Notably, the IGF’s culture of respect and engagement, which fosters a listening culture and promotes the acceptance of diverse opinions, was highly appreciated. There was a suggestion to utilize AI and human expertise to propagate this culture among younger generations, strengthening the overall impact and sustainability of the IGF’s mission.

In conclusion, the extended summary highlights the importance of preserving knowledge generated during IGF sessions and emphasizes the collaborative efforts between the Diplo Foundation and AI technology in documenting and summarizing these sessions. It underlines the call for the initiation and utilization of the IGF knowledge database, as well as the need to explore the practical aspects of AI. The potential benefits of an AI tool to link and compare discussions across various sessions are recognized. The positive perspective towards utilizing AI for the session report system is noted, along with the IGF’s influence as a knowledge base and its culture of respect and engagement.

Sorina Teleanu, Sorina Teleanu, Director of Knowledge, DiploFoundation

The International Governance Forum (IGF) held discussions on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in society, with a focus on its benefits rather than its potential to replace humans. The sentiment expressed during the discussions was positive.

Speakers at the IGF emphasized the need to approach AI in a practical manner and avoid cliches. They encouraged participants to explore how AI actually works, rather than focusing solely on its ‘magic’. This proactive stance aims to deepen understanding and harness the full potential of AI.

There was a consensus among the speakers that AI is not detrimental to jobs, but rather a tool to assist humans. They dismissed the idea of AI taking over human jobs in the near future and highlighted the importance of AI supporting and enhancing human capabilities.

One significant concern raised at the IGF was the underutilization of the valuable information produced. While the forum generates a wealth of knowledge, it was acknowledged that much of it remains unused or unexplored. This raises questions about the effectiveness of disseminating and utilizing the knowledge generated by the IGF.

The speakers also stressed the potential of technology in maximizing the knowledge acquired by the IGF over the years. They emphasized the need to leverage technology to track the evolution of discussions and enhance understanding of topics such as the digital divide. By harnessing technology, the wealth of knowledge accumulated by the IGF can be effectively utilized to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Additionally, there was an emphasis on the need to move the discussions forward and avoid repetition. The speakers highlighted technology as a means to facilitate progress, avoid cliches, and promote innovation in governance and societal debates. Using technology as a starting point for discussions can provide an overview of previous debates and lay the groundwork for more in-depth and constructive conversations.

In conclusion, the discussions at the IGF established that AI will bring about benefits without replacing humans. The importance of approaching AI in a practical manner, avoiding cliches, and harnessing technology to maximize the utilization of knowledge were key takeaways. Moving forward, the IGF aims to leverage technology to advance governance and effectively address societal challenges.

Wim Degezelle, Internet Governance Expert, Policy Analyst & Consultant

During discussions about Internet Governance Forum (IGF) activities, it was identified that there is a need to improve the codification and collection of knowledge. The participants emphasised the importance of moving beyond mere discussions and working towards tangible outputs. This indicates a desire to generate concrete reports and outcomes from IGF discussions.

Another point raised was the need for better coordination and consolidation of similar discussions that take place at different workshops within the IGF. It was observed that multiple sessions on internet fragmentation often resulted in repeated messages about collaborative work, albeit using different phrasing. The crowded schedule of IGF sessions was identified as a challenge, making it difficult to establish links to previous discussions from past years or sessions. Therefore, participants suggested that better coordination and consolidation of similar discussions would improve efficiency and reduce redundancy within the IGF.

Participants also acknowledged the potential role of AI and other technologies in enhancing knowledge management. It was noted that during meetings, a specific tool was able to break down participants’ words into distinct arguments and label key topics. Additionally, the tool was capable of associating relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the discussions. This demonstrates how AI and technology can help categorise and link discussions, facilitating better knowledge management within the IGF.

Moreover, there was a shared positive sentiment towards the potential of the tool to compare and link discussions from different sessions. Participants expressed a desire for the tool to identify common themes across multiple sessions and suggest comparative analysis. This highlights the potential for AI and technology to further enhance knowledge management within IGF by providing a comprehensive and comparative understanding of discussions.

In conclusion, the discussions surrounding knowledge codification and collection within IGF activities stressed the need for tangible outputs and better coordination of similar discussions. Furthermore, the value of AI and other technologies in categorising, linking, and enhancing knowledge was recognised. The potential for these technologies to compare and link discussions from various sessions was also highlighted. Overall, this analysis provides insights into improving knowledge management within the context of IGF.

Audience

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) has become a vital platform, enabling stakeholders to participate and contribute to policy discussions related to the internet. This inclusive forum allows dialogue and collaboration among governments, non-governmental organizations, businesses, academic institutions, and individuals interested in shaping the internet’s future.

One key aspect that sets the IGF apart is its ability to influence internet-related organizations. Stakeholders have found the IGF to be an important channel for contributing to policy development and decision-making processes. This influence has been significant, shaping the strategies and actions of internet governance entities.

The IGF’s positive impact is reinforced by its evolution and longevity, surpassing initial expectations. It was originally anticipated that the IGF would only last for a limited period, but its resilience and continued success prove its value. The IGF is now regarded as a model worth emulating, leading to the establishment of similar forums worldwide and the contribution of resources from various regions, strengthening global internet governance.

Another significant aspect of the IGF is its role in promoting global collaboration and discussion. The forum provides a platform for stakeholders to engage in fruitful dialogue, allowing for agreement and disagreement. Through open exchanges and constructive debates, the IGF facilitates consensus building, shaping policies that impact internet governance. Additionally, the IGF’s influence extends beyond its immediate activities and impacts other internet governance organizations operating in related domains.

In conclusion, the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) has become a valuable knowledge base and a platform for global collaboration and discussion. Its importance lies in bringing together diverse stakeholders, providing opportunities for active participation, and influencing internet-related organizations worldwide. The continued success and growth of the IGF over the past two decades highlight the need for its continuation and evolution in the future.

Anja Gengo, Associate Programme Expert, IGF Secretariat

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is an extensive database that contains a vast collection of reports, records, and documents on digital inclusion. For the past 18 years, the IGF has been actively producing various types of reports and documents, which serve as significant indicators of the current state of affairs and future directions in the field. This highlights the IGF’s commitment to remaining up-to-date and providing valuable insights into the digital inclusion landscape.

One argument presented is that artificial intelligence (AI) can be a valuable tool in managing the IGF’s massive database, provided that it is a trusted system. AI has the ability to process data quickly and yield accurate results, thereby enhancing the IGF’s data processing capabilities and achieving a higher level of inclusion in its processes.

Furthermore, there is a strong emphasis on the importance of identifying and including underrepresented and marginalized groups in the IGF processes. The IGF Secretariat acknowledges the lack of participation from certain countries, disciplines, and target groups and is making efforts to map these missing entities and onboard them. This commitment underlines the IGF’s dedication to promoting inclusivity and reducing inequalities in the digital space.

Anja Gengo, an observer, is impressed by the examination of speech length and speed in the discussions. This analysis provides insights into communication dynamics and has the potential to improve the effectiveness of discussions during IGF events. Additionally, Gengo is excited about a mini competition, the outcome of which is eagerly anticipated.

Overall, the analysis of the IGF’s database and its efforts towards inclusion are deemed highly valuable for the IGF’s long-term utility. It not only enhances decision-making but also supports the IGF in effectively addressing the challenges and opportunities within the digital inclusion landscape.

Speakers