How should Armenia navigate regional developments to secure its place and maintain a stable position in the digital landscape? What challenges related to cyber poverty will our society encounter in the near future?
These questions became the main focus of discussions at the 9th Armenian Internet Governance Forum (ArmIGF 2024).
This annual event was organized by the interdepartmental group of the Armenian Internet Governance Forum, the Ministry of High-Tech Industry of the Republic of Armenia, the Internet Society NGO and Internet Society Armenia Chapter PO. The event was supported by the international partners of the Internet Society NGO and the Ucom Organization. Representatives from public and business organizations, along with renowned experts, also participated.
Gevorg Mantashyan, the First Deputy Minister of High-Tech Industry of the Republic of Armenia, welcomed the attendees at the opening ceremony and wished the conference a productive and successful session.
“We believe the Internet should be a space where people can express themselves freely and feel completely safe. In our digitalization agenda, we place great emphasis on staying ahead in terms of cybersecurity and ensuring a cyber-safe environment when developing digital solutions,” he stated. He also highlighted the efforts being made to combat misinformation through antivirus and other advanced technologies, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining a free and open Internet, as well as effective value management.
“By initiating the IGF for the 9th time, we have ensured that this platform, which focuses on Internet Governance and unites all stakeholders, provides a foundation for large-scale cooperation. At this significant milestone of digital development, as the “Internet Society” NGO and the .am, representing our country, celebrate their 30th anniversary, we are proud to highlight several key achievements. These accomplishments have already created opportunities for the public to access education, foster economic growth, and achieve well-being. Now, it’s time to plan for the next decades,” said Igor Mkrtumyan, Board Chair of the ‘Internet Society’ NGO, in his welcoming speech.
His Excellency Mr. John Gallagher, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, emphasized that the best way to advance societal progress is by overcoming the challenges of the digital world through collective efforts.
“At Ucom, we are convinced that internet security is essential in the new digital reality, where every user should be able to confidently use the services provided to them.”
“Digitization is crucial, but it also carries certain risks. To address these, we need not only technological solutions but also cooperation and responsibility to ensure the safety and trust of users,” said Ucom`s General Director Ralph Yirikian.
To transform people’s mindset, develop digital literacy, build a new generation of economy and infrastructure, and implement necessary changes in social and management structures. In the digital age, the path to leapfrog growth for small countries follows this trajectory, with several successful examples on the international stage.
The conference was also notable in this regard, with leading experts from the USA, Estonia, the Netherlands, Russia, Serbia, Uzbekistan, and Georgia sharing their experiences.
