The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) underscores the importance of platforms that promote internet development, knowledge exchange, identification of technological challenges, and the creation of collaborative solutions – such as the Internet Governance Forum of Armenia (ArmIGF).
Speaking at the ArmIGF 2025 conference in Yerevan, Christopher Mondini, ICANN, Managing Director, Europe, and Vice President for Stakeholder Engagement, IGFSA Executive Committee member, emphasized the potential of Armenia’s internet community, its spirit of collaboration and the country’s growing role in global internet governance.
“I don’t think I’ve encountered an internet community as diverse as this one. This is a rare expression of human trust, and it is clearly visible in Armenia,” said Mondini.
While the internet today connects more than 5 billion people, approximately 2.6 billion still lack access. According to Mondini, addressing this gap remains a key global challenge.
“We cannot speak of technological progress when billions of people remain outside the digital world. The internet must be accessible to everyone,” he underlined.
Highlighting Armenia’s digital potential, Mondini noted that despite its small size, the country has the capacity to become a regional leader in digital innovation.
“Armenia is not only keeping pace with technological progress but is also actively shaping it. Your society is open, collaborative, and innovative. I’m aware of how important the inclusion of the Armenian script in domain systems is to you and how much progress has been made in that area. This effort not only preserves cultural identity but also contributes to the growth of a multilingual internet,” he said.
Addressing ICANN’s initiatives to enhance cybersecurity and prevent abuse within DNS systems, as well as to deepen international cooperation, Mondini concluded:
“I consider my visit to Armenia very important because I see a country that is open to the world and eager to cooperate. The foundations for best practices are already here, and we can help strengthen them institutionally. This is the path toward building a digital future founded on trust.”
