Enabling Global-Local Collaboration as a Tool for Effective Internet Governance

I had the privilege of speaking at the recent Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Australia, an annual event that convenes a diverse community of stakeholders to discuss critical internet governance and policy issues. I met with several stakeholders from across the country, all dedicated to cultivating a thriving Australian internet ecosystem through robust cooperation and collaboration.

These conversations reinforced a crucial insight: the future of effective internet governance lies in strengthening global-local collaboration. While the internet transcends borders, its impact is profoundly local. By bridging the perspectives of international entities and local communities, we can ensure internet governance remains both globally consistent and locally relevant.

I've identified five key areas where this global-local balance is particularly critical:

1. Multilingualism and Cultural Diversity: Internet governance discussions and decision-making processes must be inclusive of diverse languages and cultures, reflecting the internet's global user base while respecting local cultural contexts.
2. Local Content and Digital Inclusion: Digital literacy and skills development initiatives have the greatest impact when tailored to local needs, yet their collective success contributes to global digital advancement. When local communities thrive online, the entire internet ecosystem benefits.
3. Data Localization and Privacy: While many jurisdictions have developed strong local data protection laws, they do not always align with international standards. The challenge lies in balancing local sovereignty with the internet's borderless nature.
4. Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure: Strong national cybersecurity capabilities don't just protect local assets – they contribute to a more robust global internet infrastructure. Local resilience strengthens global security.
5. International Cooperation: Fostering international cooperation and dialogue is needed to address global internet governance challenges.

Local entities are invaluable partners in this work because they intimately understand their communities' challenges and needs. Take digital inclusion, for example: while it's a global priority, success depends on tailoring initiatives – from digital literacy programs to broadband deployment – to local contexts and citizens' specific needs.

This is why global companies must forge meaningful partnerships with local stakeholders. At Identity Digital, we're putting these principles into action through several initiatives: supporting an indigenous internet governance fellowship in Australia, partnering to bridge the digital divide for indigenous communities in North America, and planting 25,000 trees across Australia and Africa to benefit local environments.

The insights and connections I gained at the auIGF will be invaluable as we continue working to promote this crucial balance between worldwide coordination and tailored, community-driven solutions. Events like these demonstrate that inclusive, multi-stakeholder engagement is the key to tackling the complex, evolving challenges facing the internet. By thinking globally while acting locally, we can build a more accessible, secure, and equitable internet for all.