The opening of the Forum was also addressed by the UN Secretary General - Antonio Guterres, Polish President Andrzej Duda, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Director of the ITU-D Doreen Bogdan-Martin.

Dmitry Chernyshenko focused on introducing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the economy. He believes that regulatory barriers preventing AI penetration should be lifted. Russia has already developed the Artificial Intelligence Code of Ethics, signed by leading companies, universities and foundations. It envisages the basic principles of AI implementation: transparency, truthfulness, responsibility, reliability, inclusivity, impartiality, security and confidentiality.

“I would also like to note the importance of harmonising international legislation in the field of regulating the global internet and the activities of technology companies. It is necessary to develop common approaches towards protecting personal data on a global scale in order to maintain the balance of rights and responsibilities of all parties in the digital environment,” Dmitry Chernyshenko said. 

Russia is open to dialogue to develop joint solutions within the global digital agenda and supports the UN initiative to develop a Global Digital Compact. In addition, Russia is going to become a host country at the XX IGF in 2025.

In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that the choice of Russia as the place for the anniversary Forum "is a great honor for us and evidence of the recognition of the confident positions of our country in the development of the information society and digital technologies".

The XVI Internet Governance Forum is taking place in Katowice (Poland) from 6 to 10 December. The main theme of the event is “Internet United” - an open and free Internet that unites all users into a single community.