Tsvetelina Penkova heads the European Parliament delegation to the International Internet Governance Forum 2024 (Internet Governance Forum - IGF), which takes place from 15 to 19 December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This prestigious participation is a recognition of her efforts and competences in digital and digital policies on a European and global scale.
At the forum, Tsvetelina Penkova met with the Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Saudi Arabia, Abdullah bin Amer Al-Sawaha. They discussed joint prospects for digital development and strengthening ties in the field of digital technologies. The discussions focused on identifying flexible solutions and policies that would strengthen international cooperation in the technology sector, and in particular the collaboration between the EU, Saudi Arabia and the region.
The Internet Governance Forum is a global initiative under the auspices of the UN, which brings together representatives from governments around the world, business, academia and civil society to discuss the most pressing issues in the technological world. The leading topics of the forum include innovation, cybersecurity, digital literacy, artificial intelligence and the development of effective policies for regulating the Internet space. This year, Bulgaria and the EU will be represented by Penkova, highlighting the central role of the region in international digital initiatives.
“Technologies are shaping our present, but we must ensure that they do so in a way that is ethical and transparent,“ Penkova commented. “The EU's participation in the IGF is important because in this forum we are not only discussing the future, but also setting global standards that protect the rights of users in the online environment.“
In addition to the strategic meeting with the Minister, Penkova will take part in a discussion with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa. The main topic of this conversation will be cooperation in the technological era, which can ensure more innovation on a global scale. Her important commitment is also discussions with youth leaders, where she will emphasize the importance of their participation in the formation of a digital ecosystem. “The voice of young people must be heard. They have new ideas and an innovative outlook, which is key to the sustainable development of technologies.“, said the MEP.
The EU delegation, led by Penkova, will hold strategic meetings with delegations from Africa and Latin America, where topics such as digital development and global mechanisms for addressing cyber threats will be discussed.
The forum is not just a place for exchanging ideas, but also a platform for creating global visions. Penkova's participation shows the firm commitment of both the EU and Bulgaria to building a fair digital ecosystem.
“Europe has the opportunity to be a leader in shaping policies that put people at the center of the digital transformation,“ Penkova summarized. “We are working for a digital future that is not only innovative, but also inclusive, accessible and secure.“
The participation of Tsvetelina Penkova in the IGF 2024 underlines the strategic vision of the European Union and strengthens Bulgaria's international prestige.
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