CAIRO - Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) Executive Director Mr. Charles Shaban chaired the Arab Multistakeholder Advisory Program Committee (AMPAC) of the Fifth Arab Internet Governance Forum (Arab IGF-V) held in Cairo with the participation of high-ranking regional and international dignitaries. 

 

The Arab IGF-V was organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for West Asia (ESCWA) and the League of Arab States in cooperation with the National Telecom Regulatory Authority of Egypt, and was hosted by the Arab Administrative Development Organization (ARADO) at its premises in Heliopolis.

 

Charged of preparing the program of the event, AMPAC organized the main sessions of the Forum which included the Contribution to Internet Global Public Policymaking: From Internet Governance to Digital Cooperation; Meaningful access for Inclusion and Diversity; Digital transformation and Internet Economy; and Cyber Security, Privacy, Trust and Peace.

 

“AGIP chairmanship of such an important high-level committee signifies the international status we have earned after years of dedication and hard work thanks to the continued guidance of Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh and the wise management of Mr. Luay Abu-Ghazaleh, vice chair of TAG.Global and CEO of AGIP,” Shaban said. 

 

Being an active member of the Multistakeholder Advisory Group of the IGF for many years, Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Global (TAG.Global) effectively participated in the Forum’s events and meetings. Moreover, Founder and Chairman of TAG.Global HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh has previously participated in the IGF in his capacity as the Chairman of the UN Global Alliance for ICT and Development.

TAG.Global has also served on the United Nations working groups and UN Secretary-General working groups on Internet governance since its establishment.

The Forum sessions covered in details the Internet policies and policymaking at  regional and international levels, as well as means for enabling institutions in the Arab region to participate in the making of these policies in addition to  digital transformation and digital economy that have become key areas in addressing the economic development methods and models in light of the technological advancements, cyberspace security, possibilities and challenges of the digital economy in the Arab region, in addition to activities and applications that contribute to countering fake news, developments in the face of extremist and violent rhetoric across social networks.

 

It is worth mentioning that Sha'ban has been selected by ESCWA and the League of Arab States to be the chair of the Arab Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Multi-stakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) for 2015, and served as the first Vice-chair of the Arab IGF Multi-stakeholder Advisory Group in 2014. He has been a member of the Advisory Group since 2011.