The 2nd annual Arab Internet Governance Forum was recently held in Algiers, Algeria under the theme “Partners for Development.” Discussions focused on cyber security, freedom of the internet, the creation of infrastructure, and online opportunities for youth.

The Algerian government took the opportunity to emphasize its commitment to developing technology among Arab nations. The Minister of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the link between internet and “cultural, social, and economic life” along with the need of internet governance to ensure national security.

Participants made numerous recommendations for improving the online ecosystem of North Africa.

Internet governance and universal service are good in theory but hopefully in practice too:

Egypt ICT minister stressed on the importance of multistakeholder principle when is comes to internet governance #arabigf #igf #icann #isoc

— nashwa gad el hak (@nashwa80) October 1, 2013

#ArabIGF, Access Panel, Mobilis of #Algerie presenting the potential of mobile spreading broadband internet connectivity, universal service

— Diana BouGhanem (@dianabg) October 2, 2013

Nations have big plans, but many (ie. Algeria) should focus on 3G first:

4G Networks in the #Arab Region A great opportunity and big challenges to expand #internet access #aigf #arabigf #igmena

— حيدر الشاكري (@HayderSH) October 2, 2013

A lack of proper legal framework is a challenge in nearly all nations:

An Algerian judge speaking @ law enforcement workshop: lack of cyber legislations is the main problem in the Arab world. #ArabIGF #aigf

— Baher Esmat (@baheresmat) October 2, 2013

The Algerian government announced plans to construct a national IXP to allow local peering. Plans to create an internet exchange point between all Arab nations was also discussed:

Third workshop in 2nd #ArabIGF discusses Internet peering & exchange points, organized by the Algerian national broadband committee.

— Arab IGF (@IGFArab) October 2, 2013

Arabic domain names are available to encourage local content creation, for example:

You can find more about the #ICANN Middle Strategy here: https://t.co/TqrqKmSw8q #ArabIGF #aigf

— Baher Esmat (@baheresmat) October 2, 2013

Tunisia is a great example of a nation that ended internet filtering:

@mchakchouk calling Arab govs to invest in innovation Instead of focusing on controlling Internet #arabigf #igmena

— HananeBoujemi (@HananeBoujemi) October 3, 2013

Many attendees reported challenges juggling languages:

Panelists in #aigf talk in either #English or #French because of the lack in terms and acronyms related to #IG in #Arabic. #arabigf #igmena

— حيدر الشاكري (@HayderSH) October 2, 2013

Arab IGF is held under the joint umbrella of the League of Arab States (LAS) and the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA). Sponsors for this year’s event included Algerie Telecom, Nedjma, and Mobilis.