I truly believe that SEEDIG, as one of the most successful regional forums on Internet governance, is a remarkable place where we can explore the opportunities for the countries of the region to benefit from digital technologies. […] Policymakers, private sector, NGOs, tech industry, startups and citizens, all have a role to play in the digitalisation of society and must engage in a constructive dialogue. SEEDIG is an ideal platform for this dialogue to take place.

We support initiatives like SEEDIG that link regional Internet governance issues with global Internet governance processes through multistakeholder discussions, exchanges, and collaboration. South Eastern Europe is a particularly important region in Europe due to its diverse, vibrant, and multicultural character, which certainly brings a valuable contribution to the conversation on Internet governance on a global level.

Among the numerous national and regional Internet governance activities that ICANN supports globally, SEEDIG stands out as a good practice model of community driven, transparent, inclusive, and output oriented multistakeholder dialogue leading the public discussion in the region, but its impacts resonate well beyond. ICANN recognises the remarkable work of the community, the SEEDIG Executive Committee and the local host in preparing once again a leading programme and groundbreaking event.

The IGF Support Association (IGFSA) has recognised the value SEEDIG brings to the South East European region and is pleased to have been one of its supporters since its inception in 2015. While the global debate is important, there is a growing recognition that the discussions at the regional and national levels can have a more direct impact, as many decisions that affect the use of the Internet are taken closer to home.

We are very excited to be involved in and support regional Internet governance initiatives such as SEEDIG, and contribute to the dialogue on current Internet governance issues.