National internet Governance Forum 2017 in Georgia

Freedom of expression is one of the foundations of a democratic and pluralistic society. Its corollary is access for everyone to accurate, reliable and timely information, a key precondition for informed public participation. The role of the media and journalists in seeking out, verifying and distributing information is crucial.

States have the responsibility to provide adequate safeguards, both through law and practice, for the effective enjoyment and protection of freedom of expression, including by creating an enabling environment for free and responsible media to flourish and play their essential role in democracy.

The Council of Europe is well placed to help prevent and address the threats to the exercise of the rights and freedoms guaranteed by Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, both offline and in the online environment.

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Back National internet Governance Forum 2017 in Georgia

Within the EU funded project “CoE/EU Program “Protecting Internet Freedom through Legislation and Arrangements for Multi-stakeholder Dialogue” the Council of Europe (CoE)” in cooperation with the national and international partners such as the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Developments, Georgian National Communications Commission, Internet Society, ICANN, European IP Networks, Small and Medium Telecom Operators Association of Georgia and representatives of Academia, traditional and new media outlets organized the Third Multi-Stakeholder National internet Governance Forum 2017. The forum took place in Tbilisi on 11-12 September 2017.

The forum was opened by Mr George Cherkezishvili, deputy minister of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Mr Raúl Echeberría – ISOC, Vice President, Global Engagement, Mr Cristian Urse, Head of Tbilisi CoE Office, Ms Sandra Hoferichter – EuroDIG, Secretary General, Mr Axel Pawlic - RIPE NCC Managing Director, Ms Aleksandra Kulikova – ICANN, Global Stakeholder Engagement Manager for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Mr Merab Katamadze – commissioner, Georgian national Communication Commission and Mr Chengetai Masango - United Nations Secretariat for the Internet Governance Forum (online), IGF Program and Technology Manager.

Traditionally the participants discussed broad range of topics which are actual in the telecommunication sector. Challenges facing Georgia in terms of broadband access as well as the regulations specialized in the Personal Data Protection framework were widely discussed by the experts and participants. Like in previous year the issues relating to the Competition and Regulations of Telecommunication Market of Georgia – Bottlenecks against development of Internet remained the important topic of the event. During the forum the representatives of the RIPE Network Coordination Centre RIPE NCC and Georgian National Communication Commission signed the memorandum of understanding.

The organizers and participants positively assessed the event and agreed to continue organizing the traditional internet governance forum in the future in order to enable the national stakeholders having the multi-stakeholder dialog with national and international partners at equal level.

Tbilisi 18 September 2017

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In time of conflict

The right to freedom of expression and information constitutes one of the essential foundations of democratic society. In conflict situations and wars, the role of the media is critical in providing the public with accurate and timely information. Trustworthy news and images can contribute to the protection of civilians and conflict prevention, bring to the attention of the international community the horrors and reality of conflict and expose violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.

Visit the "Freedom of expression in times of conflict" webpage

Journalists Matter Campaign

Journalists Matter, the Council of Europe Campaign for the Safety of Journalists is an initiative aiming to promote press freedom and protect journalists from violence, threats, and harassment while performing their duties. As part of this Campaign, the Council of Europe is inviting everyone to support their cause, take action for their enhanced protection, while raising awareness about the importance of safeguarding journalists and their right to report the news freely and without fear.

Visit the "Campaign for the Safety of Journalists" webpage