Lebanon’s Minister of the Displaced and Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Kamal Shahada, inaugurated the 2025 Lebanese Internet Governance Forum, bringing together leading experts, policymakers, and representatives from the public sector, private sector, civil society, and the tech community.
In his opening remarks, Shahada reaffirmed that “Lebanon has always been, and will remain, a key player in the regional and international digital landscape.” He emphasized that the forum serves as a unified national platform enabling Lebanon to present its digital vision on the global stage, particularly within the International Internet Governance Forum (IGF).
Shahada noted that Lebanon’s IGF has become an active contributor to international digital dialogues, engaging in joint sessions with advanced countries like Switzerland and Canada, and maintaining ongoing collaborations with regional and global organizations. He stressed that these efforts reflect substantive engagement, not protocol, showcasing the impact and expertise of Lebanese professionals in shaping modern digital policies.
He also highlighted the government’s recent decision to appoint three Lebanese experts to support Lebanon’s diplomatic mission at the United Nations and officially represent the country in the WSIS+20 negotiations in New York, a first for Lebanon. He stated that Lebanese contributions, in coordination with Egypt and Jordan, helped secure the adoption of several Arab-backed proposals in the latest international document.
Shahada pointed to the strong presence of Lebanese specialists across major global digital institutions — including ICANN, RIPE NCC, ISOC, the International Telecommunication Union, and the United Nations — as proof that Lebanon remains an influential player in global digital governance despite domestic challenges.
He lauded the government’s efforts in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and strengthening internet infrastructure, asserting that Lebanon has the capabilities to reclaim its pioneering role thanks to its exceptional human capital and determination to advance.
Shahada concluded by urging participants to develop practical recommendations to submit to international internet governance bodies, reflecting Lebanon’s vision for a secure, sustainable, and open digital future.
Following the opening session, the minister took part in a panel discussion on artificial intelligence and technology in Lebanon, exploring national strategies, challenges, opportunities, and ways to bolster digital innovation and the knowledge economy.
