Sweden Pushing For Human Rights Online
Internet freedom is one of the top priorities of Swedish foreign policy. Everyone should be free to think and say what
they want – on the internet too. This is far from the reality in many countries. Today representatives from more than 90
countries are meeting in Stockholm to discuss how internet freedom and openness can promote human rights and social and
economic development worldwide.
On 22-23 May, the Stockholm Internet Forum (SIF) is being held for the second time. The conference uses an informal
format that aims to promote dialogue and interaction and it draws a great deal of interest, bringing together over 400
activists, experts, politicians and representatives of business and society from more than 90 countries. More than half
of this year’s participants are from middle- or low-income countries.
The number of people online is expected to jump from just under two billion to five billion within a few years. For the
Swedish Government, internet freedom is a high priority issue, based on the premise that human rights must be respected
both online and offline.
A free and open internet can have many positive effects on human rights as well as democracy, entrepreneurship and
global development. These issues will be discussed under the themes of freedom and security, and freedom and
development.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt, Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson and
Minister for Information Technology and Energy Anna-Karin Hatt will be representing the Swedish Government. Mr Bildt is
also hosting the conference.
Stockholm Internet Forum online
Digital curators will be at the conference to enable people to participate in the conference online. The digital
curators will monitor and pick up on conference-related content to share on the conference website, making it
participator-generated.
The Stockholm Internet Forum will be webcast live in its entirety on the Forum website: www.stockholminternetforum.se.
It will also be possible to interact with the conference via Twitter at #sif13.
ENDS