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Roundtable Meeting for Arab Governments and Regulatory Authorities

Thursday, 4 December 2025

Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Cairo, Egypt

The RIPE NCC, in collaboration with the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) of Egypt, will host the 9th Roundtable Meeting for Arab Governments and Regulatory Authorities on Thursday, 4 December 2025, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Cairo.

This annual dialogue brings together ministers, heads of regulatory authorities and the League of Arab States to discuss the future of Internet infrastructure and governance in the Arab region.

Under the theme “Enhancing Regional Integration in Internet Infrastructure and Governance,” the roundtable will address opportunities and challenges in expanding connectivity, securing Internet infrastructure and strengthening multistakeholder collaboration.

The meeting builds on previous editions hosted by regulatory authorities in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Iraq and Jordan and continues the long-standing partnership between the RIPE NCC and Arab governments and regulatory authorities to support a secure, resilient and inclusive Internet.

Objectives:

  • Foster dialogue and strengthen cooperation with Arab governments and Regulatory Authorities on Internet infrastructure development.
  • Exchange best practices on IPv6, routing security (RPKI), IXPs and regional connectivity.
  • Discuss national and regional approaches to public policy and Internet governance linked to SDGs, WSIS Action Lines and the Global Digital Compact (GDC).

Draft Agenda

09:30 – 10:15 Opening Session

  • Welcome and opening speeches
    • NTRA, RIPE NCC, AFRNIC, League of Arab States and the head delegates
    • Agenda overview and outcomes from the previous government roundtable in Amman

10:15 – 11:05 Session 1: Scaling the Internet for the Digital Economy

  • IPv6 deployment as the foundation for growth and innovation
  • National strategies to scale networks for future services
  • Regional collaboration

Connections:

  • SDG 9 (Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Inclusion)
  • WSIS C2 (Infrastructure), C3 (Access to Information)
  • GDC Goal 1 (Closing the Digital Divide)

11:05 – 11:15 Coffee Break

11:15 – 12:05 Session 2: Securing Internet Infrastructure

  • Routing security (RPKI) as a safeguard against hijacks and leaks
  • Best practices and case studies from Arab states
  • The role of governments in supporting the adoption of secure routing norms

Connections:

  • SDG 16 (Institutions/Governance)
  • WSIS C5 (Confidence and Security in ICTs)
  • GDC Goal 3 (Fostering a Safe Digital Space)

12:05 – 12:55 Session 3: Building Resilience through Robust Connectivity

  • IXPs as enablers of the digital economy, local content hosts and efficient local traffic exchange
  • Strengthening redundancy and reducing dependence on external hubs
  • Lessons from regional initiatives to bolster resilience

Connections:

  • SDG 9 (Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Inclusion)
  • WSIS C2 (Infrastructure)
  • GDC Goal 2 (Expanding Inclusion)

12:55 – 13:05 Coffee Break

13:05 – 14:00 Session 4: Navigating Regional and Global Internet Governance Processes

  • RIPE NCC policy development, capacity building and multistakeholder engagement
  • Dangers of conflating technical coordination, Internet governance and digital policies
  • Preparations for the UN General Assembly on WSIS+20 and IGF mandate renewal
  • Review of GSR and WTDC outcomes
  • Arab regulators’ engagements at regional and global forums: ITU, LAS, IGF, WSIS, AI for Good, NRIs, MENOG and RIPE Meetings

Connections:

  • SDG 16 (Institutions), SDG 17 (Partnerships)
  • WSIS C4 (Capacity Building), C6 (Enabling Environment)
  • GDC Goal 4 (Responsible Data Governance), Goal 5 (Enhancing International Governance of AI)

14:00 – 14:15 Closing Session: Summary and Next Steps

  • Open dialogue to identify new partnership opportunities and actionable strategies
  • Summary of discussions, recommendations and actionable next steps
  • Closing remarks by NTRA and RIPE NCC leadership