A session is held during the 20th United Nations Internet Governance Forum in Lillestrom, Norway, on June 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday urged the international community to step up efforts to bridge the digital divide by expanding affordable and meaningful Internet access, close the digital skills gap, counter online hate speech, promote information integrity, tolerance and respect, address the concentration of digital power, and foster diversity, transparency, and trust in digital spaces.

Guterres made the remarks in a video address at the opening ceremony of the 20th United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF), which opened Tuesday in Lillestrom, Norway.

He praised the IGF's two decades of efforts in advancing inclusive Internet public policy and underscored the importance of building an Internet rooted in dignity, opportunity, and human rights.

"Two decades ago, the idea of digital cooperation was a bold aspiration. Today, it is an absolute necessity and a shared responsibility," Guterres said. "Let us keep building a digital future that protects, empowers, and includes everyone, everywhere."

The 20th IGF, held until Friday under the theme "Building Digital Governance Together", has attracted over 800 in-person participants and more than 8,000 online attendees.

The forum will feature over 150 sessions covering key topics such as artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, digital trust and security, data protection, infrastructure development, universal access, and the role of digital technologies in promoting peace, inclusion, and sustainable development.

Since its inception in 2006, the IGF has evolved into a vital platform for global dialogue on Internet governance and plays an essential role in shaping inclusive, transparent, and accountable digital policies worldwide.