We, participants of the High Level Ministerial Meeting on “Addressing the challenges of a Hyperconnected World” held in Baku on 5^th November, 2012,

Believe that as the world is now in the Information Era wherethe Internet and information communication technologies (ICTs) have become a crucially important part of human life. High-speed internet connectivity, broadband services and applicationsare essential for modern society as they offer economic growth and social benefits.

Stressing the importance of broadband infrastructure we understand that broadband internet should be accessible to all as it can help to bridge the digital divide and improve social, policy and development outcomes all over the world. Nevertheless, spreading broadband infrastructure within developing countries is very problematic and challenging and therefore remains out of reach for many countries.

We firmly believe that the ICTs combined with broadband can significantly improve the public service system such as:education system, financial services and healthcare as well as empowering women and improving the quality of life especially in developing countries.

Recognizing the need for high-speed broadband internet connectivity we are also aware that cyber-crime is a real issue that needs to be addressed.

Emphasizing the importance of cyber space and reaching milestones on the road towards assuring greater global cyber security we recognize the growing risk and increased frequency of cyber attacks that could cause severe disturbance to the flow, access and usage of information on the Internet.

Stressing the need to facilitate human and institutional capacities to provide effective measures and applying every effort to minimize the threats and insecurities related toonline activity,

Fostering protection of children, security and privacy on the Internet through international cooperation,

Strengthening measures to detect and prevent illegalactivities and put into place accountability for such activities on the Internet,

Thereupon acknowledging the potential vulnerability of software services and systems, we undertake the task of reducing the potential hazards that countries might experience, and to improve policies to secure internet-based activities.

Encouraging international cooperation in the ensuring global cyber security and combating incoming cyber threats,we believe that it is essential to make it priority for all countries and stake holders including governments to work together with the goal of building a safe information society for all nations and people.

Noting that the world is becoming hyperconnected and the Internet is having a huge impact on the way that information is gathered and shared, more and more people find it necessary to use the Internet and their dependency on online services is growing constantly. Therefore the provision of open and free internet access as well as freedom of expression online is increasing rapidly and becoming ever more important.

Therefore, we believe that the Internet Governance Forum and the multi-stakeholder model are essential toensure a sustainable, robust and open global Internet for all.

We trust that, in order to protect universal human rights online,governments all over the world should take the necessary steps to protect the free flow of information and enhance freedom of expression on the Internet.

With this Declaration, we, participants of the High Level Ministerial Meeting on “Addressing the Challenges of a Hyperconnected World” coinciding with IGF, call upon all countries to mobilize their capacities to ensure that above-stated intentions are fulfilled.

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