IGF 2023 Lightning Talk #129 Ethics Unbound: Empowering Digital Minds

    Time
    Monday, 9th October, 2023 (07:40 UTC) - Monday, 9th October, 2023 (08:00 UTC)
    Room
    SC – Room H
    Subtheme

    Human Rights & Freedoms
    Rights to Access and Information

    Social media exchange
    Najah Itani, Social media exchange, Civil society, WANA.

    Speakers

    Najah Itani, Social media exchange, Civil society, WANA.

    Onsite Moderator

    Najah Itani, Social media exchange, Civil society, WANA.

    Online Moderator

    The session is going to be in person

    Rapporteur

    Najah Itani, Social media exchange, Civil society, WANA.

    SDGs

    4. Quality Education
    8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
    9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
    10. Reduced Inequalities
    16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
    17. Partnerships for the Goals

    Targets: This session proposal aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets: SDG 4: Quality Education - Access to affordable and reliable telecommunications services is crucial for ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education, as it enables connectivity for remote learning, access to educational resources, and opportunities for lifelong learning. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth - By addressing the challenges in Lebanon's telecommunications sector, such as corruption and lack of transparency, the session aims to promote sustainable economic growth and decent work opportunities, fostering a competitive and innovative environment. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure - Improving governance, transparency, and accountability in the telecommunications sector will contribute to the development of resilient infrastructure, fostering innovation, and ensuring universal access to reliable and affordable communication services. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities - The session focuses on the impact of unaffordable prices and limited accessibility on vulnerable communities, aiming to reduce inequalities by advocating for inclusive and affordable telecommunications services for all Lebanese citizens. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - Addressing governance failures, corruption, and regulatory gaps in the telecommunications sector contributes to promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions. It emphasizes the importance of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in creating a fair and inclusive society. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - The session recognizes the role of civil society organizations, the media, and the international community in combating corruption and promoting good governance. It emphasizes the need for partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders to achieve sustainable development. By exploring the challenges and potential solutions in Lebanon's telecommunications sector, this session proposal directly links with these SDG targets, aiming to contribute to a more inclusive, transparent, and equitable society.

    Format

    Presentation

    Duration (minutes)
    20
    Language
    English
    Description

    Session Description: Join us as we uncover the truth behind Lebanon's telecommunications sector and its impact on the fundamental human right to access vital communication services. Explore the challenges of corruption, lack of transparency, and unaffordable prices, and discover potential solutions for promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusive access. In this session, we will provide a concise timeline of the sector's history, highlighting key moments that have shaped its current state. Through engaging visuals, grasp the consequences of price hikes on vulnerable communities, exacerbated by economic crises and currency devaluation. Delve into the root causes, including governance failures, monopolistic practices, and regulatory gaps, that have eroded consumer trust and limited alternatives. Gain insights into policy reforms, enhanced governance, and the pivotal role of civil society organizations, the media, and the international community in combating corruption and promoting good governance. Together, let's advocate for change and strive for a transparent, accountable, and inclusive telecommunications sector that upholds the right to access as a fundamental human right. Join us in this eye-opening session as we work towards a future where all Lebanese citizens can exercise their right to affordable and accessible communication services. Session Objective: The objective of this session is to share the lessons learned from Lebanon's telecommunications sector and explore potential solutions to promote good governance and accountability.By providing insights into the history of the sector, the impact of price hikes on vulnerable communities, and the underlying causes of corruption, this session aims to raise awareness and stimulate discussions on the importance of transparency and accountability in the telecommunications industry. Expected Outcomes: 1. Increased awareness: Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the history and challenges facing Lebanon's telecommunications sector, including the impact of corruption and price hikes on vulnerable communities. 2. Identification of key issues: Participants will identify the main factors contributing to the lack of transparency, poor service quality, and high prices in the telecommunications sector, recognizing the need for reforms and improved governance. 3. Knowledge sharing: Participants will learn about successful case studies and best practices from other contexts, providing inspiration and insights into potential solutions for combating corruption and promoting good governance in the sector. 4. Stakeholder engagement: The session will foster engagement and collaboration among various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, the media, public authorities, and the international community, in working towards a more transparent and accountable telecommunications sector in Lebanon. 5. Call for action: Participants will be encouraged to take action in their respective roles and spheres of influence to support initiatives promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in the telecommunications sector. This may include advocating for policy reforms, supporting civil society organizations, and promoting awareness among the public. 6. Networking and collaboration: The session will provide a platform for participants to network, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations in addressing the challenges and finding solutions for the telecommunications sector in Lebanon. By achieving these expected outcomes, the session aims to contribute to the broader goal of promoting a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive telecommunications sector in Lebanon, ultimately benefiting the citizens and ensuring equitable access to communication services.

    It can be livestreamed.