Session
Description of the Session
Almost two decades have passed since the community committed to ‘’move from principles to action’’ to bridge the digital divide and ensure development-oriented aspects of the Information Society. It was twenty years ago, when under the auspices of the United Nations, the multilateral was called to work with others in internationally managing the Internet in a transparent and democratic manner for an equitable distribution of resources, facilitation of access for all and ensure stable and secure functioning of the Internet, taking into account multilingualism[1].
In twenty years, much has happened. The global Internet penetration grew from less than 400 million Internet users in 2000, to a total of 5 billion today. However, not everyone is equal in this growth.
Some pay more while some pay less.
Some surf the Net on speedy computers while some struggle with dated devices.
Some code and conduct business online while some can perform far simpler online exercises.
Some got harassed and exposed to fraud online while some not.
And the list of inequalities is long.
Has the multistakeholder model delivered on what the Tunis Agenda set as an objective? What and who is missing?
The national, regional and youth IGFs (NRIs) emerged organically over the past years. From only a few until 2010, to over 150 at the present moment. Are the inequalities online what trigger the formation of more and more the NRIs as an alternative to ineffective mechanisms to address Internet governance?
Through the practices of multistakeholder communities gathered around the NRIs, this session will explore local realities related to the following aspects:
- Is governing the Internet through multistakeholder model enough effective?
- What has changed in countries, regions and globally?
- How to prompt the creation of public policies for a digital agenda useful for all? Are there any success cases of a long-term digital public policies approach based on a multistakeholder approach? What roles are commonly adopted to coordinate the process of adopting digital agenda based on a multistakeholder approach?
- How can multistakeholderism and multidisciplinarity contribute to preserving the global open Internet where the risk of fragmentation is mitigated? What could be the role of the NRIs in this issue?
- Is the adoption of a local NRI initiative a constructive way to promote a multistakeholder discussion about adopting an inclusive digital public policy? Who’s missing in our dialogues?
- How do multistakeholderism, multidisciplinarity and the NRIs contribute to connecting all people?
- Why multistakeholderism, multidisciplinarity and the NRIs are essential for the evolution of the IGF as a focal point for future efforts at “digital cooperation” and the construction of the Global Digital Compact?
Relation to SDGs
- 1. No Poverty
- 9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Access to the Internet is a long-standing recognized accelerator of sustainable development and achieving the SDGs. However, it is of utmost importance to ensure everyone is connected to the Internet and equipped with the skills and resources to meaningfully use it. Most of all, we must ensure the Internet is governed through an effective and acceptable to all mechanism, respective to people’s freedoms and rights.
Name(s), Organizational Affiliation(s), Stakeholder and Regional Group of Speaker(s)
The speakers are delegated by the multistakeholder organizing committees of the NRIs:
- Asia Pacific Youth IGF, Jenna Fung
- Australia IGF, Cheryl Langdon-Orr
- Brazil IGF, Prof. Flávio Rech Wagner, President of ISOC Brazil
- Chile IGF, Stefan Berres
- Spain IGF, Jose Felix Hernandez-Gil
Onsite Moderator
Mr. Roberto Zambrana, Bolivia IGF
Online Moderator
Ms. Bia Corrales, Brazil IGF
Rapporteur
To be updated.
Session Format
60 Min Round Table or U-shape
Session Interaction and Participation in a Hybrid Meeting
A dedicated online moderator will be placed next to the onsite moderator. All participants will be using the online speaking queue to be treated equally in their requests for interventions. All input presentations will be made available on the IGF website and links will be shared via the online tool. The Zoom and in-room video will be inter-projected to foster a sense of community despite being in different locations.
[1] https://www.itu.int/net/wsis/docs2/tunis/off/6rev1.html