IGF 2023 WS #301 Navigating Conflicts and Overlaps in Internet Governance

Subtheme

Global Digital Governance & Cooperation
Multistakeholderism
Role of IGF

Organizer 1: Athanase Bahizire, ITU Generation Connect
Organizer 2: Veronica Piccolo, Internet Society Youth Standing Group
Organizer 3: Nana Ama Yeboah Addo, Internet Society
Organizer 4: Andrei Dodea, Audacious Ecosystem
Organizer 5: Nicolas Fiumarelli, 🔒Youth IGF Uruguay

Speaker 1: Athanase Bahizire, Technical Community, African Group
Speaker 2: Nicolas Fiumarelli, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 3: João Pedro Damas Martins, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 4: Vern Xien Liaw, Private Sector, Asia-Pacific Group

Moderator

Veronica Piccolo, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Online Moderator

Nana Ama Yeboah Addo, Technical Community, African Group

Rapporteur

Andrei Dodea, Private Sector, Eastern European Group

Format

Round Table - 60 Min

Policy Question(s)

How can conflicts and overlaps between Internet Governance initiatives be effectively addressed to promote collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders?
What strategies and best practices can be employed to harmonize conflicting initiatives and ensure effective resource allocation in order to optimize efficiency and avoid duplication of efforts among Internet Governance initiatives?
How can stakeholder representation be improved to ensure inclusivity and fairness in decision-making processes related to Internet Governance initiatives, and how can differing viewpoints be heard and considered to achieve consensus in decision-making?

What will participants gain from attending this session? Attending this session will help participants better understand the problems brought on by coordination issues, technical overlaps, jurisdictional issues, resource allocation, and stakeholder representation in Internet Governance initiatives. They will learn about practical approaches and the role of trust-building, accountability, and legitimacy in fostering effective cooperation and consensus-building between stakeholders from different regions, sectors, and perspectives. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange experiences and best practices with diverse stakeholders, as well as learn from the protocols followed by organizations operating the Internet ecosystem.
Participants will have the chance to build relationships with like-minded people and organizations actively involved in Internet Governance, network with them, and explore opportunities for collaboration outside of the session. Participants will be better prepared to make informed decisions in their respective roles within the Internet Governance ecosystem by gaining insightful knowledge and connections, which will help to create more effective, collaborative, harmonious, and inclusive processes.

Description:

In the fast-paced world of the Internet, Internet Governance initiatives are diverse and varied, representing a wide range of stakeholders and perspectives. With this diversity comes the potential for conflicts and overlaps between different initiatives, which can hinder effective collaboration and impede progress towards a harmonious digital ecosystem.
This session will delve into the core challenges faced by stakeholders in the ecosystem. We will examine conflicts that arise from differing coordination approaches, jurisdictional issues, resource allocation, and stakeholder representation. We will explore practical approaches to addressing conflicts, seeking consensus, and promoting cooperation. By identifying common areas of conflict and overlap, we aim to develop practical solutions that promote harmonious collaboration. The session will be interactive and participatory, encouraging dialogue and exchange between stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Through this session, we aim to foster a more harmonious and cooperative Internet Governance ecosystem that serves the interests of all stakeholders.

Expected Outcomes

The session aims to enhance participants' understanding of conflicts and overlaps in Internet Governance initiatives by providing practical and valuable strategies for accountability, trust-building, collaboration, and consensus-building. Knowledge sharing among participants will enable the exchange of experiences and best practices.
This session may also ignite future conversations regarding IG initiatives overlap and how to optimize Internet Governance cooperation by reducing redundancy.
As a result of the session, a summary report providing recommendations and best practices will be developed serving as a resource for Internet Governance practitioners and decision-makers, and an addition to the ongoing Internet Governance discussions with regard to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Hybrid Format: Our session will adopt a hybrid approach, utilizing the Metimeter platform and complementary online tools to facilitate interaction between onsite and online participants. By carefully allocating the flow of the session, alternating between online and onsite speakers and participants, we ensure equal opportunities for input and engagement. The Metimeter platform will enable real-time polling and engagement, while additional online tools will enhance collaboration and documentation. This comprehensive approach aims to create an inclusive and interactive session, providing a seamless and engaging experience for both onsite and online attendees.