IGF 2023 WS #453 Rural Digital Divides: Empowering youth in remote areas

Subtheme

Digital Divides & Inclusion
Affordable Access
Gender Digital Divide
Skills Building for Basic and Advanced Technologies (Meaningful Access)

Organizer 1: Juliana Novaes, ๐Ÿ”’
Organizer 2: Camila Baello, ๐Ÿ”’
Organizer 3: Shadrach Ankrah, Ghana Youth IGF

Speaker 1: Camila Baello, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 2: Milagro Antonia Suira Jimenez, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 3: Svaradiva devi, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 4: Turra Daniele, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 5: Saba Tiku Beyene, Intergovernmental Organization, African Group

Moderator

Juliana Novaes, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)

Online Moderator

Camila Baello, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)

Rapporteur

Shadrach Ankrah, Technical Community, African Group

Format

Round Table - 60 Min

Policy Question(s)

How can governments and international organizations develop and implement effective policies and funding mechanisms to improve digital infrastructure in rural areas, specifically targeting the needs and challenges faced by rural youth?

What strategies can be employed to enhance digital literacy programs in rural communities, ensuring that rural youth have the necessary skills to fully participate in the digital economy and society?

How can public-private partnerships be leveraged to facilitate sustainable and affordable access to digital technologies in remote rural areas, and what are the key considerations for ensuring equitable distribution and availability of digital resources for rural youth?

What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants in a session on rural youth digital inclusion can gain valuable insights, knowledge, and practical solutions to address the pressing challenges faced by rural youth in accessing digital technologies. By engaging in discussions and sharing experiences with policymakers, educators, NGOs, and rural youth representatives, participants can deepen their understanding of the unique barriers and opportunities related to digital inclusion in rural areas. They can learn about successful initiatives and best practices that have improved digital literacy, connectivity, and access in rural communities. Additionally, participants can gain a broader perspective on the role of public-private partnerships, policy frameworks, and collaborative efforts in driving sustainable digital inclusion for rural youth. By actively participating in the session, attendees can build networks, exchange ideas, and forge potential partnerships to collectively work towards empowering rural youth, creating meaningful change, and fostering a more inclusive and equitable digital future.

Description:

This session aims to address the critical issue of digital inclusion among rural youth, focusing on their access to and effective use of digital technologies. Despite the growing connectivity worldwide, rural communities, particularly in developing regions, continue to face significant barriers to digital inclusion. This session will bring together diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, NGOs, and rural youth representatives, to discuss innovative strategies and practical solutions for bridging the digital divide.

Key discussion points will include identifying the unique challenges faced by rural youth in accessing digital tools, exploring successful initiatives that have improved digital literacy and connectivity in rural areas, and examining the role of public-private partnerships in expanding digital infrastructure and resources. The session will also emphasize the importance of empowering rural youth to become active participants in shaping digital policies and programs that directly impact their lives.

By promoting knowledge exchange and collaborative efforts, this session will contribute to unlocking the potential of rural youth and fostering their digital inclusion, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and opportunities to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Expected Outcomes

The session aims to amplify the voices of rural youth and empower them to shape the discourse on digital inclusion. The expected outcomes include messages from rural youth that highlight their specific needs, challenges, and aspirations regarding digital access and inclusion. These messages will serve as a powerful call to action for policymakers, organizations, and stakeholders, emphasizing the urgency of bridging the digital divide in rural communities. The messages will also provide valuable insights into the strategies and solutions that can effectively empower rural youth, promote their digital literacy, and ensure equitable access to digital resources. Ultimately, these outcomes will contribute to the development of inclusive and impactful policies that prioritize the digital inclusion of rural youth, enabling them to thrive in the digital era and participate fully in economic, social, and educational opportunities.

Hybrid Format: Opening Remarks: The session begins with opening remarks from a moderator or a panel of experts who set the context for the discussion on rural youth digital inclusion.

Panel Discussion: A panel discussion featuring policymakers, representatives from NGOs, educators, and rural youth leaders provides diverse perspectives and insights on the topic. The panelists share experiences, highlight challenges, and present successful case studies related to digital inclusion in rural areas.

Online and In-Person Breakout Groups: Participants are divided into smaller breakout groups to facilitate focused discussions. Each group is assigned a specific theme or question related to rural youth digital inclusion.

Group Presentations: After the breakout group sessions, participants reconvene to share the outcomes of their discussions.

Q&A and Interactive Discussion: A Q&A session allows participants to ask questions, seek clarification, and engage in an interactive discussion with the panelists and other participants.

Closing Remarks