IGF 2020 WS #333 The Realities of Internet Inequalities in Disasters

Information

Session

Thematic Track:

Topic(s):

Access
Community Networks
Connecting the Unconnected

Organizer 1: Civil Society, African Group

Speaker 1: Wisdom Kwasi Donkor, Intergovernmental Organization, African Group
Speaker 2: Lily Edinam Botsyoe, Technical Community, African Group
Speaker 3: Benjamin Akinmoyeje, Civil Society, African Group

Format:

Round Table - Circle - 60 Min

Description:

Globally, Socio-political and Economic activities have grinded to a halt in the recent past. Developed and Developing Countries are waking up to the realities of the impact of unequal access to stable, affordable, and reliable internet connectivity during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a threat to further marginalization as governments push their programs to online platforms, where only a section of the population can access. For example, the Kenyan government continues to deliver its curriculum through digital platforms. Children with and without access to the Internet and digital technologies will be tested with the same exams which are the standard for their admissions in higher education. How can governments and other stakeholders ensure equality and quality of Internet access?

Issues:

Affordable Internet Access to the Internet for the vulnerable Quality Internet access for the poor to allow engagement with appropriate digital technologies implemented during disasters How to connect the many unconnected slum cities in the face of COVID19 like situation

Policy Question(s):

How does government palliative measures that it is Internet-based or ICT based reach the informal settlement? How does online education been proposed during the pandemic include those who can not afford Internet or ICT gadget? How do public services migrate to digital platform incorporate the unconnected How does the participation of the rural dwellers engage government to be included

Expected Outcomes:

There will be the development of a whitepaper extract from the workshop discussion Participants' feedback will be collected and widely distributed. It will also inform some policy discussions in other Internet governance fora. A position paper will be released after this discussion to enhance advocacy for digital tools that support inclusion of all. Possible documentation of projects or solutions to address the gap.

Relevance to Internet Governance: The session is relevant to Internet Governance as it enhances the call for the Internet for all irrespective of their economic, geographic, gender, age, or race. The topic addresses the empowerment of all people and the inclusion of all people of all backgrounds. Significant populations do not live in urban settings and the pandemic lockdown deprives them of the opportunity to come to the urban areas to access the Internet.

Relevance to Theme: This session is relevant to the thematic track because it is addressing the inclusion of those in the pandemic situation is further depriving of access to the Internet and public goods scarcely available in rural areas, informal settlements, or under privileged settings.

Discussion Facilitation:

The session involves experience sharing from different countries participants, input will be taken from members. The session will also described the realities of COVID19 experience of marginalized communities. [email protected], , [email protected], [email protected]

Online Participation:

Usage of IGF Official Tool. Additional Tools proposed: The group intends to use Facebook live and Zoom to engage participants mostly in Africa to join in the conversation. Possible explore the opportunity to do a Youtube broadcast.

SDGs:

GOAL 1: No Poverty
GOAL 2: Zero Hunger
GOAL 4: Quality Education
GOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
GOAL 10: Reduced Inequalities