IGF 2021 WS #74 Leveraging sustainable digital transformation

Information

Session

Area:

(EMERGING AND CROSS-CUTTING) Inclusive IG ecosystems and digital cooperation

Organizer 1: Sophie Tomlinson, Internet & Jurisdiction Policy Network
Organizer 2: Edwin Fernando rojas, UN ECLAC
Organizer 3: ,

Speaker 1: Nnenna Nwakanma, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 2: Edwin Fernando rojas, Intergovernmental Organization, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 3: Moses Bayingana, Intergovernmental Organization, African Group

Additional Speakers:

Maria Fernanda Garza Merodio, First Vice-Chair, International Chamber of Commerce

Tracy Sinkamba Faustin, International Research & Project Management Coordinator, Internet & Jurisdiction Policy Network

Moderator:

Sophie Tomlinson, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Online Moderator:

Sophie Tomlinson, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Rapporteur:

Sophie Tomlinson, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Format:

Round Table - Circle - 90 Min

Policy Question(s):

Assessing Internet governance approaches and mechanisms and fostering inclusiveness: What are the main strengths and weaknesses of existing Internet governance approaches and mechanisms? What can be done, and by whom, to foster more inclusive Internet governance at the national, regional and international levels?
Advancing global digital cooperation: What opportunities are provided by the current focus on digital cooperation resulting from the UN Secretary-General's Roadmap for digital cooperation? What role should the IGF play (and how) in advancing global digital cooperation?

Issues, Challenges and Opportunities addressed:

The session will gather regional stakeholders to share initiatives leveraging sustainable digital transformation in the global south and outline ways to build more inclusive digital cooperation. The workshop will discuss how to advance global digital cooperation as well as the different instruments and tools stakeholders need to effectively cooperate around internet governance challenges.

The key issues and opportunities participants will discuss through the selected policy questions include: - the future of the cross-border internet in an African context in the framework of the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa, launched by African Heads of State in 2019, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as around governance, data policies & digital ID frameworks. - key insights from Latin American and the Caribbean as the region drives progress towards a digital single market and maps pathways to address some of the most pressing policy issues in the region.

The policy questions will be addressed through three different angles: - How can we promote a free, secure, and open internet to enable (digital) participation and make use of/benefit from the potentials of digital transformation? - What necessary legal/regulatory/institutional frameworks need to be in place? - What is the role of data governance and digital ID frameworks in leveraging sustainable digital transformation?

SDGs:

5.b
9.2

Targets: "Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries" and "Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women" are important SDGs for this workshop. The discussion will identify how the global south is driving sustainable digital transformation and building an inclusive approach to digital cooperation. The discussion will allow participants to share ideas on how efforts can be fostered and how this can lead to sustainable outcomes.

Description:

Full title: Leveraging sustainable digital transformation: Building digital cooperation in the Global South.

Meaningful multistakeholder participation and access to information needed to develop interoperable policy and regulatory frameworks are key drivers of digital transformation. As countries seek to leverage digital technologies to reach the Sustainable Development Goals, building strong normative frameworks and pathways towards inclusive digital cooperation is increasingly important. The session will gather regional stakeholders to share initiatives leveraging sustainable digital transformation in the global south and outline ways to build more inclusive digital cooperation.

Expected Outcomes:

The event will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to provide feedback on the UN ECLAC and Internet & Jurisdiction Regional Status Report 2020 Which through a multistakeholder survey identifies key policy areas and trends important for digital transformation in the region. The workshop will contribute to this follow-up and also mark pathways for mapping trends in Africa to leverage a global south exchange on digital transformation.

Discussion Facilitation:

Speakers and moderators will participate in a prep call ahead of the workshops so that all speakers meet ahead of time to avoid repetitive remarks/statements. The online moderator will encourage participants to introduce themselves in the chat and contribute to questions such as Zoom polling. This will ensure participants are engaged and feel included. The onsite moderator will also allow time for Q&A and encourage participants to take the floor with video.

Online Participation:

Usage of IGF Official Tool. Additional Tools proposed: The workshop will be promoted on social media and through the organizers' networks. The goal is to engage as many relevant IGF participants as possible and encourage engagement from those who would not normally attend.

Reference Document

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IGF 2021 WS #74 Leveraging sustainable digital transformation

Information