IGF 2022 Open Forum #16 Commonwealth Hard Talk for Action

Article 19 of the the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights states: “Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice.” This statement speaks to the right of every individual to communicate and in this regard, it is incumbent on Governments to ensure that the means for communication are available to all. Communication is an essential part of the development process. Technology-driven development can only reach its full potential if all citizens, urban and rural and remote populations are able to exercise their right to communicate, are informed and engaged in their communities. Information and communication and technologies (ICT) not only provide the means for citizens to communicate but can play a significant role in overcoming the barriers that hinder development such as illiteracy, cultural differences, and physical isolation, and addressing challenges that hinder development. More importantly, ICT have the potential to connect communities and its most pervasive manifestation, the Internet, to connect individuals, foster human relations, provide access to the information, to facilitate collaboration, the exchange of ideas. Connectivity to ICT is the starting point for digital democracies, the realisation of human rights and are a significant enabler for the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030. Governments must therefore commit to facilitating access to ICT for all citizens, whether they live in urban, rural, or remote or are persons with disabilities, women and other vulnerable groups to ensure that no one is left behind. Inclusive access to connectivity has a tremendous possibility to increase countries’ potential to achieve the various Sustainable Development Goals and agenda 2030. Human rights are at the centre of a society's well-being and must be protected. The United Nations human rights revolve around peace, mutual respect and dignity. ICT facilitates the realisation of many human rights such as freedom of expression, the participation in democratic and political processes, the ability for all people to be educated, to access information without fear or discrimination. Concurrently, ICT facilitate the violation of many of these human rights resulting for example in child exploitation, human trafficking bullying and fraudulent activities, In an interconnected digital environment, measures must also be taken to assure these rights are enjoyed by all. Making broadband affordable is a critical step in achieving meaningful universal connectivity. One of the seven Advocacy Targets of the ITU/UNESCO Broadband Commission is to ensure that by 2025, entry-level broadband services are made affordable in low- and middle-income countries at less than 2% of monthly Gross National Income (GNI) per capita. While over the last decade there has been a trend of declining prices, affordability gaps have persisted or widened over the past years. As societies become more reliant on technology for everyday tasks, care must be taken to assure citizens’ human rights are assured and protected. It is therefore necessary to create an enabling environment of policies, legislation and regulations is essential for attaining the goal of affordable universal access for fostering development while protecting human rights.

Will facilitate both online and onsite through moderators. Balance interaction of both onsite and online with question and answers and responces to speakers remarks. The IGF tools and social media platforms like Youtube, Facebook among others.