IGF 2023 Open Forum #169 Futuring Peace in Northeast Asia in the Digital Era

Issue(s)

Digital, Media, and Information Literacy

Debate - 60 Min

Description

This session organized by the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UNDPPA) and youth peacebuilders from the ‘Futuring Peace in Northeast Asia’ initiative will explore concrete steps to strengthen cross-border ties through digital literacy education and emerging technologies. Youth will examine the impacts of internet fragmentation, filter bubbles, hate speech, disinformation, and prejudice online, and explore ways to create mechanisms to facilitate healthy exchanges and connectivity between institutions and people in Northeast Asia. What are the potential risks of an unregulated digital environment, and what roles might various actors play in regulating emerging technologies? What are the prospects and difficulties of AI-based knowledge creation, including on historical awareness, for the region?

Youth peacebuilders will present their recommendations, including leveraging public-private partnerships to create regional digital literacy programs in line with the concept of lifelong learning, and measures to promote the development of inclusive algorithms and Northeast Asian Metaverse platforms. Join us for a dynamic discussion on how emerging technologies and digital literacy programs can be leveraged to build peace and foster connectivity in Northeast Asia.

Organizers

United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs

Speakers
  • Ms. Yukako Ban (Japan), Youth Peacebuilder in UNDPPA’s ‘Futuring Peace in Northeast Asia’ initiative
  • Ms. Manjiang He (China), Youth Peacebuilder in UNDPPA’s ‘Futuring Peace in Northeast Asia’ initiative
  • Ms. Oyundalai Odkhuu (Mongolia), Youth Peacebuilder in UNDPPA’s ‘Futuring Peace in Northeast Asia’ initiative
  • Mr. Jerry Kit Hoi Li (China), Youth Peacebuilder in UNDPPA’s ‘Futuring Peace in Northeast Asia’ initiative
Onsite Moderator

Ms. Ijun Kim (Republic of Korea), Youth Peacebuilder and Consultant for UNDPPA’s ‘Futuring Peace in Northeast Asia’ initiative

Online Moderator

Ms. Linda Hjelle, Associate Political Affairs Officer, United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs

Rapporteur

Ms. Linda Hjelle, Associate Political Affairs Officer, United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs

SDGs

4. Quality Education
4.5
4.7
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
9.1
9.b
9.c
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
16.1
16.10
16.5
16.6
16.7
16.a

Targets: This session is closely aligned with several SDGs, including SDG 4 on Quality Education, SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. By exploring the impacts of internet fragmentation and the potential risks and benefits of emerging technologies such as AI and the Metaverse, this session promotes digital literacy and lifelong learning opportunities that are inclusive, accessible and will contribute to the broader goal of building a more connected, equitable, and sustainable future for Northeast Asia and beyond. SDG 4: Quality Education and Lifelong Learning - The session's focus on regional digital literacy education directly links to SDG 4. By exploring concrete steps for the establishment of regional digital literacy education programs, the session is promoting access to lifelong learning and education, building skills for the future, and the development of a knowledgeable and informed society. It examines the potential of intergenerational education and cross-border exchanges to foster greater understanding, empathy, and collaboration among different age groups and communities. The aim is to promote a culture of peace and appreciation of different regional cultures, to combat the rise of hate speech and online violence, nationalism, prejudice, and misogyny online. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – The session's focus on the development of inclusive algorithms and Northeast Asian Metaverse platforms, as well as the emphasis on the potential geopolitical risks of an unregulated digital environment, align with SDG 9 by leveraging innovation and resilient digital infrastructure for social and economic development. The focus on public-private partnerships to create regional digital literacy programs, the use of emerging technologies to enhance connectivity, and policies and regulations that encourage innovation while minimizing negative impacts on societies, promotes exploring new avenues for innovation and development of knowledge-based economies. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - The session's emphasis on creating mechanisms to facilitate healthy exchanges and connectivity between institutions and people in the region aligns with SDG 16 by promoting effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions and communities at various levels. By exploring ways to prevent hate speech, disinformation, and prejudice online and leveraging multi-stakeholder collaboration to create digital literacy programs, the session is promoting peace and participatory practices, tolerance online, and public access to information.