IGF 2023 Open Forum #17 Tackling Dire Climate Threats in the Pacific with Technology

The Small Island Developing States are at the frontline of the global climate catastrophe, with Pacific Atoll islands facing total inundation due to rising sealevel in several decades. Amidst urgent challenge to their social, economic and community fabric posed by climate change, ICTs and digital technologies can help Pacific nations respond to this existential threat by building resilient digital ecosystems, supporting long-term adaptation and protecting their culture and heritage.

The event will highlight the importance of universal meaningful and affordable connectivity in the Pacific; digital public infrastructure like digital payments; as well as the importance of international cooperation and support as part of climate action and climate justice. It will bring attention to the digital programmes and work being done in Tuvalu (the country facing the most dire threat from sealevel rise) as an important example, including pioneering work done on the Digital Nation State, reflect the perspective of other Pacific and Small Island Developing States, and highlight other potential technology and digital partnerships and collaborations to support low-lying communities and at-risk states, including with a focus on the perspectives of young people.

The event will reaffirm that in order to build an Internet for all and people everywhere, technology must be harnessed to address the climate crisis, especially for the most vulnerable countries and people.

The event is organized by Tuvalu and the Rising Nations Initiative (RNI) enabled by the Global Center for Climate Mobility (GCCM), which supports the Pacific Atoll Islands of Tuvalu, Kiribati and Marshall Islands in addressing critical issues related to climate adaptation, statehood and sovereignty.

Some of the speakers will be participating remotely, and the onsite moderator will also ensure ample opportunity to hear from the online attendees, with a specific comments/question and answer session for both in-person and online attendees. The online chat will be monitored to allow for questions and comments to also be fed into the discussion. Especial emphasis will be given to engagement from affected and climate-vulnerable communities, as well as the Global South. The entire session will be facilitated in an interactive and dynamic manner, with panelists that will take questions and comments, after making their initial presentations. Online tools and platforms to engage will include the RNI Youth Programme's youth-focused online community, as well as the various networks and outreach social media of the major institutions involved eg. Rising Nations Initiative and the Global Center for Climate Mobility.