IGF 2024 DC-SIDS SIDS Roundtable: Translating SIDS IGF Outputs into Actions

    DC

    Dynamic Coalition on Small Island Developing States in the Internet Economy

    Roundtable
    Duration (minutes): 90
    Format description: The DC-SIDS Sessions are not panelist driven, neither are they workshops. They are collaborative sessions led by moderators, where every participant has an equal voice/say. The Annual IGF DC-SIDS Roundtable is an opportunity to bring together stakeholders from over 50 countries (and others who support or who are interested in SIDS issues)

    Description

    Here's a compelling roundtable session description, tailored for the IGF 2024, centered on actioning the outcomes of the 2nd SIDS IGF:

    Full Roundtable Title: From Discussion to Action - Translating the 2nd SIDS IGF Outputs into Tangible Actions

    Description:

    The 2nd SIDS IGF held in the margins of the SIDS4 Conference in Antigua & Barbuda from 28-29 May 2024 (see https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/sids2024 and https://ctu.int/event/2nd-small-island-developing-states-internet-gover…), highlighted the unique hurdles and challenges faced by Small Island Developing States in harnessing the full potential of the digital economy. The 2024 Annual UN-IGF DC-SIDS Roundtable delves into concrete strategies that translate the key outcomes of the 2nd SIDS IGF into action. Join policymakers, industry leaders, civil society, and SIDS representatives for a focused dialogue on:

    + Collaborative Policy Frameworks: How can SIDS work regionally to create enabling policies that foster innovation and investment in the digital economy?

    + Capacity Building for the Future: What targeted digital skills programs are needed to empower SIDS citizens, entrepreneurs, and governments to become leaders in the digital world?

    + Resilient Infrastructure Investment: How can public-private partnerships accelerate the development of disaster-proof connectivity solutions essential for SIDS?

    + Data Sovereignty and Community Empowerment: What models promote data protection and governance while empowering SIDS communities to make informed decisions about their digital futures?

    Outcomes:

    - Identification of actionable steps for SIDS and their stakeholders focused on overcoming key internet governance challenges
    - Sharing of best practices and models that have proven successful in other SIDS contexts
    - Fostering partnerships and collaboration opportunities for accelerated progress

    Format:

    - Brief introduction by the moderator with opening statements from key discussants
    - Structured discussion with ALL participants focused on the core themes, with examples of real-world solutions
    - Targeted Q&A session with the audience for enhanced engagement

    Kindly note that, as is usual with the Annual DC-SIDS IGF Meeting, our format is not one that uses a "talking heads" approach, rather it utilizes the pioneering "Roundtable" approach we introduced at IGF 2012 whereby the session is led by topic discussants, with full participation and engagement from all meeting participants both online and onsite throughout the meeting.

    Organizers

    Tracy Hackshaw, Trinidad & Tobago Multistakeholder Advisory Group, Technical Community, GRULAC
    Maureen Hilyard, ICANN At Large Advisory Committee, Civil Society, APAC

    Speakers

    In this regard, a list of "speakers", in the traditional sense, is not something that we propose utilizing. We have identified a volunteer list of discussants, based on DC-SIDS Mailing List discussions.

    Rodney Taylor, Secretary General, Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), Government-International Governmental Organization (IGO), GRULAC-Barbados

    Emani Fakaotimanava-Lui, PICISOC; Niue Member of Parliament; ISP owner - MakaNet (NZ), Asia Pacific-Niue

    Mahen Busgopaul, Halley Movement; Mauritius IGF, Indian Ocean IGF, Deputy Presiding Officer (East Africa) – African Union ECOSOCC, Civil Society, Africa-Mauritius

    Cherie Lagakali, PICISOC; Pacific Manager, NetSafe New Zealand; MSG, APRIGF, Asia Pacific-Fiji

    Andrew Molivurae, PICISOC Board Vice Chair; PacIGF Chair, Asia Pacific-Vanuatu

    Genelle Lake, GRULAC-Trinidad and Tobago

    Michele Marius, Director, ICT Pulse Consulting Limited, Editor and Publisher of ICT Pulse, Host of the ICT Pulse Podcast, Private Sector, GRULAC-Jamaica

    Pua Hunter, PICISOC; GAC-ICANN; Director, ICT Unit, Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Asia Pacific-Cook Islands

    June Parris, Member, CIVICUS, Civil Society, GRULAC-Barbados

    Patrick Hosein, TTNIC, GRULAC-Trinidad and Tobago

    Lance Hinds, ICANN ALAC, CEO, Brainstreet Group, Civil Society, GRULAC-Guyana

    Niel Harper, GRULAC-Barbados

    Carlton Samuels, GRULAC-Jamaica

    Onsite Moderator

    Tracy Hackshaw

    Online Moderator

    Maureen Hilyard

    Rapporteur

    Internet Society 2024 Youth Ambassador (Rapporteur)

    SDGs

    1. No Poverty
    3. Good Health and Well-Being
    4. Quality Education
    7. Affordable and Clean Energy
    10. Reduced Inequalities


    Targets: The ongoing thrust to collaborate and cooperate digitally within the SIDS meets many of the SDG targets outlined.

    Digital cooperation and collaboration can help promote economic growth and job creation. It can also help improve access to education and healthcare. In addition, it can help promote sustainable development by reducing the environmental impact of economic activities.

    Specific goals that the SIDS Digital Cooperation and Collaboration can help achieve include:

    Goal 1: No Poverty - can help promote economic growth and job creation.
    Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being - can help improve access to healthcare.
    Goal 4: Quality Education - can help improve access to education.
    Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy - can help promote sustainable development by reducing the environmental impact of economic activities.
    Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities - can help promote diversity and digital inclusion within and among the SIDS.

    To align with the SDGs, a SIDS Digital Cooperation and Collaboration should be designed to be inclusive and accessible to all. It should also be designed to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. Finally, it should be designed to promote collaboration between different stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, civil society, and academia.