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IGF 2024 Launch / Award Event #78 Digital Governance inAfrica:Post-Summit of the Future

    Ms. Sorene Assefa,  Cybersecurity & Digital governance Expert, UNECA

    Speakers

    Presentation

    • Ms. Sorene Assefa, Cybersecurity & Digital governance Expert, UNECA

    Panellists

    • Gitanjali Sah, Strategy and Policy Coordinator – ITU
    • Ms. Anriette Esterhuysen - Senior advisor, the Association for Progressive Communications (APC)
    • Tech envoy  (TBC)
    • Adil Sulieman, Senior Policy Officer, Telecom and ICT, AUC
    • Hon.  Susan Dossi, Chairperson Media and ICT Committee, Malawi Parliament & Executive Committee Member of APNIG
    Onsite Moderator

    Dr. Mactar Seck (M) – Chief of Technology and Innovation Section- UNECA

    Online Moderator

    Ms. Sorene Assefa, Cybersecurity & Digital governance Expert -UNECA

    Rapporteur

    Ms. Sorene Assefa, Cybersecurity & Digital governance Expert- UNECA

    Format

    Roundtable

    The panel discussion and launch session will be moderated by two individuals, one onsite and one online, and will feature a total of six discussants, with representation both onsite and online. Africa’s Contribution towards the Global Digital Compact (GDC) Policy Declaration - https://www.uneca.org/eca-events/sites/default/files/resources/document…

    Duration (minutes)
    60
    Description

    In 2021, UN Secretary-General António Guterres launched the Common Agenda, a visionary initiative aimed at creating a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world. The Common Agenda addresses urgent global challenges, including climate change, poverty, inequality, human rights, and peace and security. A central component of this initiative is the Pact for the Future, which seeks to turn these aspirations into tangible actions through collective commitments and practical steps.
     

    A central component of this initiative is the Pact for the Future, which seeks to turn these aspirations into tangible actions through collective commitments and practical steps. The Pact includes the Global Digital Compact (GDC) and the Declaration of the Future. The GDC is a proposed international agreement focused on fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable digital future. It highlights the transformative potential of digital technology in advancing global goals.

    In September 2024, the Pact for the Future, including the GDC and the Declaration of the Future, was formally adopted during the Summit of the Future. This milestone represented a significant step in addressing the world’s pressing challenges and advancing sustainable development.

    The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the African Union (AU) played crucial roles in shaping the negotiations, ensuring Africa's priorities and perspectives were well represented. The AU's efforts emphasized digital governance, cybersecurity, digital inclusion, and addressing the digital divide.

    Objective

    This session will explore actionable strategies for effectively translating the global commitments of the Pact for the Future and the GDC into concrete actions at national and regional levels. Key areas of focus will include the mechanisms required for capacity building, resource mobilization, and establishing robust monitoring and accountability frameworks for successful implementation. Additionally, we will discuss how the GDC’s implementation aligns with the outcomes of the WSIS+20 review and its implications for global digital governance.