Session
Youth IGF DRC
Nicolas Fiumarelli, ISOC Alumn, GRULAC Athanase Bahizire, ISOC Alumn, Africa Saba Tiku, YCIG, Africa Claire Van Zwieten, ISOC Alumni Specialist, WEOG Tori Irvine, Internet Society Program specialist, WEOG
Alejandra Prieto, Internet Society Director of Fellowships, WEOG Jesse Kalange, ISOC Uganda chapter, Africa Gustavo Fonseca Ribeiro, Youth Ambassador 2024, GRULAC Phyo Thiri L., Youth IGF Myanmar, Asia-Pacific Pedro de Perdigao Lana - Internet Society Brazil Chapter, GRULAC
Nicolas Fiumarelli
Athanase Bahizire
Saba Tiku
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
16.4
17. Partnerships for the Goals
17.8
Targets: SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions):
This session contributes to SDG 16 by fostering discussions on the evolution of multistakeholder models that aim to improve transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in Internet governance. The session aligns with the goal of building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals):
The networking session is also a platform for promoting SDG 17, particularly focusing on strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing the global partnership for sustainable development. The session encourages collaborative dialogue and partnerships that cross traditional boundaries, which are essential for leveraging and spreading technology advancements in a way that is accessible and beneficial to all.
Roundtable
A 60-minute interactive session combining expert insights, a panel discussion, and extensive networking opportunities, designed to foster connections and collaborative dialogue among attendees.
Agenda:
1. Opening Remarks: 5 minutes
- Nicolas Fiumarelli introduces the session's goals and the significance of networking in shaping Internet governance.
2. Networking Break and Interactive Discussion (the game part): 30 minutes
- Structured networking with the ISOC Youth and Alumni to discuss the role of Internet policy innovations.
3. Panel Discussion on the Future of Internet Governance: 20 minutes
- Structured networking to discuss the evolution of the multistakeholder model, underscored by discussions from NETmundial+10, WSIS+20 Review, and the Summit of the Future.
4. Closing and Call to Action: 5 minutes
- Summary of discussions and encouragement for continued engagement and collaboration within the ISOC community.
Engage with the Internet Society Youth and Alumni in a networking session that delves into the paradigm shifts in Internet Governance. This session will spotlight the evolution of multistakeholder models, underscored by discussions from NETmundial+10, WSIS+20 Review, and the Summit of the Future reflecting on how multistakeholder mechanisms complement multilateralism. This is a prime opportunity for all members of the Internet Society to connect, share insights, and influence the future of Internet governance.
Dual Moderation with Active Participation Management: Nicolas Fiumarelli, the onsite moderator, will manage the networking game, assigning onsite participants to two color-coded Green and Red groups with sequential numbers. He will direct participants on when to rotate using a +1 or -1 system to ensure diverse interactions. Athanase Bahizire, the online moderator, will manage a single breakout room, facilitating parallel discussions for online participants. Synchronized Hybrid Interactions: Onsite participants will engage in one-on-one discussions, rotating after each round to discuss topics like NETmundial+10 and WSIS+20. Online participants will have continuous discussions in their breakout room, ensuring they engage with a variety of peers. Round-Robin Microphone Queue for Inclusive Discussion: The concluding open mic segment will employ a round-robin system, alternating between onsite and online participants. This format ensures all attendees, regardless of location, can equally participate and share insights, maintaining a balanced and inclusive dialogue.
For the online participation, you can join the session using the following Zoom link https://isoc.zoom.us/j/
Report
It is crucial to foster inclusive and transparent governance models that embrace multistakeholder collaboration and prioritize youth participation.
Building strong partnerships across geographies and sectors is essential for addressing shared Internet governance challenges and achieving sustainable development goals.
Youth are emerging as key leaders in the digital space, and programs like those offered by the Internet Society are critical for equipping them to take on these roles effectively.
Support and advocate for the inclusion of youth voices in decision-making processes, ensuring their perspectives shape the policies and frameworks of the digital future.
Actively build partnerships with policymakers, the private sector, civil society, technical experts, and youth to create innovative and inclusive solutions to Internet governance challenges. Join Internet Society programs to access resources, networks, and opportunities that empower individuals to influence Internet governance at local, regional, and global levels.
This networking session brought together a diverse group including Internet Society youth ambassadors, alumni, and staff as well as policymakers, technical experts, civil society representatives, and other young leaders. Moderated by Nicolás Fiumarelli, this session focused on fostering meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and connection among participants to address pressing Internet governance challenges and explore pathways for youth-led initiatives to shape the digital future. With opening remarks by Sally Wentworth, CEO of the Internet Society and ISOC Foundation, the session set the stage for discussions on multistakeholderism, inclusivity, and the empowerment of youth in global Internet governance. Followed by a networking round conducted openly among peers and concluded with a panel discussion.
Key Discussion Points
Sally Wentworth highlighted the critical need for young people to be actively involved in decision-making processes to ensure that solutions are designed with their unique perspectives in mind. The Internet Society’s empowerment programs were highlighted as a crucial mechanism for equipping the next generation of leaders with the skills and platforms needed to amplify their voices on global stages.
The significant contributions by Internet Society alumni to the IGF were acknowledged, with 29 alumni participating in over 25 IGF sessions, representing 27% of all accepted proposals. The session also celebrated the achievements of ISOC alumni and youth ambassadors in advancing the goals of open, secure, and inclusive Internet governance.
Discussions during the networking activity and panel underscored the importance of multistakeholderism in addressing challenges like digital inclusion, governance of emerging technologies, and global fragmentation. Panelists explored how diverse partnerships across sectors can foster inclusivity, innovation, and progress towards a global sustainable digital future.
Ihita Gangavarapu shared insights into youth-led initiatives, highlighting their effectiveness in influencing global digital policies. She explored strategies for ensuring meaningful inclusion of youth voices in decision-making processes, with a focus on creating platforms for sustained advocacy and participation.
Athanase Bahizire reflected on how global processes like Netmundial+10, WSIS+20, the Summit of the Future, and the Global Digital Compact (GDC) will shape the Internet's future. He emphasized the importance of involving youth, the technical community, and other stakeholders to ensure these initiatives are meaningful and inclusive.
Noha Abel Baky highlighted the role of regional initiatives in fostering inclusivity and sustainability, calling for increased support to scale their impact globally. She discussed strategies to bridge regional and global efforts to ensure alignment with SDGs. Celebrated the work done by the Internet Society Foundation and the Internet Society chapters to support regional and local efforts.
Chris Odu emphasized the need to scale local initiatives to achieve global impact, focusing on issues such as digital fragmentation, inclusivity, and governance of emerging technologies. He emphasised how partnerships among stakeholders from different sectors can drive innovation and inclusivity in Internet governance.
Conclusion
This networking session successfully fostered connections among diverse stakeholders, enabling meaningful dialogue on the future of Internet governance. Participants gained valuable insights into the power of multistakeholder approaches, the importance of youth inclusion, and the need for strong global partnerships to tackle shared challenges. As participants take these lessons back to their communities, they are encouraged to engage with Internet Society programs and continue advocating for an open, secure, and inclusive Internet for all.