IGF 2024 Networking Session #36 Leveraging digital skills for peace in times of conflict

    IFLA
    Maria Fernanda De Brasdefer, IFLA, Policy & Research Officer on Digital Affairs - Civil Society, GRULAC (on-site)
    Stephen Wyber, IFLA, Director of Policy & Advocacy, Civil Society, WEOG (on-site)

    Speakers

    Eman Bushulaibi, Director Sharjah Public Libraries, IFLA MENA Regional Division Committee, MENA
    Xianhong Hu, Programme Specialist, UNESCO-Information For All Programme (IFAP), WEOG
    Yaroslava Shoshynska, Deputy Director, Ukrainian Library Association (ULA), EEG
    Elizabeth Hume, Executive Director, Alliance for Peacebuilding, NA

    Onsite Moderator

    Maria Fernanda De Brasdefer, IFLA, Civil Society

    Online Moderator

    Stephen Wyber, IFLA, Civil Society

    Rapporteur

    Stephen Wyber

    SDGs

    4. Quality Education
    4.4
    4.5
    10. Reduced Inequalities
    10.2
    10.6
    16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
    16.10
    16.3
    16.7
    17. Partnerships for the Goals


    Targets: SDG 4, 4.4,4.5 - Digital literacy enables access to educational resources and empowers individuals to engage in continuous learning processes.
    SDG 10, 10.2, 10.6 - The session addresses digital divides an inequalities by promoting equitable access to digital tools and knowledge for all
    SDG 16, 16.3, 16.7, 16.10 - The development of digital literacy skills plays a crucial role in fostering informed citizenship that promotes dialogue and combats misinformation. This will contribute to building peaceful and inclusive societies.
    SDG 17 - Showcases examples of successful partnerships to promote similar approaches.

    Format

    Classroom

    Short presentations will be given by the panelists at the beginning of the session, accompanied by some questions from the moderator. The presentations will include case studies and reflections on the challenges, impact and good practices experienced during those interventions.
    The case of a digital literacy intervention will also be presented by the Ukrainian Library Association to discuss effective strategies for similar approaches during conflict. We will maximize time for exchange during the last 20-25 minutes of the session.

    Duration (minutes)
    60
    Description

    Amidst conflicting narratives and polarizing discourse, the current digital information landscape is characterized by the proliferation of misinformation and unequal access to information that continue to exacerbate the digital divides. As a consequence, this session will underscore the significance of fostering digital literacy and digital skills development in order to cultivate a people-centered digital ecosystem that nurtures global peace.
    This session will draw from examples that showcase the types of roles that digital literacy interventions are currently playing in peacebuilding processes and how do these contribute to ensure that the Internet fulfils its potential to inform everyone and create the conditions for the fulfilment of development goals.
    Speakers will present case studies that will provide an overview of current initiatives at the intersection of digital literacy, freedom of access to information, peacebuilding and human rights. One of the key objectives of the session will be to discuss best ways of promoting partnerships for the above common goals and to exchange with the audience in order to develop a list of key ideas and recommendations for broader Internet governance stakeholders.
    The session will also look and discuss effective partnership strategies for mobilizing the 2.5 million global library network for digital literacy and digital inclusion to promote better citizenship through digital means. It will also expand of the types of policies that may enhance collaboration for these practices.

    1. The online moderator will help setting up the call with the online speakers (2) and will ensure they are on time for the session. A test will be run before the session to guarantee the quality/speed of the connection.
    2. We aim to keep the session interactive and leave space for questions during and after the sessions. We would also like to invite the audience to share similar cases, interventions or practices as well as personal recommendations for the promotion of partnerships in this context.
    3. Mentimeter