IGF 2024 Networking Session #95 Friends for Internet: Creating Better Digital World

    Friends For Leadership
    David Okpatuma, Friends for Leadership, Intergovernmental organization, African Group
    Gabriella Marcelja, Sirius, Technical Community, WEOG
    Yamil Quispe, Pacifica, Private Sector, GRULAC

    Speakers

    Milos Jovanovic, Open Link Group, Private Sector, WEOG
    Gabriella Marcelja, Sirius, Technical Community, WEOG
    Yamil Quispe, Pacifica, Private Sector, GRULAC
    Gonaya Monel E Sethora, Business Women Africa, Civil Society, African Group
    Sharifah Norizah, Asian Youth Network Resources, Civil Society, Asia Pacific Group

    Onsite Moderator

    David Okpatuma, Friends for Leadership, Intergovernmental organization, African Group

    Online Moderator

    Yamil Quispe, Pacifica, Private Sector, GRULAC

    Rapporteur

    Gabriella Marcelja, Sirius, Technical Community, WEOG

    SDGs

    9.c
    10.2
    16.10
    16.3
    16.7
    16.b
    17. Partnerships for the Goals


    Targets: The session will focus on empowering youth from diverse backgrounds and ensuring equitable Internet access (9.c). Collaboration among stakeholders with varying perspectives, through multilateral discussions (17) and responsive decision-making (16.7), is crucial for identifying key areas for protecting fundamental freedoms (10.2, 16.10)

    The goal of this network session is to enhance national institutions and establish an international framework that promotes the rule of law and equal access to justice on the Internet by empowering youth and safeguarding human rights in the digital realm (16.3)

    Ultimately, the session aims to find a balance between safeguarding human rights and the rule of law in the digital sphere without impeding sustainable development (16.b).

    Format

    Classroom

    Interactive Projects Presentation

    Duration (minutes)
    60
    Description

    Friends for Internet is the initiative of the international project Friends for Leadership that includes young changemakers, visionaries and entrepreneurs from around the world. Friends for Internet is an open project that is set to address digital issues, especially in the Global South and present new solutions to well-known projects and promote Internet for all giving voices to the young changemakers in the field of Internet Governance from the Global South. During this networking session, youth from all over the world are set to present their own solutions to the developing countries' issues. Young people from the Global South often face unique challenges and perspectives that may not be fully understood or considered by more developed nations. Many countries in the Global South still lack adequate infrastructure and resources to fully participate in the digital economy, which can exacerbate existing social and economic disparities. This platform gives them an opportunity to present their digital projects that can change not only their country for good but also the world. Furthermore, by showcasing their projects on a global platform, these young entrepreneurs can inspire others to take action and collaborate on initiatives that promote peace, development, and sustainability. This will in fact demonstrate the potential for technology to drive positive change and create opportunities for economic growth and social inclusion. This can contribute to building more resilient and sustainable digital ecosystems that benefit all stakeholders, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic status. Networking session is also aimed at showing different perspectives on the issues of Internet governance. This can foster cross-cultural exchange and collaboration, leading to greater understanding and cooperation in the digital space. Attendees of the session are also welcome to talk about their own ideas. Organisers inspire to make an event for building horizontal communication and international teams for new projects in the digital cooperation field. By showcasing the diversity of perspectives and approaches to innovation from different regions, the session is aimed at promoting dialogue and mutual learning to help break down barriers and build bridges between communities.

    The hybrid format of the session will rely primarily on the facilitation provided by a moderator and pre-moderator. Their roles will be pivotal in ensuring equitable representation and participation opportunities for both online and offline participants and speakers. Additionally, the session will feature real-time feedback mechanisms to guide the discussion in a dynamic manner. All attendees, whether present physically or virtually, will have the ability to offer immediate feedback through a range of online tools such as Mentimeter or AhaSlides. Moreover before the session, organizers will contact participants of the discussion and provide guidelines for both onsite and online participants on how to engage in discussion in the best possible manner.