Organizer 1: Timea Suto, 🔒International Chamber of Commerce
    Organizer 2: CORIZ Angela, ETNO
    Organizer 3: Robyn Greene, Meta
    Organizer 4: Berviller Maylis, Business at OECD

    Speaker 1: David Pendle, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Speaker 2: Maiko Meguro, Government, Asia-Pacific Group
    Speaker 3: Matthew Alisson, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Speaker 4: Lorrayne Porciuncula, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
    Speaker 5: Audrey Plonk, Intergovernmental Organization, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

    Moderator

    Robyn Greene, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

    Online Moderator

    Berviller Maylis, Intergovernmental Organization, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

    Rapporteur

    CORIZ Angela, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

    Format

    Roundtable
    Duration (minutes): 90
    Format description: A Round Table format is best-placed for the type of cross-sector, collaborative session that we envisage. It will be optimal for establishing an atmosphere that ensures both participants and panellists can engage in fruitful discussion, and that they can do so on equal footing through a seating arrangement conducive to multi-person dialogue. To allow time for in-depth discussion and also accommodate a constructive Q&A section to address the questions, feedback and thoughts of the audience, 90 minutes is the most suitable timeframe for the session.

    Policy Question(s)

    1. How can policymakers balance the need for data governance and protection of national interests with the imperative for open and interconnected global data flows? 2. What strategies and mechanisms can be implemented to promote harmonization and policy interoperability in the governance of cross-border data flows across different jurisdictions? 3. How can multistakeholder and international cooperation restore trust in global approaches to data governance?

    What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding data governance in a globalized economy. They will acquire insights into the challenges posed by fragmented regulatory approaches and the importance of harmonized policies for facilitating cross-border data flows. Attendees will also gain practical strategies for promoting policy interoperability and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to address concerns related to privacy, security, and economic growth. Furthermore, participants will leave with actionable recommendations for policymakers to develop cohesive frameworks that balance national interests with the imperative for an open and connected digital environment. Ultimately, attendees will be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to contribute effectively to the advancement of inclusive and prosperous digital ecosystems on a global scale.

    Description:

    Data underpins every aspect of today’s global economy, supporting business operations, facilitating the delivery of essential government services, and enabling international and multilateral cooperation. Despite data’s core role in facilitating economic activity and innovation, mistrust continues to grow. This mistrust stems from the difficulty of understanding data, its nature and level of risk its handling carries. Trust is also eroded by concerns that national public policy objectives, including security and privacy could be compromised if data transcends borders. This fuels restrictive data governance policies and regulatory measures such as digital protectionism and localisation, deepening Internet fragmentation. With growth and development driven by data flows and digital technology, disruptions in cross-border data flows have broad reverberations that can lead to reduced potential GDP gains and adverse impact on the local digital ecosystems. To realise the full potential of digitalisation for inclusive socioeconomic growth, policy frameworks should facilitate the adoption of new technologies and the global movement of data while establishing clear rules and enforcing roles and responsibilities to maintain responsibility over compliance irrespective of locality. Numerous national, regional, multilateral, and multistakeholder initiatives have emerged, providing guidelines for data governance and the role of cross-border data flows. However, this proliferation runs the risk of fragmented approaches where harmonization and policy interoperability are necessary. Without cohesive strategies, the potential benefits of data-driven economies may remain elusive, hindered by barriers to cross-border data flows and inconsistent regulatory frameworks. This workshop will delve into these issues, exploring how to navigate the complexities of data governance. Participants will engage in constructive dialogue to identify practical solutions for harmonizing policies, ensuring interoperability, and promoting responsible data stewardship across borders. The workshop aims to pave the way for a more cohesive and inclusive digital landscape that maximizes the benefits of data while safeguarding privacy, security, and economic prosperity.

    Expected Outcomes

    The session will deepen participants’ understanding of the challenges surrounding data governance in an interconnected world and the necessity for harmonized policies to enable trusted cross-border data flows. Participants will identify practical strategies for promoting policy interoperability and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to address concerns related to privacy, security, and economic growth. The session aims to generate momentum for ongoing dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to develop a global data governance framework that ensures the realization of a more inclusive and prosperous digital landscape.

    Hybrid Format: Prior to the session: to ensure speakers and attendees get the most out of the session, regardless of their chosen way of participation, organizers will make use of the session’s page on the IGF website and social media channels to share preparatory material and kick-start a dialogue. A preparation call will be organised for all speakers, moderators and co-organisers so that everyone has the chance to meet and prepare for the session. During the session: the moderators are experienced in animating multistakeholder discussions and will complement each other in merging onsite and online speakers and attendees. Onsite participants will be encouraged to connect to the online platform to stay informed and engage with discussions in the chat. Following the session: moderators will encourage participants to make use of the IGF website and social media channels to share further comments and contribute to the session’s report.