IGF 2024 WS #116 Balancing Digital Innovation/Risks

    Organizer 1: AIMEE-EMELYNE GASHIMWE, Université du Burundi
    Organizer 2: Jean Bertrand BIBONIMANA, University of Burundi
    Organizer 3: Euphraïm Nimubona, Université du Burundi

    Speaker 1: AIMEE-EMELYNE GASHIMWE, Government, African Group
    Speaker 2: Jean Bertrand BIBONIMANA, Intergovernmental Organization, African Group
    Speaker 3: Euphraïm Nimubona, Government, African Group

    Moderator

    AIMEE-EMELYNE GASHIMWE, Government, African Group

    Online Moderator

    Jean Bertrand BIBONIMANA, Intergovernmental Organization, African Group

    Rapporteur

    Euphraïm Nimubona, Government, African Group

    Format

    Roundtable
    Duration (minutes): 90
    Format description: The roundtable room layout fosters interaction and participation among all stakeholders. It creates an environment conducive to open discussion and idea-sharing, crucial for our session focusing on balancing digital innovation and risk management in internet governance.

    Regarding the 90-minute duration, it allows ample time to delve into complex topics and facilitate rich exchanges among participants. This enables a detailed exploration of the policy issues addressed in the session and promotes constructive dialogue among the diverse stakeholders present.

    Policy Question(s)

    1. How can we develop innovative policies to promote innovation while ensuring the protection of individual and collective rights in the digital space?

    2. What governance mechanisms can be implemented to ensure effective regulation of online platforms while fostering an environment conducive to innovation and fair competition?

    3. How can we enhance collaboration among different stakeholders - governments, private sector, civil society, and international organizations - to develop integrated and inclusive approaches to digital risk management?

    What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants in our session will gain several significant benefits. They will develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities surrounding digital innovation and risk management in internet governance. They will discover tangible examples of successful initiatives and best practices in this field, serving as models for their own projects or policies. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas with experts and peers, enriching their professional network and perspective. Finally, they will leave with practical tools and strategies to effectively balance innovation and risk management in their own organizational or national contexts.

    Description:

    Our session will delve into the challenges and opportunities of balancing digital innovation and risk management within internet governance. Aligned with the IGF 2024 sub-theme "Harnessing innovation and balancing risks in the digital space," we'll emphasize striking a balance between fostering technological innovation and effectively managing associated risks. Key topics include privacy protection, data security, online platform regulation, and AI ethics. Through interactive dialogue, participants will explore these policy issues deeply and share best practices. Concrete examples of successful initiatives promoting innovation while safeguarding digital rights will be highlighted to inspire similar approaches. Our hybrid approach will engage both onsite and online participants through interactive tools, fostering inclusive discussion. Join us for a dynamic session shaping the multilateral future of internet governance.

    Expected Outcomes

    1. How can we develop innovative policies to foster innovation while ensuring the protection of individual and collective rights in the digital space?

    2. What governance mechanisms can be implemented to ensure effective regulation of online platforms while fostering an environment conducive to innovation and fair competition?

    3. How can we strengthen collaboration among various stakeholders - governments, private sector, civil society, and international organizations - to develop integrated and inclusive approaches to digital risk management?

    Hybrid Format: To facilitate interaction among participants and speakers, we will utilize online communication tools such as Zoom to enable seamless remote participation. We will schedule dedicated time slots for questions and comments from online participants, along with real-time voting or polling mechanisms to enhance engagement. Additionally, we will appoint a dedicated online moderator to manage interactions, ensuring fair distribution of speaking opportunities between onsite and remote participants.

    To ensure an optimal experience for both onsite and online attendees, we will ensure that presentations and visual aids are clearly visible using appropriate technical solutions. We will encourage speakers to use high-quality microphones for improved audio clarity and maintain visual contact with the camera for a more immersive interaction.