IGF 2024 WS #132 Internet Fragmentation, Stability&Sovereignty in Arab Region

    Organizer 1: Mirna El Hajj Barbar, 🔒UNESCWA
    Organizer 2: Rita Wehbe, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA)

    Speaker 1: Christine Arida, Government, African Group
    Speaker 2: Chafic Chaya, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Speaker 3: Ayman El-Sherbiny, Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization
    Speaker 4: Qusai AlShatty, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group

    Moderator

    Mirna El Hajj Barbar, Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization

    Online Moderator

    Ayman El-Sherbiny, Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization

    Rapporteur

    Rita Wehbe, Intergovernmental Organization, Asia-Pacific Group

    Format

    Classroom
    Duration (minutes): 60
    Format description: The classroom format encourages active participation from attendees. Interactive discussions, can be seamlessly integrated into the session, promoting engagement and knowledge retention.

    Policy Question(s)

    • What are primary global & regional drivers & practices that result in Internet fragmentation?
    • In what ways are infrastructural challenges & cybersecurity threats contributing to Internet instability in Arab region? How can we ensure more resilient digital ecosystem?
    • How can Arab nations effectively maintain balance between asserting their rights to digital sovereignty & addressing the complexities of cross-border jurisdiction, while also upholding principles of free & open Internet that is crucial for socio-economic progress?
    • What specific measures & collaborative efforts can be implemented to strengthen digital cooperation among Arab nations & establish cohesive regional digital agenda?

    What will participants gain from attending this session? Following the workshop, participants will acquire valuable insights in:
    • Understanding Internet Fragmentation: Causes and Impact on the Arab World
    • Strengthening Infrastructure Resilience: Addressing Digital Disparities and Cybersecurity Challenges
    • Navigating Online Sovereignty and Open Internet Principles: Striking a Balance in Cross-Border Jurisdiction while Preserving Internet Openness
    • Promoting Digital Collaboration: Perspectives from Regional and Global Contexts

    Description:

    The workshop aims to delve into the motives and practices that could potentially lead to Internet fragmentation, highlighting the risks posed to the globally interconnected and interoperable Internet, which serves as a crucial catalyst for the social and economic development of humanity.
    Discussions will encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from recent geopolitical tensions to commercial, technical, and policy trends that have the potential to trigger Internet fragmentation. Moreover, we will explore various perspectives and potential strategies aimed at striking a balance between Internet resilience and digital sovereignty, thereby ensuring the maintenance of a robust, equitable, and secure online environment.
    This workshop endeavors to adopt a more comprehensive and inclusive approach, while also providing regional insights into the issue and its potential implications for the Arab region.

    Expected Outcomes

    The workshop aims to bring a more holistic and inclusive dialogue to the table as well as providing a regional perspectives on the issue of Internet fragmentation, stability, and sovereignty and its possible implications for the Arab region.

    Hybrid Format: Moderated Q&A : Designing a moderated 15 min question-and-answer session at the end of the workshop, where both onsite and online participants can pose questions and engage with speakers. Moderators will ensure fair and equal participation from both groups.