Session
Organizer 1: Sani Suleiman, Paradigm Initiative
Organizer 2: Khadijah El-Usman, 🔒Paradigm Initiative
Organizer 3: Geraldine Judith Ogutu, Paradigm Initiative
Speaker 1: 'Gbenga Sesan, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 2: Anriette Esterhuysen, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 3: Sani Suleiman, Civil Society, African Group
Sani Suleiman, Civil Society, African Group
Khadijah El-Usman, Civil Society, African Group
Geraldine Judith Ogutu, Civil Society, African Group
Theater
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: The session will be a lively panel conversation, a format that ensures the spotlight remains on the stage where the discussion is happening. This focused environment allows a dynamic exchange of ideas between the panelists and the audience. As the audience listens and engages with the panelists' expertise, they'll have better convenience to ask questions and share their own perspectives, promising a rich and engaging exploration of the topic.
A. Has the current multi-stakeholder model able to drive an actual inclusivity in the Internet governance process?
B. What groundbreaking milestones was achieved over the years in the internet governance space, beneficial to the global south
C. If the Global Digital Compact (GDC) is our path forward, what practices from the past models must be carried along?
What will participants gain from attending this session? The session will foster discussion on best practices for an inclusive and effective internet governance framework.This session is designed for policymakers, civil society representatives, technology companies, and anyone interested in the future of the internet.
Moreover, In a bid to answer the policy questions, the session will make policy recommendations and proffer strategies for redefining the multi stakeholder frameworks and how best to design internet governance systems with better mechanisms for building consensus so that all voices will have fairly equal weight in the process.
Description:
The current multi-stakeholder model, while attempting to foster inclusivity, often falls short. The inclusion of non-governmental stakeholders is crucial for transparency and true multistakeholderism. However, simply granting access is not enough. We must ensure meaningful participation in the platforms where marginalized voices are heard and valued.
Numerous initiatives and processes have emerged to address the broad diversity of issues by the current global digital transformation. Sometimes multiple processes adressses the same issues in parallel. This has both positive and negative effect
The question remains: whose internet are we governing? Are the voices of the global south, of indigenous or mariginalized communities, and of civil society truly represented? Effective digital governance hinges on robust mechanisms that prioritize their meaningful participation. Past models may have achieved groundbreaking milestones for the global south, like affordable internet access initiatives. However, success stories often mask deeper issues.
The proposed Global Digital Compact (GDC) has the potential to be a significant step forward. But to truly pave the way for the "Internet We Want," we must learn from the past. What best practices from past models, like ensuring true access and empowering marginalized voices, must be carried forward?
1. The session will explore what the IGF has done and should do to help digital policy conversations for civil society in the Global South
2. The session could also feature best practice stories across the globe but most especially from the global south. We may as well turn that into a creative output like a documentary or a report
3. PIN Dinner - A formal dinner will be organized as an extension of the session for stakeholders in the global south to continue with the conversation
Hybrid Format: To ensure a smooth and inclusive session, we'll have a dedicated team facilitating online participation. Given the global focus, we'll market the session to relevant partners upon approval, encouraging both in-person (Riyadh) and remote attendance.
Technical support will be available for all participants. We will pre-test all technology platforms and equipment to avoid any glitches.
Remote inclusion is a priority. To ensure equal access to information and participation, we'll use inclusive language, provide closed captioning or interpretation services as needed, and actively encourage virtual participation.