IGF 2024 WS #267 Bridging the global divide in the age of emerging tech

    Organizer 1: Farhat Basir Khan, Jamia Hamdard
    Organizer 2: Farhat Basir Khan, Jamia Hamdard

    Speaker 1: Subi Chaturvedi, Private Sector, Asia-Pacific Group
    Speaker 2: Farhat Basir Khan, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
    Speaker 3: Kumar Vineet, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group

    Moderator

    Farhat Basir Khan, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group

    Online Moderator

    Farhat Basir Khan, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group

    Rapporteur

    Farhat Basir Khan, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group

    Format

    Theater
    Duration (minutes): 60
    Format description: A theater type setting will ensure that the most possible audience members can attend the panel, which is important.

    Policy Question(s)

    1. How can we ensure equitable access to emerging technologies and digital infrastructure across different regions and socio-economic strata?
    2. What strategies can be implemented to promote digital literacy and ensure individuals are equipped with the necessary skills to navigate and harness emerging technologies, particularly in developing countries?
    3. What ethical considerations arise from the deployment of emerging technologies, and how can regulatory frameworks be developed to balance innovation with the protection of individual rights, privacy, and societal well-being?
    4. How can international collaboration and cooperation address global disparities in technological access and innovation capacity?

    What will participants gain from attending this session? The technological landscape is rapidly advancing and as such, the world is witnessing unprecedented advancements that hold immense promise for progress and development. These innovations can lead to social growth and development and at the same time also exacerbate existing global disparities, posing profound challenges for inclusive growth and sustainable development. As of 2022, 2.7 billion people, representing a third of the world, do not have access to the internet and 53% of the world does not have access to high-speed broadband.
    This session delves into the intricate interplay between emerging technologies, disruptive innovations, and the widening global divide. From artificial intelligence and automation to blockchain and biotechnology, the session explore how these transformative forces impact societies worldwide, shaping economic opportunities, access to resources, and social dynamics.
    Through a multi-dimensional lens, the session examines the disparities arising from uneven technological adoption, digital literacy gaps, and unequal access to infrastructure.

    SDGs

    Description:

    The technological landscape is rapidly advancing and as such, the world is witnessing unprecedented advancements that hold immense promise for progress and development. These innovations can lead to social growth and development and at the same time also exacerbate existing global disparities, posing profound challenges for inclusive growth and sustainable development. As of 2022, 2.7 billion people, representing a third of the world, do not have access to the internet and 53% of the world does not have access to high-speed broadband.
    This session delves into the intricate interplay between emerging technologies, disruptive innovations, and the widening global divide. From artificial intelligence and automation to blockchain and biotechnology, the session explore how these transformative forces impact societies worldwide, shaping economic opportunities, access to resources, and social dynamics.
    Through a multi-dimensional lens, the session examines the disparities arising from uneven technological adoption, digital literacy gaps, and unequal access to infrastructure. Furthermore, we analyze the implications of disruptive innovations on traditional industries, labor markets, and cultural practices, highlighting both opportunities for empowerment and risks of marginalization.

    Expected Outcomes

    Enhanced Understanding: Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics shaping the global divide in the context of emerging technologies and disruptive innovations.
    Identification of Key Challenges: The session will facilitate the identification and analysis of key challenges, including barriers to access, ethical dilemmas, and economic disparities, which hinder progress towards bridging the global divide.
    Policy Recommendations: Through collaborative discussions and expert insights, the session aims to generate actionable policy recommendations aimed at promoting equitable access to technology, fostering digital literacy, and addressing the socio-economic impacts of technological disruption.
    Knowledge Sharing: Participants will have the opportunity to share best practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches from diverse contexts, fostering cross-border learning and collaboration.

    Hybrid Format: Most of the speakers will attend offline.
    The online speakers will use Zoom meeting tool to connect with the offline participants