IGF 2024 WS #272 From the Ground Up: Building the Digital Inclusion Pyramid

    Organizer 1: Lily Edinam Botsyoe, Ghana IGF
    Organizer 2: Mauricia Cindy Abdol Tshilunda, 🔒

    Speaker 1: Collin Dimakatso Mashile, Government, African Group
    Speaker 2: Ihita Gangavarapu, Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
    Speaker 3: Joshua Joshua, Technical Community, African Group
    Speaker 4: Linda Etornam Botsyoe, Civil Society, African Group
    Speaker 5: Maxwell Beganim, Civil Society, African Group

    Moderator

    Lily Edinam Botsyoe, Technical Community, African Group

    Online Moderator

    Maxwell Beganim, Civil Society, African Group

    Rapporteur

    Linda Etornam Botsyoe, Civil Society, African Group

    Format

    Roundtable
    Duration (minutes): 90
    Format description: As a complex topic requiring feedback, the 90 minutes proposed will allow to adequately address issues and produce a framework that is broadly endorsed and adaptable to varied circumstances. The roundtable format is ideal for this digital inclusion session because it thrives on diverse perspectives. Trainers, caregivers, and policymakers can all share their experiences and brainstorm solutions on an equal footing. This fosters collaboration as we refine the "skills-based pyramid" framework. The interactive nature of the roundtable allows for real-time feedback and idea generation, perfect for building consensus on a customizable approach to digital inclusion policies and initiatives.

    Policy Question(s)

    1. What partnerships and models best support inclusion plans for marginalized groups?

    2. How can existing frameworks adapt to support innovative approaches like the concept of "technology caregivers?

    3.How can policy better integrate digital skills training into inclusion efforts for diverse populations?

    What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants in our workshop will be exposed to effective strategies for implementing digital inclusion initiatives. Our panelists will ideate to develop a skills-based pyramid framework that prioritizes digital literacy among various populations that are historically underserved. Our ideas will present ways on how to go beyond simply supplying gadgets to create actual digital empowerment. Participants will get the opportunity to collaborate with trainers, policymakers and technology caregivers to create a plan that is tailored to the needs of their community. Our session therefore outlines tangible methods for bridging the digital divide and effectively serving underrepresented communities.

    Description:

    Rapid technological advancement necessitates realistic and holistic approaches to developing the digital skills of diverse and underserved populations in ways that match their needs. Digital Inclusion activities are expanding beyond the usage of technology tools to encompass the ability and opportunity for individuals and communities to use these tools to improve their quality of life. This workshop solicits multi-stakeholder views to create a framework for advancing digital inclusion anchored on a strong digital skills foundation. Several initiatives attempt to tackle inclusion by addressing its main issues; digital skills, device access, accessibility, and affordability as parallels resulting in ineffective implementation for recipients. This session seeks to address this by taking a holistic approach to inclusion that addresses inclusion in a pyramid form with digital skills training as its bedrock. All other areas are complementary but addressed to allow recipients to efficiently learn, apply this digital knowledge, and receive device and connectivity support. A pilot of this framework will focus on technology caregivers who provide technology-related assistance to members of historically underprivileged groups including persons living with disability, youth, women, and others in geographically unconnected places. Our workshop strategy entails a collaborative ideation process involving trainers, technology caregivers, and policy-makers to design a framework that can be customized and adopted across the globe for efficiently serving marginalized groups.

    Expected Outcomes

    Our session will culminate into a collaborative document outlining key considerations for policy development and implementation based on the skills-based pyramid framework. We also plan to undertake potential follow-up discussions or workshops to refine and adapt the framework for specific regions or communities. This will be based on the interest of participants. Ultimately, we will pursue a shared understanding of the skills-based pyramid framework for digital inclusion which has an increased focus on integrating digital skills training into policy and initiatives.

    Hybrid Format: Our session prioritizes a seamless experience for everyone. We will make use of the Zoom Q&A platform and live polls to facilitate interaction between speakers and online/onsite audiences. Our online moderator will steer the online chat to promote interaction among attendees. To improve collaboration, an online platform such as Miro will be employed for real-time brainstorming. Through these tactics, we hope to create a vibrant and inclusive environment for all participants. Our post session plan will include resource sharing to reinforce learning.