IGF 2024 WS #284 Inclusive, responsible & sustainable digital transformation

    Organizer 1: Ricci Coughlan, FCDO
    Organizer 2: Alessandra Lustrati, UK Government - Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
    Organizer 3: Rosalind KennyBirch, UK Government - Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
    Organizer 4: Nicole Archer, Department for Science, Innovation & Technology

    Speaker 1: Alessandra Lustrati, Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Speaker 2: Rosalind KennyBirch, Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Speaker 3: Nicole Archer, Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
    Speaker 4: Zilpher Owiti, Government, African Group
    Speaker 5: Bernadette Lewis, Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization

    Moderator

    Rosalind KennyBirch, Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

    Online Moderator

    Ricci Coughlan, Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

    Rapporteur

    Nicole Archer, Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

    Format

    Theater
    Duration (minutes): 60
    Format description: The format is designed to facilitate the sharing of information from the UK and from selected partners and stakeholders from overseas (e.g. Kenya). The hybrid format will enable inclusive participation.

    Policy Question(s)

    1. How to make digital transformation more inclusive? (debate on meaningful connectivity, digital literacy and skills development, and enhanced access to locally-relevant digital content and services for underserved communities or marginalised groups).
    2. How to make digital transformation more responsible? (stimulate debate on how to navigate the digital world in a way that is safe and secure, and where personal data are protected and properly managed).
    3. How to make digital transformation more sustainable? (how to develop and promote digitalisation models that are environmentally sustainable, and how to leverage digital solutions for climate change adaptation and resilience).

    What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants in this session will gain an awareness of the integrated approach to digital development exemplified by a new strategy published by the UK, a partner committed to delivering on the global digital development agenda.
    Participants will also access insights on the practical application of the above approach through a multi-country programme, based on evidence from over 4 years of implementation with a multi-stakeholder approach.

    Description:

    This session will cover the importance of supporting the inclusive, responsible and sustainable digital transformation of partner countries. It will showcase innovative approaches to leveraging the role of digital technologies as accelerators for the achievement of the SDGs.

    The session will cover an overview of the UK Governments’ new Digital Development Strategy 2024-2030, and its practical application through the Digital Access Programme. This will include the explanation of the integrated approach to digital development, as well as examples of programming work on inclusive and sustainable digital access, and support to local tech entrepreneurship and digital innovation through a network of Tech Hubs in five developing and emerging countries.

    Expected Outcomes

    This session will have three expected outcomes: (i) increased learning on digital development, (ii) enhanced awareness of relevant stakeholders and networks, and (iii) initial entry points for potential partnerships. One specific output would be the involvement of the participants in the planned Community of Interest on Digital Development facilitated by the organisers and their international partners.

    Hybrid Format: We will share sample questions and discussion points at the start of the session.
    In an effort to be user-friendly, we will prove links to the slides so that people can navigate through in their own time as they require.
    There will be an online facilitator to keep track of online participation and field questions and inputs from the audience.