IGF 2024 WS #94 BRICS and Regional Alliances:Influencing Internet Governance

    Organizer 1: Mikaila Chetty, National Forensic Sciences University

    Speaker 1: Mikaila Chetty, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
    Speaker 2: Monojit Das, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
    Speaker 3: Gabriel Karsan, Civil Society, African Group
    Speaker 4: Samaila Atsen Bako, Civil Society, African Group

    Moderator

    Mikaila Chetty, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group

    Online Moderator

    Mikaila Chetty, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group

    Rapporteur

    Samaila Atsen Bako, Civil Society, African Group

    Format

    Roundtable
    Duration (minutes): 90
    Format description: A roundtable session format with a 90-minute duration is best suited for our activity because it fosters open dialogue and collaborative discussions among experts, stakeholders, and attendees. The format will allow participants to engage in direct conversation, promoting a sense of inclusivity and shared learning making it ideal for exploring complex topics, such as global internet governance and the role of BRICS and regional alliances, as it encourages diverse perspectives and in-depth analysis.
    The 90-minute duration provides ample time for structured presentations, interactive discussions, and Q&A, enabling attendees to delve into the nuances of the subject matter while maintaining a focused agenda. This length also allows for flexibility in facilitating group activities or brainstorming sessions, creating a dynamic environment where ideas can be freely exchanged.
    The combination of a this format supports the collaborative and participatory nature of our session, promoting a productive and engaging experience for all participants.

    Policy Question(s)

    1.How are regional alliances (e.g. BRICS) contributing to the evolution of global internet governance, particularly in establishing norms and regulations that balance digital sovereignty with the need for an open and interoperable internet?
    2.In what ways are regional alliances collaborating to address cybersecurity challenges, and how can these collaborations be strengthened to create a more secure and resilient global digital environment?
    3.What impact does the assertive approach to internet governance by some countries have on cross-border data flows, and how can regional alliances contribute to a more balanced and inclusive framework that respects both national interests and global cooperation?

    What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants attending this session will gain a comprehensive understanding of how BRICS and regional alliances are shaping global internet governance. Key takeaways include:
    - New Knowledge: Learn about the latest trends and developments in internet governance, with a focus on digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, and cross-border data flows.
    - Global Perspectives: Gain insights into the diverse approaches and viewpoints of BRICS countries and other regional alliances, fostering a deeper appreciation of the multipolar nature of internet governance.
    - Best Practices: Discover innovative approaches and successful strategies used by these alliances to address digital governance challenges, which can be applied in various contexts.
    - Networking Opportunities: Connect with experts, policymakers, and other stakeholders to build a network that can facilitate future collaborations and partnerships.
    - Actionable Insights: Walk away with concrete ideas and tools to improve digital governance within your own organization, community, or country.

    Description:

    This workshop explores the significant role that BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and other regional alliances play in shaping global internet governance. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, these groups are becoming increasingly influential in determining the frameworks and policies that govern the internet.
    This session will explore how BRICS and other regional alliances are impacting the digital governance for the internet. Our workshop will focus on key topics, such as digital sovereignty, cross-border data flow, cybersecurity, and the tension between state control and internet freedom.
    - Digital Sovereignty: Examining how BRICS countries are asserting control over their digital environments and influencing global norms.
    - Cybersecurity Cooperation: Assessing the collaborative efforts among BRICS and other regional alliances to strengthen cyber defenses and share best practices.
    - Global Internet Governance: Discussing how these alliances are contributing to international debates on internet governance, advocating for a more multipolar internet landscape.
    Our approach is interactive and engaging, with a panel of experts from BRICS nations and other regions sharing their insights on successful governance models and innovations. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in Q&A sessions, network with experts, and explore collaborative initiatives to improve global internet governance in a rapidly evolving digital world.

    Expected Outcomes

    This session will provide a comprehensive understanding of how BRICS and other regional alliances influence global internet governance:
    - Gain insights into how regional collaborations shape digital governance, emphasizing cybersecurity and digital sovereignty.
    - Engage in knowledge sharing, fostering potential collaborations and partnerships to address internet governance challenges.
    - Contribute to the development of actionable policy recommendations that can be implemented to improve global internet governance.
    Specific Outputs:
    A workshop summary report will capture key discussions and insights, serving as a reference for the broader IGF community. The session organizers will also explore hosting follow-up events or webinars to continue the conversation and support ongoing collaboration among participants. Additionally, an online platform may be created to maintain connections and facilitate the ongoing exchange of ideas and best practices among stakeholders. Through these outcomes and outputs, the session aims to promote sustainable and inclusive internet governance on a global scale.

    Hybrid Format: To ensure an engaging hybrid session, we have designed a plan to facilitate seamless interaction between onsite and online participants.
    Facilitating Interaction:
    - Dual Moderators: We will have one moderator onsite in Riyadh and one online to manage interaction between in-person and virtual participants.
    - Interactive Tools: We will use tools like Slido to enable real-time Q&A, live polls, and audience feedback, allowing online and onsite attendees to engage equally.
    - Real-time Communication: We will use a communication platform like Slack or Teams to allow continuous interaction among all participants, fostering a collaborative environment.
    -Balanced Discussion Structure: We will design the session to alternate between onsite and online speakers, promoting inclusivity and diverse participation.

    These measures will ensure that all attendees, whether onsite or online, have a rich and engaging experience.