Session
Digital Empowerment Foundation
Dr.Arpita Kanjilal, Research and Advocacy Division Head, Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), Civil Society, India Deeksha Pande, Associate Fellow, Swaniti Initiative, Civil Society, India Maitri Singh, Researcher & Senior Officer, Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), Civil Society, India
Dr.Arpita Kanjilal, Research and Advocacy Division Head, Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), Civil Society, India Deeksha Pande, Associate Fellow, Swaniti Initiative, Civil Society, India Maitri Singh, Researcher & Senior Officer, Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), Civil Society, India
Organization's Website
Speakers
Dr. Arpita Kanjilal, Research and Advocacy Division Head, Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), Civil Society, India (Speaker)
Deeksha Pande, Associate Fellow, Swaniti Initiative, Civil Society, India (Speaker)
Maitri Singh, Researcher & Senior Officer, Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), Civil Society, India (Moderator)
Onsite Moderator
Maitri Singh, Researcher & Senior Officer, Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), Civil Society, India
Rapporteur
Deeksha Pande, Associate Fellow, Swaniti Initiative, Civil Society, India
SDGs
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
13. Climate Action
Targets: SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth): Digital upskilling & entrepreneurship create sustainable jobs for transitioning workers. It ensures that workers have access to employment. SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure): Investment in digital connectivity and online market access drives economic diversification. SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Ensuring digital inclusion for rural, marginalized, and climate-affected communities. SDG 13 (Climate Action): Supporting economic alternatives for coal-dependent regions to transition equitably.
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
13. Climate Action
Targets: SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth): Digital upskilling & entrepreneurship create sustainable jobs for transitioning workers. It ensures that workers have access to employment. SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure): Investment in digital connectivity and online market access drives economic diversification. SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Ensuring digital inclusion for rural, marginalized, and climate-affected communities. SDG 13 (Climate Action): Supporting economic alternatives for coal-dependent regions to transition equitably.
Format
Introduction (4 minutes): Explain Net Zero, Digital Just Transition & background of the study.
Defining Digital Just Transition & Economic Diversification (4 minutes): How digital technology facilitates alternative employment in climate-challenged districts.
Grassroots Digital Solutions (3 minutes): How hyper local digital solutions are required for community centered Just Transition.
Policy & Taskforce (4 minutes): Connecting digital interventions with policy frameworks for scaling solutions, i.e Digital Just Transition Taskforce.
Q&A (5 minutes): Onsite & online audience engagement via Slido.
Duration (minutes)
20
Description
The Lightning Talk will address how digital can help coal-dependent communities transition towards sustainable economic opportunities. Using case studies from Ramgarh and Bokaro, India, we highlight:
Workforce Readiness & Reskilling: Training former coal workers in digital skills for jobs in renewable energy, tourism, and digital services.
Grassroots Digital Solutions: The role of hyper local solutions, i.e. SoochnaPreneurs as local digital entrepreneurs providing essential services (e-governance, finance, online markets).
Bridging Policy & Action: Establishing a Digital Just Transition Taskforce to integrate community-driven solutions into national & global policy frameworks.
This session will highlight how digital inclusion is critical for a Just Transition, ensuring economic stability and social resilience amid climate action.
To enhance hybrid engagement, we will ensure the following: 1. Attendees, whether participating in person or virtually, can submit questions in real-time. Speakers will be able to view these inquiries and incorporate their responses and insights into their discussions in the last 5 mins of the Session. 2. Split-Screen Format: Providing balanced visibility for both in-person speakers and online participants. 3. We will ensure that our digital presentation is shared with online attendees. 4. Complimentary online tool: QR Codes for resources will be ensured, enabling attendees to scan and access case studies, policy briefs, and DEF’s research reports effortlessly.
To enhance hybrid engagement, we will ensure the following: 1. Attendees, whether participating in person or virtually, can submit questions in real-time. Speakers will be able to view these inquiries and incorporate their responses and insights into their discussions in the last 5 mins of the Session. 2. Split-Screen Format: Providing balanced visibility for both in-person speakers and online participants. 3. We will ensure that our digital presentation is shared with online attendees. 4. Complimentary online tool: QR Codes for resources will be ensured, enabling attendees to scan and access case studies, policy briefs, and DEF’s research reports effortlessly.