Session
Nagaland University
Monalisa Tase, Nagaland University, Asia-Pacific Group Manish Jaiswal, Indian Aerospace Defence News(IADN), Asia-Pacific Group Monojit Das, Independent Analyst, Asia-Pacific Group Miroslav Plundrich, University of West Bohemia, Czech Republic, Western Europe and other Group Samaila Bako, Cyber Safe Nigeria, African Group Jannatul Ferdous, Comilla University, Bangladesh, Asia-Pacific Group
Monalisa Tase, Nagaland University, Asia-Pacific Group Manish Jaiswal, Indian Aerospace Defence News(IADN), Asia-Pacific Group Monojit Das, Independent Analyst, Asia-Pacific Group Miroslav Plundrich, University of West Bohemia, Czech Republic, Western Europe and other Group Samaila Bako, Cyber Safe Nigeria, African Group Jannatul Ferdous, Comilla University, Bangladesh, Asia-Pacific Group
Organization's Website
Speakers
Monalisa Tase, Nagaland University, Asia-Pacific Group
Manish Jaiswal, Indian Aerospace Defence News(IADN), Asia-Pacific Group
Monojit Das, Independent Analyst, Asia-Pacific Group
Miroslav Plundrich, University of West Bohemia, Western Europe and other Group
Samaila Bako, Cyber Safe Nigeria, African Group
Jannatul Ferdous, Comilla University, Bangladesh, Asia-Pacific Group
Onsite Moderator
Monalisa Tase
Rapporteur
Miroslav Plundrich
SDGs
16.5
16.6
Targets: The session will align with SDG 16.5 ("Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms") and SDG 16.6 ("Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels") by promoting transparency and accountability in the governance of internet access. As a human right, universal access to the internet is critical in empowering citizens to hold governments accountable and combat corruption through open data, digital public services, and free online expression. SDG 16.5: By highlighting the need for policies that ensure digital access for all, this session will advocate for the reduction of inequalities that often result from lack of access, thus fostering an inclusive and corruption-resistant digital ecosystem. SDG 16.6: The session will demonstrate how governments, civil society, and the private sector can collaborate to create accountable and transparent systems for digital infrastructure. With internet access being key to democratic participation, transparency in how access is allocated and regulated is critical. This session will explore these SDG targets by showcasing case studies from countries that have implemented successful initiatives to ensure digital access for all, particularly marginalized groups.
16.6
Targets: The session will align with SDG 16.5 ("Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms") and SDG 16.6 ("Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels") by promoting transparency and accountability in the governance of internet access. As a human right, universal access to the internet is critical in empowering citizens to hold governments accountable and combat corruption through open data, digital public services, and free online expression. SDG 16.5: By highlighting the need for policies that ensure digital access for all, this session will advocate for the reduction of inequalities that often result from lack of access, thus fostering an inclusive and corruption-resistant digital ecosystem. SDG 16.6: The session will demonstrate how governments, civil society, and the private sector can collaborate to create accountable and transparent systems for digital infrastructure. With internet access being key to democratic participation, transparency in how access is allocated and regulated is critical. This session will explore these SDG targets by showcasing case studies from countries that have implemented successful initiatives to ensure digital access for all, particularly marginalized groups.
Format
The session will be a panel discussion consisting of 5-6 speakers representing diverse sectors: government, civil society, private sector, and international organizations. The speakers will share perspectives on how internet access can be considered a human right and outline both the barriers and solutions to achieving universal access.
A moderator will facilitate the discussion, ensuring that all speakers have an opportunity to address key questions and that the conversation remains inclusive of all viewpoints. The session will include interactive Q&A sessions where participants, both onsite and online, can ask questions and contribute to the discussion.
The session will incorporate breakout discussions for online and onsite participants to explore specific issues, such as access in rural areas, internet censorship, digital literacy, and the role of public-private partnerships.
Duration (minutes)
30
Description
This session will explore the importance of recognizing internet access as a fundamental human right in the context of the digital age. It will discuss the challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly in low-income countries, to access digital technologies, and the essential role of internet access in achieving broader social and economic development goals.
Through a mix of presentations, expert discussions, and interactive activities, the session will also focus on the impact of digital inequality on education, health, governance, and participation in the global economy. The session will engage both onsite and online participants, fostering a dialogue on policies, practical initiatives, and multi-stakeholder approaches to ensuring universal access to the internet as a right, not a privilege.
The session will link to IGF 2025’s key issue areas of Digital Inclusion, Human Rights, and Governance, as well as the ongoing conversation around the global internet governance framework.
Interaction between onsite and online speakers and attendees will be facilitated by: Real-time video streaming of the panel discussion and Q&A sessions, ensuring that online participants can see and hear the speakers clearly. Live chat functionality will be available for online attendees to submit questions and comments to the panel, which will be read aloud and addressed by the moderator. A hybrid Q&A format, where both onsite and online participants will have equal opportunities to pose questions, will be managed through a dedicated online platform to ensure seamless communication. High-quality audiovisual support will ensure both onsite and online participants experience seamless interaction. Moderator and technical staff will ensure smooth transitions between speakers, especially for online and onsite interactions.
Interaction between onsite and online speakers and attendees will be facilitated by: Real-time video streaming of the panel discussion and Q&A sessions, ensuring that online participants can see and hear the speakers clearly. Live chat functionality will be available for online attendees to submit questions and comments to the panel, which will be read aloud and addressed by the moderator. A hybrid Q&A format, where both onsite and online participants will have equal opportunities to pose questions, will be managed through a dedicated online platform to ensure seamless communication. High-quality audiovisual support will ensure both onsite and online participants experience seamless interaction. Moderator and technical staff will ensure smooth transitions between speakers, especially for online and onsite interactions.