Session
Reset Tech
- Sebastian Blum, Consultant, Capgemini Invent - Mathea Essinger, Project Manager, NExT e.V. - Felix Kröner, Senior Policy & Partnerships Manager, Reset Tech
- Sebastian Blum, Consultant, Capgemini Invent - Mathea Essinger, Project Manager, NExT e.V. - Felix Kröner, Senior Policy & Partnerships Manager, Reset Tech
Organization's Website
Speakers
- Sebastian Blum, Capgemini Invent, Private Sector, Germany, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
- Mathea Essinger, NExT e.V., Private Sector, Germany, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
- Felix Kröner, Reset Tech, Private Sector, Germany, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Onsite Moderator
Sebastian Blum & Mathea Essinger
Online Moderator
Felix Kröner
Rapporteur
Lars Radscheidt, Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Private Sector, Germany, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
SDGs
5. Gender Equality
5.1
5.5
5.b
9.b
9.c
10.2
Targets: Our networking session will provide a space for women and queer-identifying folk in internet governance to connect -- a field that is still widely dominated by (white) men. It therefore contributes to achiving gender equality within the field of internet governance (SDG 5). It also pertains to SDF 9 since the event will connect individuals that are actively engaged in promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation. The event aims at making sure that the connections developed during the meet-up will continue well beyond the IGF in Norway. Naturally, it also contributes to empowering and promoting the (social, economic and political) inclusion of minorities (SDG 10) in the process of internet governance, especially women and queer people.
5.1
5.5
5.b
9.b
9.c
10.2
Targets: Our networking session will provide a space for women and queer-identifying folk in internet governance to connect -- a field that is still widely dominated by (white) men. It therefore contributes to achiving gender equality within the field of internet governance (SDG 5). It also pertains to SDF 9 since the event will connect individuals that are actively engaged in promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation. The event aims at making sure that the connections developed during the meet-up will continue well beyond the IGF in Norway. Naturally, it also contributes to empowering and promoting the (social, economic and political) inclusion of minorities (SDG 10) in the process of internet governance, especially women and queer people.
Format
Classroom
After an opening by the moderator and a brief introduction by the organising team -- outlining the intention behind this meet-up -- we will make space for attending individuals to connect and network, with an emphasis on attendee participation. This includes both a space to ask questions to the group and to connect with one another through blind-dating-style networking and small-group discussions. We will outline concrete opportunities to stay in touch beyond the meet-up and to put discussed ways of collaboration into practice. We will provide guiding questions and current topics to enable attendees to meaningfully participate, both online and offline. We will also provide space for participants to address the group at large and ask questions. Through having a dedicated moderator for online participants, will make sure they are included in discussions and get to connect with both other online and in-person attendees.
After an opening by the moderator and a brief introduction by the organising team -- outlining the intention behind this meet-up -- we will make space for attending individuals to connect and network, with an emphasis on attendee participation. This includes both a space to ask questions to the group and to connect with one another through blind-dating-style networking and small-group discussions. We will outline concrete opportunities to stay in touch beyond the meet-up and to put discussed ways of collaboration into practice. We will provide guiding questions and current topics to enable attendees to meaningfully participate, both online and offline. We will also provide space for participants to address the group at large and ask questions. Through having a dedicated moderator for online participants, will make sure they are included in discussions and get to connect with both other online and in-person attendees.
Duration (minutes)
45
Description
In this Networking Session, we aim to create a dynamic platform for dialogue and collaboration of diverse individuals passionate about shaping the future of Internet Governance. The session will focus on fostering greater representation and inclusion of women and queer individuals in the global conversations on digital policy and integration of diverse perspectives in policies.
The session will provide a safe space for exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices, while addressing the unique challenges and intersectional power imbalances faced by women and queer individuals in the field of Internet Governance. The networking session will be promoted through various channels to IGF participants with global reach. We will leverage our own connections as well as connections with international development practitioners to attendees from global majority countries. Through networking opportunities, participants will share insights on how to create more inclusive digital policies, advocate for gender and LGBTQ+ rights online, and collaborate on concrete actions that can transform the current landscape of digital policy-making.
Participants will engage in discussions on topics such as:
● Bridging the gender gap in Internet Governance and policy-making processes.
● Addressing the intersectionality of gender, sexuality, and digital rights.
● Practical steps to increase the participation of women and queer individuals in decision-making at local, regional, and global levels
● Mentorship and capacity-building for the next generation of leaders in digital policy, especially from marginalized communities.
By bringing together diverse voices, especially those from underrepresented groups, the session seeks to amplify the influence of women and queer individuals in shaping a more inclusive and equitable digital future for all.
Expected Outcomes:
- Strengthening Networks & Alliances: Participants will establish new connections and reinforce existing networks among women and queer individuals in Internet Governance, ensuring stronger representation of voices from Global Majority Countries. This includes fostering cross-regional collaboration and peer support structures.
- Concrete Follow-Up Initiatives: The session will serve as a catalyst for future activities, including the integration of gender and LGBTQ+ perspectives in national and regional IGFs (NRIs), such as IGF-D and EuroDIG.
- Institutionalizing Inclusive Dialogue: We aim to create structures for sustained exchange, e.g., through regular community check-ins, joint advocacy efforts, and mentorship programs that empower underrepresented voices in digital policy.
This session aligns with the overarching goals of the IGF in promoting multi-stakeholder dialogue and advancing the role of diverse communities in Internet governance.
1) We will have a dedicated moderator to collect questions from online participants, and to connect online with offline participants. 2) We will ensure break-out groups include both online and offline particpants. That way, online participants are never only among themselves but are integrated in the session throughout. 3) We will use Zoom, including breakout sessions and polling, to enable online participants to both connect with one another and in-person attendees, and to contribute to the session beyond providing speaking inputs or actively discussing in break-out groups.
1) We will have a dedicated moderator to collect questions from online participants, and to connect online with offline participants. 2) We will ensure break-out groups include both online and offline particpants. That way, online participants are never only among themselves but are integrated in the session throughout. 3) We will use Zoom, including breakout sessions and polling, to enable online participants to both connect with one another and in-person attendees, and to contribute to the session beyond providing speaking inputs or actively discussing in break-out groups.