Session
Organization's Website
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: The roundtable format is ideal for this session as it encourages interactive, multistakeholder engagement, allowing government representatives, private sector leaders, civil society, and experts to exchange insights on Lesotho’s digital transformation. This setup fosters open dialogue and collaboration, rather than one-way presentations, making it more effective for policy discussions and solution-building. A 60-minute duration ensures a focused yet comprehensive discussion. The session will be structured as follows: a) 10-15 minutes: Government presentation on digital policies and initiatives. b) 30 minutes: Roundtable discussion with stakeholder contributions. c) 15 minutes: Audience Q&A and key takeaways. This format aligns with IGF’s multistakeholder approach, allowing for engaging, solution-driven conversations that highlight Lesotho’s digital strategy while fostering international collaboration and best practice sharing.
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: The roundtable format is ideal for this session as it encourages interactive, multistakeholder engagement, allowing government representatives, private sector leaders, civil society, and experts to exchange insights on Lesotho’s digital transformation. This setup fosters open dialogue and collaboration, rather than one-way presentations, making it more effective for policy discussions and solution-building. A 60-minute duration ensures a focused yet comprehensive discussion. The session will be structured as follows: a) 10-15 minutes: Government presentation on digital policies and initiatives. b) 30 minutes: Roundtable discussion with stakeholder contributions. c) 15 minutes: Audience Q&A and key takeaways. This format aligns with IGF’s multistakeholder approach, allowing for engaging, solution-driven conversations that highlight Lesotho’s digital strategy while fostering international collaboration and best practice sharing.
Description
This session will explore Lesotho’s digital transformation strategy, focusing on universal digital access, digital rights, and sustainable innovation. Key topics include efforts to bridge the digital divide, enhance digital literacy, AI, and ensure cybersecurity and data protection. Challenges such as rural connectivity, affordability barriers, and gender equity in tech will be addressed, alongside opportunities for multistakeholder collaboration and international investment. The session will feature a roundtable discussion with government officials, the private sector, and civil society to share best practices and explore solutions for inclusive digital development in Lesotho.
1) Facilitating interaction between on-site and online speakers and attendees: We will ensure seamless interaction by having a dedicated moderator who will manage online and onsite speakers. The moderator will facilitate Q&A sessions, enabling both online and onsite attendees to ask questions using virtual platforms like Zoom chat. This will allow for real-time participation from both groups. 2) Designing the session for the Best Experience for Both Onsite and Online Participants: We will use visual aids like presentations and video clips to ensure that all attendees, regardless of location, have an engaging experience. The session will be streamed in high quality with clear audio and visuals, and real-time captions will be provided to enhance accessibility for online participants. 3) Complementary Online Tools/Platforms: We will use Zoom, Slido, and Mentimeter for live polling, Q&A sessions, and feedback collection. Additionally, we will utilise social media channels like Twitter to increase interaction and extend discussions beyond the session.
1) Facilitating interaction between on-site and online speakers and attendees: We will ensure seamless interaction by having a dedicated moderator who will manage online and onsite speakers. The moderator will facilitate Q&A sessions, enabling both online and onsite attendees to ask questions using virtual platforms like Zoom chat. This will allow for real-time participation from both groups. 2) Designing the session for the Best Experience for Both Onsite and Online Participants: We will use visual aids like presentations and video clips to ensure that all attendees, regardless of location, have an engaging experience. The session will be streamed in high quality with clear audio and visuals, and real-time captions will be provided to enhance accessibility for online participants. 3) Complementary Online Tools/Platforms: We will use Zoom, Slido, and Mentimeter for live polling, Q&A sessions, and feedback collection. Additionally, we will utilise social media channels like Twitter to increase interaction and extend discussions beyond the session.
Organizers
Government of Lesotho
Hon Nthati Moorosi | Minister of Ministry of Information, Communication, Science, Technology and Innovation | Lesotho Mr. Kanono Ramashamole | Principal Secretary of Ministry of Information, Communication, Science, Technology and Innovation | Lesotho Hon. Lekhotsa Mafethe | Lesotho Parliament | Lesotho Mr. Molupe Molupe | Lesotho Communications Authority | Lesotho Mr. Letsatsi Lekhooa | Lesotho IGF | Lesotho
Hon Nthati Moorosi | Minister of Ministry of Information, Communication, Science, Technology and Innovation | Lesotho Mr. Kanono Ramashamole | Principal Secretary of Ministry of Information, Communication, Science, Technology and Innovation | Lesotho Hon. Lekhotsa Mafethe | Lesotho Parliament | Lesotho Mr. Molupe Molupe | Lesotho Communications Authority | Lesotho Mr. Letsatsi Lekhooa | Lesotho IGF | Lesotho
Speakers
Hon Nthati Moorosi | Minister of Ministry of Information, Communication, Science, Technology and Innovation | Lesotho
Mr. Kanono Ramashamole | Principal Secretary of Ministry of Information, Communication, Science, Technology and Innovation | Lesotho
Hon. Lekhotsa Mafethe | Lesotho Parliament | Lesotho
Mr. Molupe Molupe | Lesotho Communications Authority | Lesotho
Onsite Moderator
Mr. Letsatsi Lekhooa
Online Moderator
Mr. Molupe Molupe
Rapporteur
Mr. Kanono Ramashamole
SDGs
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
17. Partnerships for the Goals
Targets: 1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure Target 9.c emphasizes increasing access to ICT and affordable internet. The session will showcase Lesotho’s efforts to expand digital infrastructure, focusing on improving internet access in underserved areas, aligning with this target’s goal of universal access. 2. SDG 4: Quality Education Target 4.4 aims to increase digital skills for employment and entrepreneurship. The session highlights digital literacy initiatives, ensuring that youth and adults in Lesotho are equipped with skills to thrive in the digital economy. 3. SDG 5: Gender Equality Target 5.b promotes the use of technology to empower women. This session will explore initiatives to ensure gender equality in tech by providing women with access to digital tools and opportunities in the digital economy. 4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities Target 10.2 aims for social, economic, and political inclusion of all. The session focuses on bridging the digital divide, ensuring that marginalized communities in Lesotho benefit from digital technologies. 5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions Target 16.9 highlights the importance of legal identity and data protection. The session will discuss digital rights, cybersecurity, and legal frameworks for ensuring secure digital identities. 6. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals Target 17.16 promotes multistakeholder partnerships. The session emphasises the need for collaboration between governments, private sectors, and international stakeholders to achieve sustainable digital development.
5. Gender Equality
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
17. Partnerships for the Goals
Targets: 1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure Target 9.c emphasizes increasing access to ICT and affordable internet. The session will showcase Lesotho’s efforts to expand digital infrastructure, focusing on improving internet access in underserved areas, aligning with this target’s goal of universal access. 2. SDG 4: Quality Education Target 4.4 aims to increase digital skills for employment and entrepreneurship. The session highlights digital literacy initiatives, ensuring that youth and adults in Lesotho are equipped with skills to thrive in the digital economy. 3. SDG 5: Gender Equality Target 5.b promotes the use of technology to empower women. This session will explore initiatives to ensure gender equality in tech by providing women with access to digital tools and opportunities in the digital economy. 4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities Target 10.2 aims for social, economic, and political inclusion of all. The session focuses on bridging the digital divide, ensuring that marginalized communities in Lesotho benefit from digital technologies. 5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions Target 16.9 highlights the importance of legal identity and data protection. The session will discuss digital rights, cybersecurity, and legal frameworks for ensuring secure digital identities. 6. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals Target 17.16 promotes multistakeholder partnerships. The session emphasises the need for collaboration between governments, private sectors, and international stakeholders to achieve sustainable digital development.