Session
Organizer 1: Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 1: Chanchan Samuel, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 2: GBOWAH JALLAH AMOS FAYIAH, Government, African Group
Speaker 3: WUDUWELH SUNNY ZONWHEA, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 2: GBOWAH JALLAH AMOS FAYIAH, Government, African Group
Speaker 3: WUDUWELH SUNNY ZONWHEA, Civil Society, African Group
Format
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 30
Format description: A roundtable format fosters collaborative dialogue among diverse stakeholders. This session will: Begin with short presentations from speakers (15 mins total). Transition into breakout groups to brainstorm solutions for specific challenges (e.g., rural internet access, data privacy). Conclude with a plenary discussion to synthesize recommendations. This approach prioritizes interactivity over passive listening, ensuring all voices (onsite and online) are heard.
Duration (minutes): 30
Format description: A roundtable format fosters collaborative dialogue among diverse stakeholders. This session will: Begin with short presentations from speakers (15 mins total). Transition into breakout groups to brainstorm solutions for specific challenges (e.g., rural internet access, data privacy). Conclude with a plenary discussion to synthesize recommendations. This approach prioritizes interactivity over passive listening, ensuring all voices (onsite and online) are heard.
Policy Question(s)
1. How can governments and civil society collaborate to ensure equitable access to affordable ICT infrastructure in rural/underserved areas?
2. What policies are needed to protect digital rights (privacy, data security) while promoting innovation in developing regions?
3. How can technology be leveraged to advance gender equality and environmental sustainability (e.g., digital tools for marine conservation, plastic waste monitoring)?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants will:
Gain insights into practical models for ICT integration in rural development (e.g., mobile apps for agricultural productivity, telemedicine).
Learn strategies to advocate for inclusive digital policies that prioritize marginalized groups (women, youth, people with disabilities).
Network with stakeholders to build coalitions for funding and knowledge-sharing.
Understand how digital rights frameworks can protect vulnerable populations from exploitation and exclusion.
SDGs
Description:
Bridging the Digital Divide: Universal Access and Digital Rights for Marginalized Communities The Global Peace and Development Organization (GPDO) proposes a workshop to address the intersection of universal access to digital technologies and digital rights , particularly for marginalized communities in developing regions. GPDO’s work in West Africa (Liberia, Sierra Leone) and Kenya highlights systemic inequities in ICT access, which hinder progress toward SDGs 9 (Infrastructure), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 16 (Peace/Justice). This session will explore: Case studies of GPDO’s ICT initiatives in rural areas (e.g., STEM training for youth, digital literacy programs for women). Policy frameworks needed to ensure equitable access to affordable internet and devices. Digital rights challenges , including data privacy, cybersecurity, and the role of technology in combating gender-based violence (GBV). Partnerships between governments, NGOs, and private sector to scale ICT solutions for sustainable development. The workshop will emphasize actionable solutions to bridge the digital divide and uphold human rights in the digital age.
Bridging the Digital Divide: Universal Access and Digital Rights for Marginalized Communities The Global Peace and Development Organization (GPDO) proposes a workshop to address the intersection of universal access to digital technologies and digital rights , particularly for marginalized communities in developing regions. GPDO’s work in West Africa (Liberia, Sierra Leone) and Kenya highlights systemic inequities in ICT access, which hinder progress toward SDGs 9 (Infrastructure), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 16 (Peace/Justice). This session will explore: Case studies of GPDO’s ICT initiatives in rural areas (e.g., STEM training for youth, digital literacy programs for women). Policy frameworks needed to ensure equitable access to affordable internet and devices. Digital rights challenges , including data privacy, cybersecurity, and the role of technology in combating gender-based violence (GBV). Partnerships between governments, NGOs, and private sector to scale ICT solutions for sustainable development. The workshop will emphasize actionable solutions to bridge the digital divide and uphold human rights in the digital age.
Expected Outcomes
Policy Recommendations: Draft guidelines for universal ICT access and digital rights frameworks.
Partnerships: Identify opportunities for collaboration between GPDO, Norwegian organizations, and global stakeholders.
Toolkit Development: Share GPDO’s digital literacy training modules and case studies for replication in other regions.
Global Advocacy: Mobilize support for SDG 9 (Infrastructure) and SDG 17 (Partnerships) through IGF networks.
Hybrid Format: Online Tools: Use Zoom breakout rooms for parallel discussions and Mentimeter for real-time polling.
Onsite-Online Integration: Assign a dedicated online moderator to amplify questions from virtual participants.
Multilingual Support: Provide live translation (English/French) to engage non-English speakers.
Post-Session Engagement: Share recordings and summaries via the IGF platform and GPDO’s website.
Training: