Session
Organizer 1: Civil Society, African Group
Organizer 2: Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 3: Civil Society, African Group
Organizer 4: Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 2: Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 3: Civil Society, African Group
Organizer 4: Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 1: Chetty Pria, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 2: Malik Payal, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 3: Souhila Amazouz, Intergovernmental Organization, African Group
Speaker 4: Linder Thomas, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 5: Andrew Vennekotter, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Malik Payal, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 3: Souhila Amazouz, Intergovernmental Organization, African Group
Speaker 4: Linder Thomas, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 5: Andrew Vennekotter, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Format
Theater
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: A 60 minute, theatre-style workshop allows for the two components of our session to run most effectively. The first component will be a discussion among our speakers representing government, civil society and the private sector. Here, the speakers will highlight issues around DPI data governance that are most relevant to their sector. They will also bring up case studies which will feed into the second component. The second component will be an interactive discussion that will incorporate the large number of participants both in person and online. The audience will be able to respond to speakers’ input as well as highlight their own experiences. The size of the venue will also facilitate breakout sessions (which will be replicated online) and more dynamic engagement.
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: A 60 minute, theatre-style workshop allows for the two components of our session to run most effectively. The first component will be a discussion among our speakers representing government, civil society and the private sector. Here, the speakers will highlight issues around DPI data governance that are most relevant to their sector. They will also bring up case studies which will feed into the second component. The second component will be an interactive discussion that will incorporate the large number of participants both in person and online. The audience will be able to respond to speakers’ input as well as highlight their own experiences. The size of the venue will also facilitate breakout sessions (which will be replicated online) and more dynamic engagement.
Policy Question(s)
How can national and international regulatory data governance frameworks be strengthened to address privacy, security, transparency, competitive markets and accountability in DPI-driven decision-making processes?
How can data governance be used to ensure equitable and sustainable data access within DPI, enabling open innovation and local innovation through open data, open standards and interoperability?
How can innovative models such as federated data platforms, data trusts, and decentralized edge solutions contribute to secure, interoperable, and innovation-driven DPI ecosystems?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants and attendees take away insights, diverse perspectives, understanding and practical guidance for effective data governance. This includes the need for adequate national and international data governance frameworks, decentralised data-sharing mechanisms, open standards, and regulatory safeguards for data protection and safeguarding and ensuring a competitive data ecosystem. Speakers will discuss innovation options such as data trusts that can provide a mechanism for secure data pooling, balancing public and private interests while maintaining compliance with data protection regulations. Case studies drawn from African countries, India, Canada and public private-sector-driven DPI models will be discussed. Participants and audience will have an opportunity to discuss policy and regulatory options including the need for data governance oversight, interoperability mandates, and equitable data-sharing mechanisms to protect digital rights, and foster open innovation.
SDGs
Description:
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is a key driver of national digital transformation, fostering inclusive innovation and sustainable development. However, achieving its full potential requires a governance framework that balances efficiency with equity, openness with security, and innovation with accountability. How data is governed is, furthermore, a key determinant of whether DPIs can deliver on their promise of fostering innovation, local public and private value creation, a digitally empowered citizenry, and sustainable development through digital transformation. Data governance frameworks should provide for essential digital and data rights and equitable and beneficial data access and protection for all. Ensuring transparency, accountability, responsible data use and redress for bias and violations of rights are essential. Prioritizing high-value datasets and strengthening data-sharing frameworks can significantly enhance the efficiency of digital services while protecting citizen rights. Stronger oversight, interoperability mandates, and equitable data-sharing mechanisms are needed to prevent monopolization while fostering open innovation. This session discusses existing data governance principles and frameworks including recommendations from the G20 and T20 processes, the African Union Commission Data Policy Framework, and UN Universal DPI safeguards. The session speaks to the best practices and innovative case studies operationalising DPI data governance. Concretely, the session will showcase approaches in the global north and global south, in a multistakeholder discussion, including public and private sector and national and regional experts, to bring diverse perspectives to balancing data safeguarding, data rights protection and equitable and beneficial data access for all. This session directly aligns with Theme 2: IGF's focus on sustainable and responsible innovation by addressing the crucial intersection of data governance, DPI, and development. It contributes to the broader discussion on ensuring that digital technologies are used to promote inclusive and equitable outcomes for all.
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is a key driver of national digital transformation, fostering inclusive innovation and sustainable development. However, achieving its full potential requires a governance framework that balances efficiency with equity, openness with security, and innovation with accountability. How data is governed is, furthermore, a key determinant of whether DPIs can deliver on their promise of fostering innovation, local public and private value creation, a digitally empowered citizenry, and sustainable development through digital transformation. Data governance frameworks should provide for essential digital and data rights and equitable and beneficial data access and protection for all. Ensuring transparency, accountability, responsible data use and redress for bias and violations of rights are essential. Prioritizing high-value datasets and strengthening data-sharing frameworks can significantly enhance the efficiency of digital services while protecting citizen rights. Stronger oversight, interoperability mandates, and equitable data-sharing mechanisms are needed to prevent monopolization while fostering open innovation. This session discusses existing data governance principles and frameworks including recommendations from the G20 and T20 processes, the African Union Commission Data Policy Framework, and UN Universal DPI safeguards. The session speaks to the best practices and innovative case studies operationalising DPI data governance. Concretely, the session will showcase approaches in the global north and global south, in a multistakeholder discussion, including public and private sector and national and regional experts, to bring diverse perspectives to balancing data safeguarding, data rights protection and equitable and beneficial data access for all. This session directly aligns with Theme 2: IGF's focus on sustainable and responsible innovation by addressing the crucial intersection of data governance, DPI, and development. It contributes to the broader discussion on ensuring that digital technologies are used to promote inclusive and equitable outcomes for all.
Expected Outcomes
- Increased awareness of the critical role of data governance in ensuring sustainable and responsible DPI.
- Enhanced understanding of existing data governance principles and frameworks.
- Identification of practical strategies and regulatory updates for operationalising these principles into national policies and regulations.
- Identification of innovative technology and governance options for secure, interoperable and innovation driven data governance for DPI implementation.
- Development of actionable recommendations to promote equitable and inclusive DPI data governance.
This session builds on data governance papers and recommendations by specific speakers in T20 and G20 processes, UN fora, AU fora and national policy processes in India and Africa. The outputs of this session will further the work of the speakers and participants of the session in such fora to input in practical terms on operationalising balanced data governance approaches in DPI implementation.
Hybrid Format: The proposed session format will create an environment for meaningful exchange through multiple, complementary elements. The session will feature a discussion with experts spanning government, civil society, academia, and industry who will share their diverse perspectives and insights. This discussion is then enhanced by an interactive segment that enables direct audience participation to address specific issues through live polls, breakout rooms (online and onsite) and whiteboard brainstorming. Almost half of the session will be for audience engagement. Use of this format will also incorporate relevant case studies relevant to the speakers that provide practical, real-world examples of both successful and challenging DPI data governance initiatives. Throughout the session, we will work towards developing actionable recommendations that participants can implement, ensuring that everyone leaves with concrete guidance they can apply in their respective contexts. This comprehensive, dynamic structure maximizes the available time.