Session
Organizer 1: Private Sector, African Group
Organizer 2: Private Sector, African Group
Organizer 3: Private Sector, African Group
Organizer 4: Private Sector, African Group
Organizer 5: Private Sector, African Group
Organizer 2: Private Sector, African Group
Organizer 3: Private Sector, African Group
Organizer 4: Private Sector, African Group
Organizer 5: Private Sector, African Group
Speaker 1: Melissa Sassi, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Funke Opeke, Private Sector, African Group
Speaker 3: Toshikazu Sakano, Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 4: Kossi AMESSINOU, Government, African Group
Speaker 5: Melissa Sassi, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 6: Sandra Makumbirofa, Private Sector, African Group
Speaker 2: Funke Opeke, Private Sector, African Group
Speaker 3: Toshikazu Sakano, Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 4: Kossi AMESSINOU, Government, African Group
Speaker 5: Melissa Sassi, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 6: Sandra Makumbirofa, Private Sector, African Group
Format
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: We believe the roundtable setting is ideal for our session as it will help us fulfil our objective of deep engagement since it is free from distractions and encourages individuals to intimately participate and contribute to the topic of discussion. The session duration on the other hand is deemed necessary to accommodate the perspective of all the speakers regarding the topic, policy questions and ultimately allow questions and interactions from the audience.
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: We believe the roundtable setting is ideal for our session as it will help us fulfil our objective of deep engagement since it is free from distractions and encourages individuals to intimately participate and contribute to the topic of discussion. The session duration on the other hand is deemed necessary to accommodate the perspective of all the speakers regarding the topic, policy questions and ultimately allow questions and interactions from the audience.
Policy Question(s)
1. Considering the importance of regional and international cooperation in advancing digital sovereignty, what policy frameworks and regulations can DLDCs establish to ensure that international tech companies operating within their borders adhere to local data protection and sovereignty laws?
2. How can DLDCs design and implement effective public-private partnerships (PPPs) to develop and maintain digital infrastructure, while ensuring that these partnerships do not compromise national digital sovereignty?
3. What regional and international cooperation mechanisms can DLDCs establish to harmonize cybersecurity laws, standards, and practices, and to jointly address cyber-threats that compromise digital sovereignty?
What will participants gain from attending this session? This workshop proposal is an opportunity for stakeholders including the participants to 1. Understand the power of collaboration in digital sovereignty with focus on how Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for digital infrastructure can accelerate digital independence through national digital infrastructure development, development of indigenous capacities, less reliance on foreign aid, infrastructure sharing models, and access to funding and investment opportunities. 2. Explore cross-border collaboration for policy and regulatory frameworks among countries in DLDCs towards harmonizing data protection/privacy, and cybersecurity laws and standards. 3. Identify the need for local innovation and open-source collaboration, which are key to encouraging the local tech ecosystem, thereby onboarding favorable supply chain mechanisms. 4. Examine the necessity for regional innovation hubs and incubators, which are expected to provide young innovators with the platform to rub minds, further explore, and solidify their ideas.
SDGs
Description:
The rapid growth of digital technologies has transformed the way nations interact, communicate, and conduct business. The increased reliance on digital technologies at the same time has raised critical concerns about digital sovereignty, particularly in Developing and Least Developed Countries (DLDCs). As we discussed during our last IGF session titled “Addressing the Challenges of Digital Sovereignty in DLDCs”, where the challenges were identified and solutions were proffered, digital sovereignty refers to a nation's ability to control its digital destiny, including data, infrastructure, and governance, through its laws and regulations and thus ensure security, safety, and privacy of its data subjects. Achieving digital sovereignty is essential for DLDCs to protect their national interests, build indigenous capacities, promote economic development, and improve the lives of their citizens. Challenges identified include limited digital infrastructure, foreign ‘aid’, lack of funding, lack of real indigenous content, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, low technical skills and weak policy enforcement. To overcome these challenges and fast-track the realization of this major milestone, collaboration among the DLDCs and other critical stakeholders is essential. The session would dive into various forms of collaborative opportunities that DLDCs can explore within its member nations and the developed countries, which could aid them in strengthening their digital sovereignty, promote digital innovation, and enhance their competitiveness significantly in the global digital economy. For instance, the African Union's "Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa" promotes collaborative efforts to equip Africans with digital skills, develop local digital industries, and improve digital infrastructure. Regional and international cooperation can also facilitate the development of common standards, guidelines, and best practices for digital sovereignty. This could ensure that DLDCs are better equipped to manage digital risks, protect national interests, and promote economic development. Furthermore, collaboration can facilitate the development of local digital industries and encourage digital innovation.
The rapid growth of digital technologies has transformed the way nations interact, communicate, and conduct business. The increased reliance on digital technologies at the same time has raised critical concerns about digital sovereignty, particularly in Developing and Least Developed Countries (DLDCs). As we discussed during our last IGF session titled “Addressing the Challenges of Digital Sovereignty in DLDCs”, where the challenges were identified and solutions were proffered, digital sovereignty refers to a nation's ability to control its digital destiny, including data, infrastructure, and governance, through its laws and regulations and thus ensure security, safety, and privacy of its data subjects. Achieving digital sovereignty is essential for DLDCs to protect their national interests, build indigenous capacities, promote economic development, and improve the lives of their citizens. Challenges identified include limited digital infrastructure, foreign ‘aid’, lack of funding, lack of real indigenous content, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, low technical skills and weak policy enforcement. To overcome these challenges and fast-track the realization of this major milestone, collaboration among the DLDCs and other critical stakeholders is essential. The session would dive into various forms of collaborative opportunities that DLDCs can explore within its member nations and the developed countries, which could aid them in strengthening their digital sovereignty, promote digital innovation, and enhance their competitiveness significantly in the global digital economy. For instance, the African Union's "Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa" promotes collaborative efforts to equip Africans with digital skills, develop local digital industries, and improve digital infrastructure. Regional and international cooperation can also facilitate the development of common standards, guidelines, and best practices for digital sovereignty. This could ensure that DLDCs are better equipped to manage digital risks, protect national interests, and promote economic development. Furthermore, collaboration can facilitate the development of local digital industries and encourage digital innovation.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of the session, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of collaborative digital sovereignty, including its meaning and significance for Developing and Least Developed Countries (DLDCs). They would appreciate the role of collaboration in driving digital sovereignty, and the risks associated with digital dependency. They will also acquire knowledge of best practices in public-private partnerships for digital infrastructure development, including successful regional initiatives, policy harmonization efforts, and infrastructure-sharing models. Additionally, participants will gain insights into open-source collaboration and leveraging local innovations across borders. Ultimately, they will take away practical policy recommendations for governments to enhance regulatory frameworks supporting digital sovereignty, including strategies for harmonizing data protection, cybersecurity, and digital trade policies across regions toward the realization of the WSIS Action Lines and Targets, the SDGs and the GDC objectives.
Hybrid Format: To ensure a dynamic and interactive hybrid experience:
The workshop will begin with an onsite moderator setting the stage and addressing each policy question to speakers, including those joining remotely. Each speaker will have three minutes to present their views on each of the three policy questions, followed by a 20-minute interactive discussion with participants. Audience engagement will be maximized, with remote participation actively encouraged through an online moderator who will ensure that contributions from remote speakers and participants are acknowledged. The speakers will represent diverse demographics and stakeholder groups. Additionally, AfICTA will promote the session via its newsletter and social