Session
Speaker 1: Agustina Brizio, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 2: Nicolas Petrungaro, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 3: Carlos Rey-Moreno, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 2: Nicolas Petrungaro, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 3: Carlos Rey-Moreno, Civil Society, African Group
Moderator
Agustina Brizio, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Online Moderator
Agustina Brizio, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Rapporteur
Agustina Brizio, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Format
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 30
Format description: The roundtable format is best suited for this session as it fosters collective discussion, active participation, and knowledge co-creation rather than a traditional panel or lecture-style presentation. Given the nature of community networks—built on collaboration and grassroots engagement—the session will mirror this approach by encouraging dialogue between community network operators, policymakers, researchers, and civil society representatives. This format will allow participants to exchange experiences, share diverse perspectives, and collaboratively explore solutions to challenges related to sustainability, governance, and policy support for community-led connectivity initiatives. By prioritizing interaction over presentations, the session will create a space where different stakeholders can learn from one another, challenge assumptions, and identify actionable next steps for strengthening community-driven digital inclusion efforts.
Duration (minutes): 30
Format description: The roundtable format is best suited for this session as it fosters collective discussion, active participation, and knowledge co-creation rather than a traditional panel or lecture-style presentation. Given the nature of community networks—built on collaboration and grassroots engagement—the session will mirror this approach by encouraging dialogue between community network operators, policymakers, researchers, and civil society representatives. This format will allow participants to exchange experiences, share diverse perspectives, and collaboratively explore solutions to challenges related to sustainability, governance, and policy support for community-led connectivity initiatives. By prioritizing interaction over presentations, the session will create a space where different stakeholders can learn from one another, challenge assumptions, and identify actionable next steps for strengthening community-driven digital inclusion efforts.
Policy Question(s)
How can policy frameworks and funding mechanisms better support the sustainability and scalability of community networks as drivers of digital inclusion and economic empowerment?
What role do community networks play in strengthening digital rights, including data sovereignty, privacy, and community governance over connectivity infrastructure?
How can community-led connectivity initiatives influence broader economic and development policies to ensure more inclusive digital economies in underserved regions?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants will explore the transformative role of community networks beyond Internet access, hearing first-hand accounts from operators, activists, and entrepreneurs who have leveraged them for economic opportunities, digital inclusion, and resilience.
Personal stories will illustrate how community-led connectivity fosters digital skills, enables new business models, and empowers local initiatives. For instance, a manager from Soldati Conectada will share how connectivity supports youth education and digital entrepreneurship, while a rural Latin American network will highlight its impact on small-scale producers.
Attendees will also engage with experts and policymakers on sustaining and scaling these networks through funding models, policy frameworks, and technological innovations. By the session’s end, they will gain actionable insights, policy recommendations, and a deeper appreciation for community-led digital initiatives in fostering inclusion and rights-based connectivity.
SDGs
Description:
Community networks have emerged as powerful tools for bridging connectivity gaps in underserved areas. However, their impact extends beyond Internet access, influencing local economies, fostering digital participation, and strengthening community-led governance models. This session, organized by Asuntos del Sur in collaboration with Soldati Conectada, will explore how community-driven connectivity initiatives can act as enablers for economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. Through a multi-stakeholder dialogue, we will examine case studies from Latin America and other regions where community networks have facilitated new economic opportunities, from digital services and e-commerce to local innovation ecosystems. Additionally, the session will highlight the role of these networks in strengthening digital rights by promoting community ownership, data sovereignty, and inclusive governance models. By bringing together grassroots activists, policymakers, and technology experts, this workshop will foster discussions on how community networks can be further supported through policy frameworks, funding mechanisms, and capacity-building initiatives to ensure their sustainability and scalability.
Community networks have emerged as powerful tools for bridging connectivity gaps in underserved areas. However, their impact extends beyond Internet access, influencing local economies, fostering digital participation, and strengthening community-led governance models. This session, organized by Asuntos del Sur in collaboration with Soldati Conectada, will explore how community-driven connectivity initiatives can act as enablers for economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. Through a multi-stakeholder dialogue, we will examine case studies from Latin America and other regions where community networks have facilitated new economic opportunities, from digital services and e-commerce to local innovation ecosystems. Additionally, the session will highlight the role of these networks in strengthening digital rights by promoting community ownership, data sovereignty, and inclusive governance models. By bringing together grassroots activists, policymakers, and technology experts, this workshop will foster discussions on how community networks can be further supported through policy frameworks, funding mechanisms, and capacity-building initiatives to ensure their sustainability and scalability.
Expected Outcomes
Policy Recommendations – The session will generate concrete policy insights on how to support and scale community networks as drivers of digital inclusion, economic empowerment, and digital rights. These recommendations will be shared with policymakers, civil society organizations, and funding institutions.
Community-Led Best Practices Guide – Based on the discussion and shared experiences, we will compile a document highlighting best practices from community network operators, including governance models, sustainability strategies, and their broader socio-economic impact.
Strengthened Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration – The session will foster new connections between grassroots initiatives, policymakers, and funders, encouraging follow-up collaborations, advocacy efforts, and potential funding opportunities to support community networks.
Continued Engagement & Follow-Up Events – We aim to use this session as a stepping stone for future discussions, webinars, or workshops that further explore digital rights, community connectivity, and economic inclusion, potentially leading to a regional or global working group on the topic.
Hybrid Format: To ensure an inclusive hybrid experience, we will have a dedicated online moderator to integrate remote participants into the discussion, ensuring balanced engagement. Interactive tools like Mentimeter or Slido will facilitate live polling and Q&A, while a shared Padlet or Google Doc will allow all attendees to co-create key takeaways. Online and onsite participants will engage equally through structured dialogue, with opportunities for direct contributions via video and chat. If feasible, breakout groups (both virtual and in-person) will enhance collaboration, ensuring a truly participatory session.