Session
Subtheme
Organizer 1: Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 2: Civil Society, African Group
Organizer 3: Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 2: Civil Society, African Group
Organizer 3: Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 1: Chetty Pria, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 2: Astha Kapoor, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 3: Yunwei Aaryn, Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Astha Kapoor, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 3: Yunwei Aaryn, Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Format
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: A roundtable format works for this session as it fosters inclusive, participatory, and solution-oriented dialogue among diverse stakeholders. Given the focus on multistakeholderism and cross-platform knowledge exchange, a roundtable encourages equal engagement from civil society, government, private sector, and technical communities. The format minimizes hierarchy, allowing participants to exchange insights, share best practices, and collaboratively develop strategies to strengthen digital governance.
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: A roundtable format works for this session as it fosters inclusive, participatory, and solution-oriented dialogue among diverse stakeholders. Given the focus on multistakeholderism and cross-platform knowledge exchange, a roundtable encourages equal engagement from civil society, government, private sector, and technical communities. The format minimizes hierarchy, allowing participants to exchange insights, share best practices, and collaboratively develop strategies to strengthen digital governance.
Policy Question(s)
● How can international cooperation through the G7 and G20 strengthen digital access and infrastructure and expand digital opportunities to close the AI-related digital divide?
● What are examples of best practices of government collaboration with non-governmental stakeholders to develop digital governance frameworks that can ensure equitable access to and benefits of AI technologies among communities in the Global Majority?
● What safeguards are needed to prevent AI systems from reinforcing existing social and economic inequalities in the Global Majority?
● How can AI governance frameworks ensure meaningful consultation with indigenous and marginalized communities in AI system design and deployment?
What will participants gain from attending this session? The workshop aims to bridge siloed conversations on digital inclusion and AI within the G7 and G20 by bringing together civil society, government representatives, the private sector, and the technical communities, particularly Global Majority stakeholders, with an aim to build consensus around best practices.
SDGs
Description:
The workshop—jointly organized by Global Affairs Canada, Tech Global Institute and Research ICT Africa—will explore strategies to ensure inclusive AI development and deployment, addressing the digital divide and resource inequities that disproportionately affect communities in the Global Majority. With Canada leading the G7 and South Africa chairing the G20, the session will bring together governments and civil society from both countries to find common ground in advancing inclusive, rights-respecting governance for AI. Building on G7 and G20 priorities around digital inclusion and responsible AI, discussions will focus on improving infrastructure, expanding digital access and literacy, and ensuring AI systems respect human rights and cultural diversity. Participants will explore frameworks that promote equitable resource distribution and empower local communities, positioning AI as a tool for inclusion rather than exclusion. Through case studies and collaborative dialogue, the workshop will highlight pathways for aligning AI governance with principles of human rights, inclusion, transparency, and community agency, ensuring AI-driven benefits are shared equitably across the Global Majority.
The workshop—jointly organized by Global Affairs Canada, Tech Global Institute and Research ICT Africa—will explore strategies to ensure inclusive AI development and deployment, addressing the digital divide and resource inequities that disproportionately affect communities in the Global Majority. With Canada leading the G7 and South Africa chairing the G20, the session will bring together governments and civil society from both countries to find common ground in advancing inclusive, rights-respecting governance for AI. Building on G7 and G20 priorities around digital inclusion and responsible AI, discussions will focus on improving infrastructure, expanding digital access and literacy, and ensuring AI systems respect human rights and cultural diversity. Participants will explore frameworks that promote equitable resource distribution and empower local communities, positioning AI as a tool for inclusion rather than exclusion. Through case studies and collaborative dialogue, the workshop will highlight pathways for aligning AI governance with principles of human rights, inclusion, transparency, and community agency, ensuring AI-driven benefits are shared equitably across the Global Majority.
Expected Outcomes
● Best Practices Exchange for G7 and G20: Participants will develop recommendations to inform G7 and G20 priorities on inclusive AI governance, focusing on equitable access, accountability, and human rights.
● Increased Representation in Global AI Governance: Participants will identify strategies to increase the participation of Global Majority voices in G7 and G20 discussions on AI governance and digital inclusion.
● Strengthened Cross-Sector Collaboration: Participants will establish new partnerships and collaborative frameworks between civil society, government, and the private sector to promote inclusive AI governance that ensures equitable resource distribution and innovation in the Global Majority.
Hybrid Format: On-site support staff and online moderators will ensure smooth interaction between panelists attending in person and those participating virtually. Attendees, both in-person and online, will be able to ask questions through available platforms, with ample time allocated for audience engagement. Clear rules of engagement will be established for all attendees. This includes informing participants about different ways to interact with speakers and fellow attendees, both online and offline. Online participants will receive guidance on using the chat feature, staying muted/unmuted, and asking questions. All participants will be informed about whom to contact for technical or practical issues. Designated moderators will oversee both online and on-site interactions to ensure smooth facilitation. We will develop a clear agenda with compelling content while being mindful of meeting length. No complementary tools or platforms are currently planned, but this is subject to change based on participant feedback and logistical needs.