Session
Organizer 1: João Rocha Gomes, DC-DDHT / Ada Health / University of Porto
Organizer 2: Amali De Silva-Mitchell, 🔒UN IGF DC DDHT
Organizer 3: Yao Amevi A. SOSSOU, DC DDHT | Youth IGF Bénin | ISOC BENIN
Organizer 4: Henrietta Ampofo, Internet Society
Organizer 5: J Amado Espinosa L, Medisist
Speaker 1: João Rocha Gomes, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Amali De Silva-Mitchell, Private Sector, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Jörn Erbguth, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 4: Yao Amevi A. SOSSOU, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 5: Henrietta Ampofo, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 6: Frédéric Cohen, Intergovernmental Organization, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 7: J Amado Espinosa L, Private Sector, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 8: Houda CHIHI, Government, African Group
Speaker 9: Herman Ramos, Technical Community, African Group
Speaker 10: June Parris, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 11: Rodrigo Silva, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 75
Format description: This workshop format aligns with IGF’s objective of fostering open, multi-stakeholder discussions on internet governance. The roundtable layout ensures that diverse perspectives—including those from policymakers, private sector leaders, civil society, and researchers—can be exchanged interactively. The session will facilitate structured discussions on governance frameworks, interoperability, and the role of digital health technologies in environmental resilience. The 75-minute duration allows for deep engagement, ensuring meaningful dialogue while maximizing audience participation.
A. How has the internet enabled innovations in real-time monitoring of air and water quality, and what impact has this had on health outcomes? B. How can internet-enabled technologies be made more accessible in low-income and vulnerable regions to address environmental health risks related to water and air quality? C. What role do data governance and cybersecurity frameworks play in ensuring the responsible sharing of environmental health data across borders, particularly regarding air and water quality? D. How can international collaboration, facilitated by the internet, enhance the global response to air pollution, water contamination, and related health crises?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants will gain insights into cutting-edge digital health solutions for environmental sustainability and climate resilience. They will explore global case studies on AI-powered pollution tracking, IoT-enabled disease surveillance, and policy frameworks supporting ethical data sharing. The discussion will provide practical strategies for fostering cross-sector collaboration and implementing scalable internet-driven health solutions, particularly in vulnerable regions.
Description:
As environmental challenges like air pollution, water contamination, and climate-induced health risks intensify globally, the need for innovative and scalable solutions in public health has never been more urgent. Digital health technologies, supported by robust internet infrastructure, play a crucial role in enabling real-time environmental monitoring, predictive analytics, and global collaboration. From AI-powered pollution tracking to sensor-based disease prediction models, internet-enabled innovations have the potential to drive sustainable and responsible health solutions that protect vulnerable populations. This session will explore the intersection of digital health, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience. Experts will discuss how global connectivity and data-driven technologies can help monitor air and water quality, mitigate environmental health risks, and ensure equitable access to healthcare in climate-affected regions. The conversation will also focus on governance frameworks for data sharing, interoperability, cybersecurity, and ethical considerations in scaling these solutions worldwide.
Amado Espinosa: Veteran in Medical Informatics. Founder of Medisist and key figure in digital health reform in Latin America. Former IGF MAG member and IGFSA EC member.
Amali De Silva-Mitchell: Professional accountant and economist with a background in technology. She is coordinator IGF DC DDHT and has 15 years of experience in the Natural Resources sector with rural development. Specialist in ecosystems based management.
Alessandro Berionni: Medical doctor and Chair, Young Working Group, World Federation of Public Health Associations.
Frédéric Cohen: Data-driven governance advocate with experience at UNDESA, IGF, and WSIS. Background in robotics, cybergovernance, and SDG implementation.
Henrietta Ampofo: Medical doctor with strong environmental health advocacy. Former co-focal point to UNEP's Children and Youth Major Group. Holds multiple tech certifications including AI and cybersecurity.
Herman Ramos: Applied physicist and renewable energy expert. Active youth leader and global conference speaker, with experience across data science, education, and internet governance. Former AFRINIC, CPRsouth, and African Change Makers fellow.
Houda Chihi: Senior researcher in wireless and green communication at Sup’COM Tunisia. PhD in telecommunications. Member of ISOC Tunisia.
João Rocha Gomes: Medical doctor and Medical Product Lead at Ada Health. PhD candidate in Health Data Science at the University of Porto, with a background in health economics. Focused on AI for global healthcare access.
Jörn Erbguth: Consultant in blockchain and data protection, with dual law and computer science background. Lecturer at University of Geneva and Geneva School of Diplomacy. Specialist in blockchain governance.
June Parris: Retired specialist nurse in primary care mental health. Former MAG member at the UN and CIVICUS. Active in ISOC and civil society health initiatives in Barbados.
Rodrigo Silva: Health scientist and medical technologist. Specialist in AI and VR for training in digital health. LGBTQ+ representative in tech policy spaces.
Yao Amevi A. Sossou: Internet governance advocate and youth mobilizer from Benin. Passionate about citizen-led policy, eHealth, and digital rights. Member of WeTheInternet coalition.
- Highlight the critical role of the internet in enabling real-time monitoring and management of air and water quality, and its impact on public health. - Showcase cutting-edge, internet-enabled innovations, including AI-powered air quality monitors, IoT-based water contamination tracking, and cloud-based health analytics. - Explore barriers to scaling digital health solutions, particularly the digital divide and disparities in global internet access. - Provide policy recommendations to enhance data governance, interoperability, and cybersecurity in digital health applications. - Foster cross-sector collaborations between governments, tech innovators, researchers, and civil society to scale climate-resilient health solutions.
Hybrid Format: The workshop will integrate a hybrid engagement strategy by using live polling, interactive Q&A, and real-time audience participation tools. The online moderator will actively engage virtual attendees, ensuring their contributions are incorporated into the discussion. Additionally, panelists will address online and onsite questions equally, fostering a cohesive exchange of perspectives. The session will leverage IGF’s technical tools alongside supplementary platforms like Slido and Zoom chat to enhance accessibility. The workshop structure includes concise speaker presentations followed by interactive discussions, allowing both in-person and virtual attendees to contribute meaningfully.