Africa Internet Governance Forum 2023: Africa`s Contribution towards the Global... (sched.com)

Recognizing the transformative potential of digital technologies and the need for global collaboration to leverage their benefits while mitigating risks, the United Nations acknowledges the importance of digital cooperation. In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, a Declaration was adopted to underscore the significance of shaping a collective vision for a secure and advantageous digital future. With this objective in mind, the Secretary-General's report recommends the establishment of a Global Digital Compact that outlines principles for an open, accessible, and secure digital landscape.

The primary goal of the Global Digital Compact is to establish shared principles and regulations that facilitate digital progress, foster trust, inclusivity, and sustainability. By actively participating in the consultative process and providing valuable input, stakeholders have the opportunity to shape the Compact and influence the actions of the international community in addressing digital challenges and seizing opportunities.

To this end, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa's (UNECA) Digital Centre of Excellence organised a Regional Review Meeting on Africa's Contribution to the Global Digital Compact. The meeting took place in Cape Town, South Africa, from July 4th to 5th, 2023. Attended by representatives from 32 Member States, the workshop brought together various stakeholders, including government institutions, policymakers, academics, the private sector, and civil society organisations. The workshop aimed to propose and evaluate Africa's input to the Global Digital Compact. Participants had an opportunity to contribute to the eight thematic priorities of the Global Digital Compact, which include:

1. Infrastructure Development and Access
2. Digital Public Infrastructure
3. Emerging Technologies (AI, IoT, DLT, Quantum, blockchain technology, etc.): Risks and opportunities for Africa
4. Regulation of emerging technologies such as AI
5. Digital Trust, Data Protection, and Human Rights
6. Avoiding the risk of Internet fragmentation
7. Digital Capacity Building
8. Public Goods and Digital Commons.

OBJECTIVES:

1. To share the results and findings of the regional workshop on the consultative processes of the Global Digital Compact (GDC).
2. To use the AfIGF platform for stakeholders to express their perspectives, insights, and recommendations, ensuring that their voices are effectively represented in the GDC
3. To advocate for greater African representation and participation in shaping the future of the global digital landscape.

RELEVANCE TO THE THEME:

The session holds significance in the context of governance and trust. The United Nations places great emphasis on the importance of an open, free, and secure digital future that is accessible to all individuals. The primary goal of the Global Digital Compact is to establish shared principles and regulations that provide guidance for digital development, while simultaneously promoting trust, inclusivity, and sustainability. Through active engagement in the consultative process and offering their insights, stakeholders have the opportunity to shape the Compact and influence the actions of the international community in addressing both challenges and opportunities in the digital realm.

Overall, the Global Digital Compact seeks to ensure that digital technologies are effectively harnessed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, while also addressing and mitigating any potential negative impacts. It recognizes the pivotal role of international cooperation in shaping a digital future that benefits everyone, encourages innovation, protects human rights, and upholds global values.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES:

The objective of the Africa’s Global Digital Compact Consultation Process is to facilitate constructive discussions and collaboration among stakeholders to address internet governance challenges and opportunities in Africa. Key elements of these outcomes include:

1. Identifying Challenges and Opportunities: Participants will engage in dialogues and exchanges to identify the primary challenges and opportunities related to digital governance in Africa. This understanding will be utilized to inform the development of future policies, actions, and initiatives in the region.
2. Formulating Actionable Recommendations: The main outcome of the consultation will be the generation of concrete recommendations to address eight thematic priorities of the Global Digital Compact, and ensure a safe, open, and inclusive digitalecosystem in Africa.
3. Encouraging Commitments and Pledges: During the consultation process, diverse representatives from multistakeholder backgrounds will have the opportunity to make commitments and pledges in support of the objectives of the Global Digital Compact for Africa.
4. Finalizing the Africa Region Submission: The consultation process will culminate in the preparation of the Africa Region Submission on the Global Digital Compact document, building upon the outcomes of the UNECA regional review held in Cape Town, South Africa, from July 4th to 5th, 2023.

This submission will be a culmination of the collective efforts and input from all participants, playing a significant role in shaping the broader Global Digital Compact framework. Overall, the Regional Global Digital Compact Consultation Process aims to promote cooperation and foster actionable strategies to advance internet governance in Africa, thereby fostering greater digital inclusion, economic growth, and societal development in the region.

Agenda/ Session format.

The session will take an Interactive panel discussion to facilitate open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and consensus-building among participants, with a specific focus on addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by Africa.

SPEAKERS (IN-PERSON & Virtual):

PRESENTER

• Dobrina Stoyanova Poirier ( Virtual)

PANALIST

1. Prof Alison Gillwald
2. Anriette Esterhuysen
3. Hon. Leon Juste Ibombo
4. Kamugisha Kazaura
5. Representative of the UN Office of the Secretary General's envoy on Technology (Virtual)

MODERATOR (IN-PERSON):

• Dr. Mactar Seck

RAPPORTEUR:

• Sorene Assefa
• Hilda Mwakatumbula

FORMAT:

Plenary Session / Open Dialogue

DURATION:

60 mins

Documents

• Policy Declaration-African contribution to the GDC (2023)