Addis Ababa, July 11, 2024 (ECA) –. The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) hosted a virtual Global Digital Compact session with Pan-African Youth Ambassadors for Internet Governance on July 11. The session centered around the GDC Rev2 and its alignment with the needs and priorities of the African continent from a youth perspective. The engagement explored how African youth can engage meaningfully in the process to ensure the successful implementation of the GDC in African contexts, translating its principles into tangible realities on the ground.
The workshop brought together youth internet governance ambassadors from various national internet governance forums (IGFs) working on data, ICT and digital skills advocacy. Youth representatives reflected on challenges and priorities related to digital governance and data management in Africa, highlighting critical gaps in enhancing connectivity, developing digital skills, political censorship, reducing compliance costs for early startups and inclusion in decision-making.
Key areas of discussion focused on the need for robust digital infrastructure to support connectivity and access. Participants emphasized the importance of developing a national digital skills strategy to ensure opportunities for learning beyond basic education. Additionally, there were growing concerns about political digital censorship of youth in many countries, and the need to explore policy frameworks within the IGF that specifically aim to include and empower African people with disabilities was highlighted.
Sorene Assefa, an expert in Digital Governance and Cybersecurity at the ECA presented an overview of the Global Digital Compact (GDC) consultative process. With a strong emphasis on meaningful youth engagement, Sorene outlined the GDC's origins within the framework of the Pact of the Future, slated for adoption at the Summit of the Future in September 2024. She also underscored the ECA's pivotal role in shaping Africa's stance and contributions to the GDC consultation milestones and previewed the upcoming roadmap for the GDC.
Noha Abdel Baky, facilitator at the Pan-African Youth Ambassadors for Internet Governance (PAYAIG) Arabic cohort raised concerns on the slow progress in closing the digital divides, the loss of skilled talent in Africa, and the need for meaningful youth participation and representation in the GDC process. she emphasized the importance of investing in data centers to protect data and support local entrepreneurs.
Saba Tiku Beyene from the Ethiopia Youth IGF Coordinator, Facilitators at PAYAIG English Cohort & UN Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) Member emphasized the need for cooperation to address development needs and the principles of the GDC that prioritize human rights, safety, and well-being.
Lily Edinam Botsyoe, Ghana Youth IGF Coordinator, emphasized the need to tailor digital strategies to local contexts and ensure access for all. She highlighted the importance of bridging the digital divide and investing in infrastructure development.
The session highlighted the critical role of youth in shaping digital policies and processes. Youth representatives reaffirmed their commitment to meaningful engagement in digital policy discussions at national and regional levels. They emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment for private sector investment, developing a targeted approach to capacity building, and reforming education to address local context and language issues. Additionally, participants called for the ensuring youth representation at the Global Digital Compact summit.
The discussions concluded with a call for financial resources to promote innovation for the implementation of the SDGs, underpinned by an inclusive and equitable digital environment in Africa.
ECA and PAYAIG's collaborative efforts represent a significant step towards voicing priorities of African youth within the GDC consultative processes. As regional inputs culminate towards the launch of the Global Digital Compact at the Summit of the Future in September 2024, youth engagement is expected to lay a strong foundation for ongoing dialogue and action.
About the Global Digital Compact (GDC)
Set to be established at the Summit of the Future in September 2024, the Global Digital Compact (GDC) is the UN Secretary General’s roadmap to realize "an open, free, secure, and human-centered digital future". The initiative aims to accelerate the achievement of the UN Vision 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and foster a new social and political framework beneficial to all and conducive to planetary sustainability.
Pan-African Youth Ambassadors for Internet Governance (PAYAIG)
The Pan-African Youth Ambassador for Internet Governance (PAYAIG), aims to empower 1000 African voices to shape the future of global internet governance and cultivate Africa’s internet governance ecosystem. This will ultimately contribute to fostering an open, inclusive, and secure internet for all across the continent, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063.
Watch session recaps
Watch the full recording of the most recent consultation sessions ▶ Available on ECA’s Digital Center of Excellence YouTube channel
- Global Digital Compact (GDC) | Africa Regional Open Consultation on Zero-Draft
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWVYziLmvQQ&t=2117s
- Global Digital Compact GDC Data Deep Dive | in collaboration with the United Nations University, Center for Policy Research (UNU-CPR) and UN-EGOV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8At5rBkwkA&t=3s
- Global Digital Compact Deep Dive: African Private Sector Stakeholders | in collaboration with the African ICT Alliance (AfICTA).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flWyGM8ezzI&t=1636s
Download the African Policy Declaration on the African contribution to the Global Digital Compact
Follow updates on ECA’s Digital Center Twitter X page: https://x.com/Dite4Africa
For more information, contact:
Sorene Assefa,
Cybersecurity and Digital Governance Expert, ECA
Email: sorene@un.org
or
Abiy Goshu
Projects Communication, ECA
Email: abiy.goshu@un.org
Media Inquiries:
ECA Media Relations
Contact: Sophia Denekew : denekews.uneca@un.org
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org