IGF 2024 WS #51 Internet & SDG’s: Aligning the IGF & ITU’s Innovation Agenda

    Organizer 1: Umut Pajaro Velasquez, Youth Coalition of Internet Governance
    Organizer 2: Turra Daniele, Internet Society
    Organizer 3: Denise Leal, YCIG, Youth LACIGF, UnB
    Organizer 4: Yee Man Ko , DotAsia
    Organizer 5: Matilda Mashauri, University of Dar es salaam

    Speaker 1: Umut Pajaro Velasquez, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
    Speaker 2: Yee Man Ko , Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
    Speaker 3: Denise Leal, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)

    Moderator

    Matilda Mashauri, Government, African Group

    Online Moderator

    Turra Daniele, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

    Rapporteur

    Umut Pajaro Velasquez, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)

    Format

    Roundtable
    Duration (minutes): 60
    Format description: Participants will discuss in a round-table format in this session we will be focusing on identifying innovative ways o find pathways between the ITU's innovation agenda and the IGF. The 60-minute round-table session will feature structured discussions led by a moderator and expert speakers; opening remarks will set objectives, followed by speaker introductions and insights. The moderator will facilitate dynamic discussions, encouraging participant engagement. A Q&A segment will allow onsite and online attendees to interact directly with speakers, deepening exploration of key themes. The session will conclude with closing remarks summarizing key takeaways and outlining next steps for collaboration. This format will empower young and teen leaders on the themes, ensuring focused dialogues, promoting collaboration and action beyond the session.

    Policy Question(s)

    1. How can effective multistakeholder governance models be designed to ensure that internet-enabled innovation aligns with SDG principles, promotes inclusivity, and mitigates potential risks or unintended consequences? 2. What policies and investment strategies are essential to address the digital skills gap and build the necessary human capacity to create, deploy, and manage internet technologies for sustainable development at scale? 3. How can policies address challenges of data ownership, accessibility, and responsible data use while ensuring the development of resilient, affordable, and inclusive digital infrastructure that expands access to internet technologies in underserved communities?

    What will participants gain from attending this session? The workshop offers actionable insights into internet technologies, SDG targets, digital cooperation, and digital innovation best practices for sustainability. It fosters strategic networking, enabling partnership building and exploring synergies for greater impact. Participants have a direct voice in shaping policy discussions on governance frameworks, ethical considerations, and recommendations for responsible and inclusive digital innovation for sustainable development. The workshop aims to discuss about the creation of a roadmap with prioritized actions, cross-sectoral initiatives, and resource mobilization strategies, empowering participants to contribute tangibly to SDG advancement through technology.

    Description:

    This workshop aims to facilitate a strategic dialogue among key stakeholders to assess and optimize the alignment of internet-based technologies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the ITU's Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development initiative. The primary objective of this workshop is to create a collaborative environment that fosters meaningful discussions among key stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. It aims to bring together government representatives, industry leaders, civil society organizations, and academia to assess the alignment between internet-based technologies and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the ITU's Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development initiative, and other Multistakeholder processes and how the IGF can contribute to it. The focus will be on specific targets directly related to peace, social and economic development, and environmental sustainability. Participants will engage in thought-provoking discussions and explore innovative solutions to address challenges and harness opportunities at the intersection of technology and sustainable development.

    Expected Outcomes

    Discuss and highlight the need for a shared understanding of the relationship between internet technologies and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across stakeholders. Also calls for evidence-based analysis of successful models, challenges, and best practices in digital innovation for sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of developing a collaborative roadmap, highlighting priority actions, coordinated initiatives, and opportunities for resource mobilization to advance SDG targets through digital technologies. Finally, it is expected policy recommendations with actionable steps for governments and regulatory bodies to foster responsible and inclusive digital innovation.

    Hybrid Format: The session intends to organize a panel where participants and speakers can engage in discussions centered around a specific topic. During the session, participants can ask questions, propose interventions, and take part in the Q&A segment. The moderator will facilitate the discussion by guiding the speakers' responses and managing the floor. The agenda includes an introduction and background, policy issues discussion, open floor for participant comments, and a conclusion with key takeaways. Moderators will ensure that questions and comments are addressed effectively and that communication flows smoothly.