Internet governance

Submission to the IGF Community Public Consultation, January 2019.

During the 2018 IGF in Paris, the contribution of emerging technologies towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was highlighted. 

In the wake of another successful school, it is worth reflecting on AfriSIG’s development and direction – how has it evolved since its inception and how might it continue to grow, in terms of diversity and representation, curriculum development and movement building? 

The High-level Panel was established by the UN Secretary-General to advance proposals to strengthen cooperation in the digital realm, and contribute to the the broader global dialogue on how interdisciplinary and cooperative approaches can help ensure a safe and inclusive digital future.

Work on the project to define Internet Universality Indicators was led for UNESCO by the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) on behalf of the Internet Indicators Consortium, which included, apart from APC, ict Development Associates, Research ICT Africa and LIRNEasia.

As more Schools on Internet Governance pop up around the globe, it has become clear that there’s an appetite for greater collaboration, collective curriculum development and networking between organisers as well as a clearer picture of who is working on internet governance education and where. 

The 43 country reports and eight thematic reports in this year's GISWatch focus on community networks, defined as “communication networks built, owned, operated, and used by citizens in a participatory and open manner.”

In this session, participants analysed the evolution of the Connecting and Enabling the Next Billion(s) process and showcased successful initiatives, as well as barriers and challenges to the half of the world that is still offline.