Session
Theater
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: The selected room layout and duration should support a session that: (i) Will include multiple speakers presenting real-case scenarios of blockchain assessments, as well as security aspects of the technology, discussing lessons learned and best practices; (ii) Is intended to attract a diverse audience from all stakeholder groups; and (iii) Provide adequate opportunities for interaction and Q&A.
The session will be structured as follows:
Part 1 - Lessons learned from real-case maturity assessments of blockchain solutions supporting: - Digital Health; and Digital Identity.
Policy Question: How can the IGF and its stakeholders support the development and deployment of blockchain-based digital health and digital identity solutions in adherence with the principles of inclusivity, privacy, security, and human rights protection?
Part 2 - Assurance and security risks of blockchain solutions: - Quantum Impact: Rethinking Blockchain Security in the New Computational Era.
Policy Question: The IGF's "Internet We Want" vision calls for protecting user privacy and data security, as well as promoting the ethical and responsible use of emerging technologies like AI and blockchain. How can this vision be implemented through a multi-stakeholder approach that would help addressing the quantum security risks to blockchain?
Part 3 - Artificial Intelligence and Blockchains - The critical challenges presented by the rise in AI adoption and how the latest blockchain research efforts address them.
Policy Question: The IGF has identified "Emerging Technologies and Innovation Issues: Distributed ledger-blockchain, Quantum computing, Smart cities" as a key focus area, indicating the relevance of addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by these technologies. How can the IGF and its stakeholders develop policy frameworks and guidelines that leverage the synergies between AI and blockchain technologies to mitigate the risks and maximize the benefits of AI adoption, in alignment with the principles of the "Internet We Want"?
Part 4 – Integrating blockchain and other emerging technologies for global wellness (Healthcare without borders): A transformative healthcare initiative designed to reshape global health outcomes aims at creating a connected, predictive, and equitable healthcare infrastructure that integrates cutting-edge technologies—including blockchain, AI, and advanced diagnostic tool, with a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.
Policy Question: How can policymakers ensure that the integration of blockchain and AI in global healthcare initiatives promotes equitable access, protects patient privacy, and maintains ethical standards while fostering innovation and improving health outcomes across borders?
1) How will you facilitate interaction between onsite and online speakers and attendees?
In addition to the on-site and on-line moderators, the session will be supported by 3 onsite, and 3 online, representatives of DC-BAS, for monitoring and noting questions, giving the floor to attendees, ensuring adequate follow-up and assistance.
2) How will you design the session to ensure the best possible experience for online and onsite participants?
The session will be conducted in accordance with a predefined structured agenda, articulated in 4 parts, which it will be publicized ahead of the event. DC-BAS will also: - Designate a dedicated person to manage the hybrid aspects of the session, ensuring that online participants are fully integrated and not marginalized - Have dedicated remote technical experts to support online participants and troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the session - Conduct a practice run beforehand to identify and resolve any technical challenges - Share background information about the speakers and their presentations - Encourage onsite participants to make eye contact with online participants and create opportunities for them to contribute
3) Please note any complementary online tools/platforms you plan to use to increase participation and interaction during the session. DC-BAS will, to the extent possible, incorporate interactive elements, such as live Q&A, polls, and audience reactions, to engage both online and onsite participants.
- Adel ELMessiry, American University in Cairo, Egypt, Academia, AFRICA
- Alejandro Mandujano, Government Blockchain Association (GBA), Mexico, Civil Society (NGO), GRULAC
- Ann Ingraham, Government Blockchain Association, Jamaica, Civil Society - GRULAC
- Armand Gaetan Ngueti, Communauté urbaine de Douala, Littoral, Cameroon, Private Sector, AFRICA
- Dino Cataldo DellAccio, United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF), New York, USA, IGO, GLOBAL
- Gerard Dache, Government Blockchain Association (GBA), Virginia, USA, Civil Society, WEOG
- May Siksik, CEO Innovation Canada, Civil Society, WEOG
- Sary Qasim, Government Blockchain Association (GBA), MENA - Manama, Capital Governorate - Bahrain - Private Sector - ASIA PACIFIC Co-Leaders of the IGF-DC-BAS
- Adel Elmessiry, Professor, American University in Cairo, Egypt, Academia, (In-person, Male, Confirmed)
- Heather Leigh Flannery, CEO, AI MINDSystems Foundation; Chair, Healthcare & Life Sciences Working Group, Government Blockchain Association; Applied Futurist and Impact Innovator in Web3, Decentralized AI, PETs and PPPs - Private Sector - United States - WEOG (Online, Female, Confirmed)
- Malak Trabelsi Loeb, Founder & Chief Executive Officer Trabelsi Loeb Legal Consultants FZE, Private Sector - United Arab Emirates - ASIA PACIFIC (In-person, Female, Confirmed)
- May Siksik, CEO, Innovation Canada, Canada, (In-person, Female, Confirmed)
- Priya Guliani, Priya Guliani, CEO - EarthID | 2X Innovate Finance Fintech Powerlist | Director EMEA - Private Sector - India - ASIA PACIFIC (In-person, Female, Confirmed)
Sary Qasim, iBLOCKCHAIN CSO | GBA MENA Region Lead | "Blockchain Macroeconomics Theory" Author Manama, Capital Governorate, Bahrain (Confirmed)
Ann Ingraham, Government Blockchain Association, Jamaica, Civil Society - GRULAC (Confirmed)
Dino Cataldo DellAccio, United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF), New York, USA, IGO, GLOBAL
1. No Poverty
3. Good Health and Well-Being
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
12. Responsible Production and Consumption
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
17. Partnerships for the Goals
Targets: 1. The demonstration of the benefits provided by the assessment of blockchain solutions supporting digital identity supports the SDGs associated with: - Reliable and portable digital identities that can help people prove their identity across borders and access essential services such as health care, education and banking (SDG 1, 3, 10). - Empowered and dignified individuals who can control their own data and identity, and participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives (SDG 5, 10, 16). - Efficient and transparent proof-of-life processes that can reduce fraud, corruption and administrative costs, and ensure timely delivery of pensions and benefits to eligible recipients (SDG 1, 16). 2. The demonstration of the benefits provided by the assessment of blockchain-based digital health solutions supports the SDGs associated with: - Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all (SDG 3, 4, 10). 3. The presentation of how quantum-resistant blockchain solutions can enhance digital contribution to development and sustainability, protect human rights through secure and private online communications, and promote inclusive participation in the emerging quantum technology landscape, supports the SDGs associated with: - Facilitate sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries through enhanced financial, technological and technical support to African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States (SDG 9) - Promote the development, transfer, dissemination and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries on favorable terms, including on concessional and preferential terms, as mutually agreed (SDG 17) 4. The presentation on AI and Blockchain will present the key findings emerged from the researches listed below and demonstrate support for the achievement SDG 4 (Quality Education); SDG (Decent Work and Economic Growth); and SDG 9 (Innovation): "Leveraging the Artificial Intelligence Value Protocol (AIVP) for educational enhancement", A. ElMessiry, M. ElMessiry, D. Spiceland" (Will be published in June 2024), https://iated.org/concrete3/accepted_list.php?search_num=&search_title=… "Securing Data With Blockchain and AI" https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8733072 "Fusing Blockchain and AI With Metaverse: A Survey" https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/9815155 "Blockchain for Securing AI Applications and Open Innovations" https://www.mdpi.com/2199-8531/7/3/189 "AI-enhanced blockchain technology: A review of advancements and opportunities" https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1084804524000353 "Unethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Education" https://library.iated.org/view/ELMESSIRY2023UNE
Report
The 2024 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) featured a session titled "Blockchain Assurance for the Internet We Want and Can Trust," organized by the Dynamic Coalition on Blockchain Assurance and Security (DC-BAS).
This 60-minute session aimed to explore the intersection of blockchain technology with digital governance, focusing on real-world applications, security challenges, and policy implications.
Session Structure
The session was divided into four main parts:
1. Blockchain Maturity Assessments
- Focus on digital health and digital identity solutions
- Policy discussion on inclusive and secure blockchain deployment
2. Blockchain Security Risks
- Emphasis on quantum computing impact
- Policy considerations for addressing quantum security risks
3. AI and Blockchain Integration
- Examination of challenges posed by AI adoption
- Discussion on leveraging blockchain to address AI-related risks
4. Global Wellness Initiative
- Presentation of a healthcare project integrating blockchain, AI, and diagnostics
- Emphasis on inclusivity and sustainability in global health
Key Policy Questions
The session addressed several policy questions aligned with the IGF's vision:
1. How can stakeholders support blockchain-based solutions for digital health and identity while adhering to principles of inclusivity, privacy, and human rights?
2. What multi-stakeholder approaches can address quantum security risks to blockchain systems?
3. How can policy frameworks be developed to maximize benefits and mitigate risks of AI-blockchain synergies?
Participant Engagement
To ensure effective interaction between onsite and online attendees, the organizers implemented several strategies:
- Designated moderators for both onsite and online participants
- Ensured a support team to monitor questions and manage audience engagement
- Socialized details about the event with online publication of the agenda
- Practiced runs to identify and resolve technical issues
- Included interactive elements such as live Q&A and monitoring of audience reactions
Diverse Representation
The session featured speakers from various sectors and regions:
- Academia: American University in Cairo, Egypt
- Private Sector: AI MINDSystems Foundation, Trabelsi Loeb Legal Consultants, EarthID Ltd.
- Civil Society: Government Blockchain Association (GBA) representatives from multiple countries; Innovation Canada
- Intergovernmental Organizations: United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund
Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The session's content aligned with several SDGs, including:
- No Poverty (SDG 1)
- Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3)
- Quality Education (SDG 4)
- Gender Equality (SDG 5)
- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
- Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)
- Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)
- Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)
Conclusions
This IGF 2024 session on blockchain assurance demonstrated a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by blockchain technology in the context of internet governance. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and focusing on practical applications and policy implications, the session contributed to the ongoing dialogue on shaping a trustworthy and inclusive internet ecosystem.