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IGF 2024 WS #204 Digital Pathways 2 Peace Innovations for Sustainable Dvpmnt

    Organizer 1: Wadzanai Ndlovu, Internet South Africa
    Organizer 2: Adebunmi Akinbo, 🔒DNS Africa Medi and Communications
    Organizer 3: James Olorundare, 🔒Internet Society Nigeria Chapter

    Speaker 1: Wadzanai Ndlovu, Civil Society, African Group
    Speaker 2: James Olorundare, Civil Society, African Group
    Speaker 3: Adebunmi Akinbo, Civil Society, African Group
    Speaker 4: AMANING FRANCIS ACQUAH, Intergovernmental Organization, African Group

    Moderator

    Wadzanai Ndlovu, Civil Society, African Group

    Online Moderator

    James Olorundare, Civil Society, African Group

    Rapporteur

    Esther Sandrine NGOM, Civil Society, African Group

    Format

    Roundtable
    Duration (minutes): 90
    Format description: The roundtable format and 90-minute duration are ideal for fostering interactive dialogue, collaboration, and in-depth exploration of complex topics. This setup promotes equal participation and engagement, enabling open discussions, diverse perspectives sharing, and meaningful exchanges. Participants can collaborate closely, identifying challenges, exploring solutions, and co-creating actionable strategies. With ample time, the session allows for comprehensive discussions, deep dives into case studies, and interactive activities. Flexibility enables accommodating various session formats and activities, from panel discussions to breakout sessions, tailored to participants' preferences. Additionally, the intimate setting encourages networking and relationship-building, facilitating connections and collaborations beyond the session. In sum, this format offers an optimal environment for engagement, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, perfectly suited for our focus on leveraging digital innovation for peace, development, and sustainability.

    Policy Question(s)

    1. How can digital platforms and real-time analytics foster partnerships between governments, civil society, and private sectors to prevent conflicts, enhance mediation, and promote peacebuilding while ensuring transparency?

    2. How might public-private partnerships utilise technologies like satellite internet to bridge the digital divide and empower marginalised communities with access to education and healthcare, fostering inclusive development?

    3. How can novel regulatory approaches enable responsible adoption of technologies like AI and blockchain, allowing stakeholders to create ethical frameworks that balance innovation with sustainability goals collaboratively?

    What will participants gain from attending this session? They will gain invaluable insights and practical tools for leveraging digital innovation to drive positive change in the realms of peace, development, and sustainability. By engaging in interactive discussions and learning from leading experts and practitioners, they will:

    Gain a deeper understanding of the transformative potential of digital technologies in addressing global challenges and advancing peace, development, and sustainability.
    Learn about innovative approaches and best practices for utilizing technology to prevent conflicts, promote social inclusion, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
    Acquire practical strategies and tools for overcoming ethical challenges and promoting responsible innovation in the digital space.
    Discover successful partnerships and concrete impacts of digital initiatives from around the world, inspiring them to replicate and scale up these efforts in their own contexts.
    Network with like-minded individuals committed to harnessing the power of technology for positive social impact, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange beyond the session.

    Description:

    Join us for an engaging session exploring the transformative potential of digital innovation in advancing peace, development, and sustainability. Our workshop will feature dynamic discussions and practical insights from experts and practitioners at the forefront of leveraging technology for societal good.

    Through a series of interactive panel discussions, case studies, and breakout sessions, participants will explore innovative approaches and best practices for harnessing digital solutions to address pressing global challenges. From utilizing data analytics for conflict resolution to promoting digital inclusion for marginalized communities, we will delve into the diverse ways in which technology can drive positive change.

    Key topics to be covered include:

    - Leveraging AI and data analytics for conflict prevention and resolution
    - Promoting digital inclusion and access for marginalized communities
    - Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through technology
    - Addressing ethical considerations and responsible innovation in the digital space
    - Showcasing successful partnerships and concrete impacts of digital initiatives

    Through collaborative dialogue and knowledge sharing, participants will gain actionable insights and strategies for driving meaningful impact in their own contexts. Together, we will chart a course towards a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future empowered by digital innovation.

    Expected Outcomes

    1. Enhanced Understanding: Participants will deepen their comprehension of digital innovation's potential to advance peace, development, and sustainability, alongside grasping challenges and opportunities for societies.

    2. Actionable Insights: Attendees will gain practical strategies and tools for leveraging digital solutions to tackle urgent global issues, empowering them to instigate positive change within their communities

    3. Collaborative Networks: The session will foster networking and collaboration among varied stakeholders, nurturing partnerships, and knowledge exchange to drive innovative approaches in digital peacebuilding, development, and sustainability.

    4. Policy Recommendations: The session will generate policy recommendations and best practices for policymakers and practitioners, informing the development of ethical frameworks, regulatory approaches, and international cooperation in the digital domain.

    5. Follow-up Actions: The session will catalyze initiatives such as research collaborations, capacity-building, and advocacy campaigns, aiming to advance digital innovation's role in promoting peace, development, and sustainability. It will include policy briefs and workshops, to sustain dialogue

    Hybrid Format: To facilitate interaction between onsite and online participants, we'll have a dedicated moderator onsite in Riyadh who will ensure equal participation. We'll use Zoom and other tools provided by the IGF Secretariat for seamless communication. Interactive Q&A sessions and breakout discussions will engage both audiences. We'll prioritize inclusivity by providing clear instructions, visually engaging materials, and technical support. Complementary online tools like Mentimeter for polling and Google Docs for collaborative note-taking will enhance participation.