IGF 2025 WS #41 Unifying Digital Efforts: Strengthening Multistakeholder Par

    Organizer 1: Intergovernmental Organization, African Group
    Organizer 2: Intergovernmental Organization, African Group
    Organizer 3: Intergovernmental Organization, African Group
    Organizer 4: Technical Community, African Group
    Organizer 5: Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization
    Organizer 6: Technical Community, African Group
    Organizer 7: Technical Community, African Group
    Speaker 1: Ganjo Nelson Fernando, Intergovernmental Organization, African Group
    Speaker 2: CARINE ISHIMWE, Intergovernmental Organization, African Group
    Speaker 3: GIHIMBARE Armel King, Technical Community, African Group
    Format
    Roundtable
    Duration (minutes): 60
    Format description: the Roundtable format with a 60-minute duration is best suited for our session because it fosters dynamic, inclusive dialogue among diverse stakeholders. This format encourages equal participation, which is essential for discussing multistakeholder partnerships and youth engagement in digital cooperation. The room layout will facilitate open interaction, allowing for a free flow of ideas, collaboration, and problem-solving.
    Policy Question(s)
    1. How can multistakeholder partnerships enhance digital cooperation to bridge connectivity gaps and promote inclusive digital growth? 2. What role can youth play in shaping digital policies and fostering cross-border cooperation for a more inclusive digital ecosystem? 3. What are the key challenges and opportunities in building sustainable digital partnerships between governments, private sector, and civil society?
    What will participants gain from attending this session? Takeaways for Participants: Insights into successful digital cooperation models and best practices. Diverse perspectives from policymakers, industry leaders, and youth advocates. Actionable strategies for bridging digital divides and fostering collaboration. Youth-centered approaches to innovation, policy, and digital inclusion. Networking opportunities to build global and regional partnerships. Participants will leave with practical tools and fresh ideas to strengthen multistakeholder digital cooperation for sustainable growth.
    SDGs
    Description:

    In an increasingly interconnected world, digital cooperation is essential for driving inclusive growth and sustainable development. This session, hosted by IGF Youth Center Africa, will explore how multistakeholder partnerships can strengthen digital collaboration across regions, ensuring that no one—especially young people—is left behind in the digital revolution. By bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, civil society, and youth representatives, the discussion will highlight best practices, challenges, and innovative approaches to fostering cross-sector cooperation. The session will showcase concrete examples of successful digital partnerships, emphasizing youth engagement as a driving force for digital inclusion, entrepreneurship, and policy advocacy. Attendees will gain insights into scalable strategies for digital cooperation, leaving with actionable takeaways to build more inclusive and resilient digital ecosystems. Whether you are a decision-maker, innovator, or a young leader, join us in shaping the future of digital collaboration for sustainable growth.
    Expected Outcomes
    Enhanced knowledge on best practices for digital cooperation. Actionable policy recommendations for strengthening multistakeholder collaboration. Increased youth engagement in digital governance and cross-border cooperation. Follow-up initiatives such as regional dialogues and capacity-building workshops. Summary report to inform future digital policy discussions.
    Hybrid Format: Facilitating Interaction Between Onsite and Online Speakers and Attendees: We will use an online moderator to engage virtual participants and relay their questions to the onsite moderator. Both will ensure active interaction between onsite and online attendees throughout the session. Designing the Session for the Best Experience: The session will feature interactive segments such as polls, Q&A, and group discussions. Both onsite and online participants will be encouraged to participate through tools like chat, microphones, and live polling. We will display online contributions on a large screen to ensure full integration. Complementary Online Tools/Platforms: We'll use tools like Slido or Mentimeter for live polling and Q&A, and Zoom or Microsoft Teams for seamless communication. Social media will also be utilized for broader engagement during the session. This approach will ensure an inclusive, engaging experience for both online and onsite participants.