Session
Subtheme
Organizer 1: Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 2: Private Sector, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 3: Private Sector, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 2: Private Sector, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 3: Private Sector, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 1: Dorothy Gordon, Intergovernmental Organization, African Group
Speaker 2: Subi Chaturvedi, Private Sector, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 3: Colin Riordan, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Subi Chaturvedi, Private Sector, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 3: Colin Riordan, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Format
Classroom
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: This streamlined agenda balances expert insights (keynotes) with dynamic dialogue (fireside chat) and inclusive participation (Q&A), ensuring depth without overwhelming attendees. Classroom-style seating fosters collaboration, enabling participants to engage in peer discussions during Q&A and reflect on actionable takeaways. The 90-minute structure is time-efficient: keynotes deliver foundational knowledge, the fireside chat provides real-world perspectives, and the extended Q&A ensures diverse voices shape the conversation. For hybrid inclusivity, a co-moderator will integrate online questions via Slido, while dual screens display virtual attendees, creating a unified experience. Classroom seating’s flexibility supports both focused listening and interactive engagement, unlike theatre-style setups that prioritize passive observation. This design aligns with IGF’s participatory ethos, bridging academic rigor with practical solutions. By prioritizing interaction and equity, the session empowers attendees to contribute to tangible outcomes, such as the Global Academic Network, while advancing IGF 2025’s goal of Building Digital Governance Together.
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: This streamlined agenda balances expert insights (keynotes) with dynamic dialogue (fireside chat) and inclusive participation (Q&A), ensuring depth without overwhelming attendees. Classroom-style seating fosters collaboration, enabling participants to engage in peer discussions during Q&A and reflect on actionable takeaways. The 90-minute structure is time-efficient: keynotes deliver foundational knowledge, the fireside chat provides real-world perspectives, and the extended Q&A ensures diverse voices shape the conversation. For hybrid inclusivity, a co-moderator will integrate online questions via Slido, while dual screens display virtual attendees, creating a unified experience. Classroom seating’s flexibility supports both focused listening and interactive engagement, unlike theatre-style setups that prioritize passive observation. This design aligns with IGF’s participatory ethos, bridging academic rigor with practical solutions. By prioritizing interaction and equity, the session empowers attendees to contribute to tangible outcomes, such as the Global Academic Network, while advancing IGF 2025’s goal of Building Digital Governance Together.
Policy Question(s)
1. How can academia overcome institutional and geopolitical barriers to become a neutral platform for global digital cooperation?
2. What mechanisms ensure academic research on digital governance prioritizes the needs of marginalized and Global South communities?
3. How can multistakeholder partnerships (academia/industry/governments) be structured to avoid power imbalances and ensure equitable outcomes?
What will participants gain from attending this session? - Strategies to leverage academic research for policy impact.
- Models for cross-sector collaboration (e.g., open-data platforms, joint innovation labs).
- Tools to design inclusive digital governance curricula.
- Access to a global network of academic institutions committed to equitable digital futures.
Description:
Global digital cooperation is fragmented by competing national interests, unequal resource distribution, and siloed approaches to governance. Academia, with its neutrality, interdisciplinary expertise, and capacity for long-term vision, is uniquely positioned to bridge these divides. This workshop will explore how universities and research institutions can act as catalysts for inclusive, evidence-based digital cooperation. By convening academic leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, the session will address systemic gaps in cross-border collaboration, advocate for open-access knowledge sharing, and propose actionable models to align research with the needs of marginalized communities. From ethical AI governance to equitable data stewardship, the workshop positions academia as a linchpin for achieving IGF 2025’s vision of Building Digital Governance Together.
Global digital cooperation is fragmented by competing national interests, unequal resource distribution, and siloed approaches to governance. Academia, with its neutrality, interdisciplinary expertise, and capacity for long-term vision, is uniquely positioned to bridge these divides. This workshop will explore how universities and research institutions can act as catalysts for inclusive, evidence-based digital cooperation. By convening academic leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, the session will address systemic gaps in cross-border collaboration, advocate for open-access knowledge sharing, and propose actionable models to align research with the needs of marginalized communities. From ethical AI governance to equitable data stewardship, the workshop positions academia as a linchpin for achieving IGF 2025’s vision of Building Digital Governance Together.
Expected Outcomes
- Launch of a Global Academic Network for Digital Cooperation to share resources and best practices.
- Draft guidelines for open-access digital governance curricula adaptable to regional contexts.
- Policy brief on institutionalizing academia’s role in multilateral forums like the UN Digital Compact.
Hybrid Format: Dual moderators for onsite/online integration.
Zoom meetings for ease of access
Slido for real-time polls and Q&A.
#IGF2025 hashtag to crowdsource input pre/post-session.