Session
Organizer 1: Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Organizer 2: Government, African Group
Organizer 3: Government, Eastern European Group
Organizer 4: Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Organizer 5: Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Organizer 2: Government, African Group
Organizer 3: Government, Eastern European Group
Organizer 4: Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Organizer 5: Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 1: Caroline Kathure Murianki, Government, African Group
Speaker 2: Mariana Cartaxo, Government, Eastern European Group
Speaker 3: Sonia Jorge, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 4: Almeida Bazan Henrique, Private Sector, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 2: Mariana Cartaxo, Government, Eastern European Group
Speaker 3: Sonia Jorge, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 4: Almeida Bazan Henrique, Private Sector, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Format
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: The roundtable format is best suited for this session as it fosters an interactive and dynamic discussion among experts and participants, encouraging diverse perspectives on global data governance and meaningful connectivity. Given the complexity of the topic and the need for engagement across sectors, this format allows for a collaborative exchange of ideas rather than a passive audience experience. The 45-minute duration ensures a focused and efficient discussion, allowing panelists to present key insights while leaving time for audience participation
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: The roundtable format is best suited for this session as it fosters an interactive and dynamic discussion among experts and participants, encouraging diverse perspectives on global data governance and meaningful connectivity. Given the complexity of the topic and the need for engagement across sectors, this format allows for a collaborative exchange of ideas rather than a passive audience experience. The 45-minute duration ensures a focused and efficient discussion, allowing panelists to present key insights while leaving time for audience participation
Policy Question(s)
A: How can global data governance frameworks be designed to ensure that data on connectivity is accessible, interpretable, and actionable for policymakers, civil society, and underserved communities?
B: What mechanisms and institutional structures are needed to align international data governance processes with local and regional efforts to promote meaningful connectivity?
C: How can multi-stakeholder approaches ensure that data governance fosters digital inclusion and universal internet access, while addressing power asymmetries in data collection, ownership, and usage?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how data governance foster meaningful connectivity and digital inclusion. Through insights from experts across sectors and regions, they will explore the intersection of international frameworks with local governance efforts. The session will address key challenges, including data accessibility, the role of indicators in shaping universal access policies, and power imbalances in data collection and usage. Beyond theoretical discussions, it will present concrete examples of multi-stakeholder collaboration and policy innovations that make data governance a tool for equitable digital access. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable knowledge, strategic insights, and practical tools to advocate for more transparent and effective data governance.
SDGs
Description:
TL;DR: Want to explore a truly diverse perspective (4 sectors, 3 continents, all women, racial equity) from experts on what’s needed for a global data governance that promotes meaningful connectivity? Come engage in a discussion about how international processes (such as GDC and X) align with local data governance efforts and zoom in on the use of data and indicators to promote meaningful connectivity. Data governança as a tree, universal access as a fruit. More info about de session: Access to the internet depends not only on infrastructure but also on qualified information to guide effective universalization policies. However, data on connectivity remains inaccessible or difficult to interpret for groups outside the telecommunications sector – the very ones who need this information most to drive effective public policies. This panel will bring together experts from all sectors with diverse backgrounds to discuss how global data governance can enhance the social impact of information, making it a real tool for digital inclusion. In 2025, data governance is more than a technical issue – it’s a matter of power. New processes are being created to ensure that global data governance serves the public interest, harnessing its full potential to connect the world more equitably. The Global Digital Compact was approved in 2023 with a specific goal to “Advance responsible, equitable and interoperable data governance approaches.” Considering collective efforts in building global data governance, this panel will innovatively provide an opportunity to discuss the structures needed for a global data governance applied to promoting meaningful connectivity. In this way, we will gain insights into common elements across various fields, while also understanding the practical impacts of the proposals presented, moving beyond mere abstract dialogue and offering the necessary inputs for the universalization of internet access.
TL;DR: Want to explore a truly diverse perspective (4 sectors, 3 continents, all women, racial equity) from experts on what’s needed for a global data governance that promotes meaningful connectivity? Come engage in a discussion about how international processes (such as GDC and X) align with local data governance efforts and zoom in on the use of data and indicators to promote meaningful connectivity. Data governança as a tree, universal access as a fruit. More info about de session: Access to the internet depends not only on infrastructure but also on qualified information to guide effective universalization policies. However, data on connectivity remains inaccessible or difficult to interpret for groups outside the telecommunications sector – the very ones who need this information most to drive effective public policies. This panel will bring together experts from all sectors with diverse backgrounds to discuss how global data governance can enhance the social impact of information, making it a real tool for digital inclusion. In 2025, data governance is more than a technical issue – it’s a matter of power. New processes are being created to ensure that global data governance serves the public interest, harnessing its full potential to connect the world more equitably. The Global Digital Compact was approved in 2023 with a specific goal to “Advance responsible, equitable and interoperable data governance approaches.” Considering collective efforts in building global data governance, this panel will innovatively provide an opportunity to discuss the structures needed for a global data governance applied to promoting meaningful connectivity. In this way, we will gain insights into common elements across various fields, while also understanding the practical impacts of the proposals presented, moving beyond mere abstract dialogue and offering the necessary inputs for the universalization of internet access.
Expected Outcomes
This session aims to generate actionable insights on how global data governance can enhance universal internet access and digital inclusion. By gathering experts from diverse sectors and regions, the discussion will provide concrete recommendations on aligning international frameworks with local data governance efforts. Expected outcomes include identifying best practices and gaps in current data governance models regarding the accessibility and usability of connectivity data, formulating policy recommendations to make data governance a tool for meaningful connectivity —particularly for underserved communities— and strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration to advance equitable data governance. The session may lead to follow-up discussions, partnerships, or initiatives that contribute to reports, policy briefs, or advocacy efforts aimed at ensuring that data governance frameworks are inclusive and effective in bridging the digital divide.
Hybrid Format:
We will use interactive facilitation techniques to create an engaging and dynamic experience for all participants. A rotating moderator system will ensure that both online and onsite voices are heard equally, alternating between in-person and virtual questions. We will also implement live collaborative exercises, such as real-time polling and word clouds, to capture diverse perspectives. Additionally, an "audience amplifier" will be designated—someone responsible for monitoring online interactions and ensuring they are integrated seamlessly into the discussion
To maximize engagement, the session will be structured around short, high-impact interventions from speakers followed by facilitated discussions. Instead of long presentations, we will use a "fishbowl conversation" format where some speakers begin the discussion while others (including the audience) can step in dynamically. The session will conclude with a "one-minute manifesto", where participants share key takeaways