Session
Subtheme
Organizer 1: Civil Society, African Group
Organizer 2: Government, African Group
Organizer 3: Private Sector, Eastern European Group
Organizer 4: Government, Intergovernmental Organization
Organizer 5: Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization
Organizer 2: Government, African Group
Organizer 3: Private Sector, Eastern European Group
Organizer 4: Government, Intergovernmental Organization
Organizer 5: Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization
Speaker 1: Poncelet Ileleji, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 2: Hon Alhagie Mbow, Government, African Group
Speaker 3: Julius Zubė, Private Sector, Eastern European Group
Speaker 4: Andžej Trachimovič Trachimovič, Government, Intergovernmental Organization
Speaker 5: Mactar Seck, Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization
Speaker 2: Hon Alhagie Mbow, Government, African Group
Speaker 3: Julius Zubė, Private Sector, Eastern European Group
Speaker 4: Andžej Trachimovič Trachimovič, Government, Intergovernmental Organization
Speaker 5: Mactar Seck, Intergovernmental Organization, Intergovernmental Organization
Format
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: A roundtable format is particularly suited for strengthening public digital infrastructure through a collaborative framework for small states across the Global North and South for several reasons: Round tables bring together diverse stakeholders, including government officials, private sector leaders, civil society representatives, and experts, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas are shared and challenges addressed collectively This format encourages international cooperation, allowing small states to learn from each other's experiences and leverage shared resources to overcome common challenges in digital infrastructure development
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: A roundtable format is particularly suited for strengthening public digital infrastructure through a collaborative framework for small states across the Global North and South for several reasons: Round tables bring together diverse stakeholders, including government officials, private sector leaders, civil society representatives, and experts, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas are shared and challenges addressed collectively This format encourages international cooperation, allowing small states to learn from each other's experiences and leverage shared resources to overcome common challenges in digital infrastructure development
Policy Question(s)
Digital Infrastructure: Small states often face challenges in digital infrastructure. What can the Gambia a small state in the Global South Learn from Lithuania a Small State in the Global North?
Regulatory Framework:What can the Gambia a small state in the Global South Learn from Lithuania a Small State in the Global North?
Collaboration and Partnerships: Public-private partnerships are vital for securing investments in digital infrastructure. What can the Gambia a small state in the Global South Learn from Lithuania a Small State in the Global North on how the Lithuania government foster collaboration with private entities like NRD Company?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Session Objectives
• Discuss the unique challenges small states face in developing robust digital public infrastructure.
• Facilitate the exchange of successful strategies and technologies used by small states.
• Develop a framework for collaborative efforts between small states to enhance digital resilience.
• Ensure that the framework is inclusive and supports diverse stakeholder participation.
SDGs
Description:
This workshop aims to explore the challenges and opportunities faced by small states in both the Global North and Global South in building resilient public digital infrastructure - digital government systems and platforms that enable the delivery of services, facilitate data exchange, and support digital governance across various sectors. The workshop will include two small states representing both sides of the Global collaboration – Lithuania, a northern European country recognized for its e-government achievements, and The Gambia, a country in Western Africa with a strategic focus on development and implementation of robust digital government services, streamlining administrative processes and enhancing citizen-government interactions.
This workshop aims to explore the challenges and opportunities faced by small states in both the Global North and Global South in building resilient public digital infrastructure - digital government systems and platforms that enable the delivery of services, facilitate data exchange, and support digital governance across various sectors. The workshop will include two small states representing both sides of the Global collaboration – Lithuania, a northern European country recognized for its e-government achievements, and The Gambia, a country in Western Africa with a strategic focus on development and implementation of robust digital government services, streamlining administrative processes and enhancing citizen-government interactions.
Expected Outcomes
Expected Outcomes
Enhanced Collaboration: The session aims to foster collaboration between small states like The Gambia and Lithuania, facilitating knowledge sharing and best practices in digital infrastructure development.
Policy Recommendations: Participants will discuss and formulate policy recommendations to support the development of robust digital infrastructure, addressing challenges such as connectivity, regulation, and digital skills.
Inclusive Digital Transformation: The session will emphasize the importance of inclusive digital transformation, ensuring that digital infrastructure benefits all segments of society, particularly marginalized groups.
International Cooperation: It will highlight the role of international cooperation in supporting small states through technology transfer, funding, and capacity building.
Specific Outputs
Publication for IGF on: A comprehensive output paper from the session shall be produced for the IGF 2025 outlining strategies for strengthening public digital infrastructure in small states, including case studies from The Gambia and Lithuania.
Hybrid Format: The session is planned in very interactive way between in person / online participants speakers will give an overview of their interventions within Building a Resilient Public Digital Infrastructure a Collaborative Framework between Small States in the Global North and Global South (Both In person and Online moderators will be in tandem in this roundtable discussion).