A pan African organisation dedicated to advancing digital rights and inclusion in the Global South, Paradigm Initiative (PIN), has stressed the importance of inclusivity and policies that respect the right of the citizens as the continent pursues digital future.
Executive Director at PIN, Gbenga Sesan who spoke at the just-concluded 2024 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, said the participation of the organization at the global event underscored the organisation’s commitment to fostering inclusive digital policies and ensuring that Africa’s voices are central in global discussions about the future of the internet
He said: “Paradigm Initiative’s participation was a powerful reminder that Africa’s digital future must be shaped by inclusive, rights-respecting policies. Our participation at the IGF is a continuous demonstration of the need for all stakeholders to collaborate in building a more inclusive and accessible internet for everyone, especially those in under-served communities.”
PIN made significant contributions to the just-concluded 2024 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
During the week-long forum, PIN team members played key roles in numerous sessions, emphasising the importance of a digital rights perspective in the development of emerging technologies, advocating for a more inclusive digital future, and addressing the specific challenges the African continent battles with in terms of digital access and inclusion.
Sesan spoke at high-profile sessions, including the Leadership Panel on ‘The Internet We Want’, which outlined the vision for a global internet that is accessible, secure, and inclusive. At the Africa Youth IGF Parley, Sesan provided a platform for young Africans to address pressing issues such as internet restrictions, the digital divide, and digital rights violations.
Senior Manager for Grants and Programmes Strategy at Paradigm Initiative, Adeboye Adegoke, contributed to Open Forum #12, advocating for policies that ensure a rights-respecting and inclusive digital future. His discussions highlighted the importance of policies that place human rights at the core of technological advancements.
Also, Senior Programmes Officer, Ihueze Nwobilor, spoke at the session, ‘A Rights-Respecting Approach to Emerging Tech Development,’ where he called for the prioritisation of human rights in the development and deployment of emerging technologies across Africa and beyond.
The organisation’s Senior Manager for Partnerships and Engagements, Thobekile Matimbe on her part, shared valuable insights during the ‘Better Products and Policies Through Stakeholder Engagement’ session. She emphasized the role of the private sector in engaging with local communities to ensure that digital products and policies are inclusive and meet the needs of vulnerable groups across Africa.
PIN Partnerships and Engagements Officer, Bridgette Ndlovu, moderated a session on ‘Implementation of the Universal Service Funds (USF) in 26 African Countries,’ where she and other speakers including Sesan discussed the crucial role of USF in advancing digital inclusion, particularly in underserved and rural areas.
PIN’s participation at IGF 2024 has been an important moment for advocating digital rights in Africa.
The insights and discussions from IGF 2024 will continue to guide PIN’s work as it strives to bridge the digital divide and advance policies that empower African communities and advocate for a more inclusive digital society.
