The annual Internet Governance Forum, convened by the UN Secretary-General, kicked off today, 28 November, with thousands gathering in Addis Ababa to deliver bold solutions for an open, free, inclusive and secure digital future for all, an enabler of sustainable development. The need for connectivity that is safe, affordable, open and secure for all was a pervasive message throughout the day. There is a stark digital divide with billions still without internet access, 96 per cent of whom live in developing countries. Furthermore, only 21% of people in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) enjoy access to the Internet, compared to 87% in developed countries. The Sustainable Development Goal target 9.C to achieve universal access in LDCs by 2020 has been missed Delegates highlighted the importance of digital literacy and internet access for women and girls to close the digital divide. They also stressed the need for more action by governments, institutions and technical companies.
Read the media advisory: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2022/11/media-advisory-what-to-expect-at-the-17th-internet-governance-forum/
High-Level Session - Universal, affordable and meaningful connectivity
With 2.7 billion people still without Internet access, the first High-level session at IGF2022 focused on universal, affordable and meaningful connectivity. The panel discussion centred on the importance of multistakeholder partnerships in delivering connectivity, specifically the role of governments and the private sector. Common challenges to universal and meaningful connectivity that were brought to the fore include access to and affordability of broadband and devices, digital literacy and value-creation.
As digital inequalities are found to affect vulnerable populations including women, children, migrants, refugees, people with disabilities and indigenous people, panelists stressed the role of education and sustainable infrastructure in advancing digital inclusion.
Global Youth Summit
At the Global Youth Summit, young people came from diverse regions to share their perspectives on how to leverage the power of the Internet. They looked at the opportunities and challenges for social prosperity and digital transformation as well as measures to be taken to achieve a more resilient digital future.
2.2 billion — or two-thirds of children and young people aged 25 years or less — do not have internet access at home. Approximately 759 million or 63% of young people aged 15 to 24 years old are unconnected to the internet. There is also a significant gap between high-income and low-income countries, 87% coverage compared to 6% respectively.
To create a human-centred digital space for youth calls for the development of programmes to increase digital literacy, increased youth participation in policy making, especially around data protection and more innovative ways to engage youth in the technology sector. For example, MEST Africa, provides the digital skills that aspiring and established African entrepreneurs need.
IGF Women Summit
Bridging the gender digital divide is key to achieving universal, affordable and meaningful connectivity. The latest data on gender digital inequality is staggering. Globally, 62% of men are using the Internet compared with 57% of women. In Africa, only 21 % of women have access to the Internet. The gender divide starts early as Internet use is four times greater for boys than for girls.
Women discussed several initiatives to address this digital inequality. For example, the Tech African Women Initiative — a collaboration between the UN Economic Commission for Africa and Better People —places a strong emphasis on women startups. Gender-based digital inclusion through capacity development projects for women and girls were encouraged. Developing cybersecurity frameworks that take into account women’s human rights online are crucial as women are often the victims of online abuse.
