Regional perspectives on digital governance | IGF 2023 Open Forum #138

Knowledge Graph of Debate

Session report

Audience

Sri Lanka has been actively pursuing the digitisation of its nation for the past two decades. To further this effort, a new strategy is being developed. The key areas of focus for this strategy are citizen-centredness, empowering people, strengthening the government, and improving business competitiveness. These pillars reflect the country’s commitment to inclusive growth and efficient governance.

In order to successfully implement this new strategy, there is a need for digital governance and institutional accountability. Digital governance refers to the set of organisations and regulations that will govern the digitisation process. It is important to have clear guidelines, standards, and frameworks in place to ensure that the digitisation efforts are carried out effectively and transparently. This will also help build trust among the citizens and the stakeholders involved.

Moreover, institutional accountability is crucial to monitor and evaluate the progress of the digitisation initiatives. This involves establishing mechanisms to measure the impact and effectiveness of the digital transformation and holding the responsible institutions accountable for their actions and outcomes. By ensuring institutional accountability, Sri Lanka can ensure that its digitisation efforts are aligned with the overall goals and objectives of the country.

Additionally, a panel is discussing the characteristics, effectiveness, and capabilities that an institution should possess for successful digital transformation. These discussions aim to provide insights into the key factors that contribute to the success of digitisation initiatives. By understanding these factors, Sri Lanka can tailor its approach to digital transformation and ensure that the appropriate institutions are equipped with the necessary resources and capabilities to drive the process effectively.

In conclusion, Sri Lanka has made significant strides in digitising the nation over the past 20 years. The new strategy being developed with a focus on citizen-centredness, empowering people, strengthening the government, and improving business competitiveness reflects the country’s commitment to inclusive and efficient growth. To effectively implement this strategy, it is essential to have digital governance and institutional accountability in place. The panel discussions on the characteristics and capabilities required for successful digital transformation provide valuable insights for Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts in this domain. By incorporating these insights, Sri Lanka can continue its journey towards becoming a digitally empowered nation.

Nibal Idlebi

Several speakers highlighted the importance of regional and national discussions in internet governance and public goods. One such initiative is the creation of the Arab IGF by ESCWA and the League of Arab States, which aims to address regional internet governance issues. Despite the existence of the Arab IGF, it is important to note that internet access is still a major problem in some Arab countries.

Regional discussions play a vital role in making global ideas more relatable for local stakeholders. It is crucial to understand and contextualise these ideas at a regional level before integrating them. This approach ensures that the needs and perspectives of the region are properly considered. ESCWA, in particular, plays a significant role in disseminating ideas, facilitating discussions, and acting as the voice of the region internationally. The organisation collaborates with various stakeholders including professional associations, NGOs, private sector bodies, academia, and government to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach to internet governance.

Issues of legislation, privacy, and cybersecurity are significant in many countries within the Arab region. ESCWA recognises the need to develop a roadmap to enhance internet governance in the region, focusing on these critical areas. The implementation and enforcement of legislation are also key components in enhancing internet governance.

Furthermore, several speakers stressed the importance of discussions regarding national sovereignty and the internet at a national level. It is necessary to mediate these discussions and explain the importance of stakeholder engagement in order to foster mutual understanding and collaboration.

Capacity building was deemed essential in the discussions. ESCWA has worked with numerous countries on legislation, implementation, and enforcement to build the capacity of local stakeholders in managing internet governance effectively.

The speakers also highlighted the importance of active regional discussions and external interventions to facilitate engagement. It was noted that discussions often do not take place at the national level unless there is intervention or an external intermediary involved.

Citizens within the Arab region are raising their voices to demand their rights and freedom of expression on the internet. This growing awareness and activism further underscore the need for effective internet governance.

The adoption and customization of cyber laws from developed regions, such as the EU, were recognised as beneficial in aiding the growth and development of internet governance in the Arab region. It was noted that the laws were not copied as is, but instead, the EU’s long experience in cyber law was relied upon, and there was an exchange of experiences and lessons learned.

Strategy development was identified as a crucial element in effective internet governance. It was emphasised that involving various stakeholders at the national level is essential for the successful implementation of the strategy. Additionally, it was noted that quick results from the strategy increase trust in the government.

To address global challenges, it is important to move from regional to global discussions. The need to make regional and national challenges heard on an international forum was emphasised, as this allows for effective resolution of these challenges.

Overall, the speakers’ messages highlighted the importance of regional and national discussions in internet governance and public goods. From addressing internet access issues to ensuring privacy and cybersecurity, involving stakeholders at various levels is crucial. The adoption and customization of cyber laws from developed regions, along with capacity building efforts, contribute to the growth and development of internet governance. The importance of moving from regional to global discussions was also stressed, as it allows for effective solutions to global challenges.

Jamal Shahin

This analysis examines the role of regional and global governance in addressing global issues and managing the global public good. One key argument is that global issues can be more effectively tackled at the regional level or substantially implemented at the local level. This is exemplified by the collaboration of different economic actors at the regional level, such as the European Union or regional trade associations. Furthermore, an UNU-CRIS project explores global and regional multi-stakeholder institutions as effective instruments for addressing global issues.

Regarding the global public good, the concept of the internet as such is highly contested. While it was widely agreed upon 20 years ago, it is now a subject of debate. There are differing views on its management, with some considering it a global interconnected network, while others reject that idea. The analysis also highlights how the term “digital sovereignty” is used by states to regulate the internet as a global public good. However, different regions interpret and apply this concept differently. For example, the European Union approaches digital sovereignty as managing complex interdependencies, whereas the African Union promotes national strategies through a Fund for Digital Sovereignty.

The value of a regional approach in internet governance and digital strategies is emphasized in the analysis. It argues that a regional perspective adds value to these areas, citing the example of the JIPO project, the Global Internet Policy Observatory, which provided information to all actors about internet governance. Additionally, countries without established frameworks often turn to their former colonial leaders, implementing post-colonialist versions of digital strategies. Thus, a regional approach can help bridge this gap and provide guidance.

Another important point is the role of regional actors in managing the global public good. It suggests that regional actors can mitigate national reactions and manage the global public good through the cascading of norms from the global to local levels. By sharing information through peer review processes, regions can facilitate the adoption of global norms. This approach is evident in the practices of entities like the European Union and the OECD, which engage in peer reviews and share common interests and challenges.

Capacity building and two-way dialogue are also highlighted as crucial elements. Peer review processes contribute to the development of common capacity building structures and foster collaboration between countries to solve problems. The analysis emphasizes the importance of a two-way dialogue, with regions shaping, but also being shaped by, the global level.

The analysis concludes by advocating for the multi-stakeholder model in governance. This model has proven to be worthy of consideration at the global level. It encourages participation in the multi-stakeholder framework, particularly at the regional level, for addressing regional issues. The inclusion of different stakeholders is seen as a key approach for achieving peaceful, just, and strong institutions.

In summary, this analysis explores the role of regional and global governance in addressing global issues and managing the global public good. It highlights the effectiveness of addressing global issues at the regional or local level, the contested nature of the internet as a global public good, the varying interpretations of digital sovereignty across regions, and the value of a regional approach in internet governance. The role of regional actors in managing the global public good through cascading norms, facilitating the adoption of global norms through peer review processes, and fostering capacity building and two-way dialogue is underscored. Finally, the importance of the multi-stakeholder model, especially at the regional level, for addressing regional issues is emphasized.

Morten Meyerhoff Nielsen

The African Union’s digital transformation agenda aims to address the growing digital divide in Africa. This divide refers to the disparity in access to digital technologies and the internet between developed and developing countries, as well as within countries themselves. To tackle this issue, the African Union plans to establish a continental fund specifically for supporting digital infrastructure. By investing in and improving the digital infrastructure across the continent, the African Union aims to bridge the gap and ensure equal access to digital technologies for all African countries.

Multi-stakeholder involvement and contextualization are identified as key factors in addressing common problems in different countries. It is important to involve various stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, and local communities, in developing strategies and solutions that are tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of each country. This approach ensures that the measures taken are effective and sustainable, taking into account the different contexts.

Successful integration and coordination also require consensus on objectives and practices. Collaboration, consensus-building, and a shared commitment to the desired outcomes are essential for integration and coordination efforts to be successful. Without consensus on objectives and practices, it can be challenging to achieve integration and coordination.

There is strong support for multi-stakeholder involvement and co-creation mechanisms as effective strategies for digital governance on a global scale. By involving citizens’ associations dealing with the diaspora and designing portals that simplify lives, these strategies become more inclusive and representative of diverse perspectives and needs. This approach ensures that the strategies and action plans developed are comprehensive and responsive to the demands and requirements of different stakeholders.

Data governance and interoperability frameworks are essential for successful digital transformation. In federalized countries like Australia, Canada, Brazil, China, and even regions within the European Union, there is a need to align data processes and ensure efficient data exchanges at international, national, and regional levels. Having a clear framework in place ensures that data exchanges are efficient, secure, and consistent across different jurisdictions.

The significance of citizens’ data rights and data sovereignty in social security is also emphasized. Recognizing and protecting citizens’ data rights and data sovereignty is crucial for ensuring privacy, security, and trust in digital systems.

A standard framework is required to facilitate data exchanges. From China to Denmark and even the influence of the European Union on national legislation, the need for a standard framework is evident. This framework enables smooth cross-border or inter-organizational data exchanges, promoting collaboration and interoperability between different entities.

Unfortunately, local and regional authorities are often overlooked in national digital strategies, and their crucial role in infrastructure rollout and the establishment of electronic service standards is forgotten. Including regional and local authorities in the consultation process is essential to ensure comprehensive and inclusive digital strategies that reflect the needs and realities of different regions and communities.

The mandate and recognition of that mandate are identified as crucial aspects of digital governance. A compliance mechanism is necessary to ensure accountability and effective implementation of digital governance initiatives.

Regional cross-border governance is deemed vital due to the fact that regions and cities have neighbors on the other side, rather than just capital cities. Collaboration and coordination between neighboring regions and cities are crucial for addressing mutual challenges, sharing resources, and promoting regional development.

Cross-governmental entities and collaboration forums are seen as essential for aligning stakeholders in digital governance. By bringing together various stakeholders, a collaborative approach can be fostered, ensuring that all stakeholders are working towards the same objectives and that their efforts are coordinated and complementary. Achieving alignment through cross-governmental entities and collaboration forums contributes to effective and inclusive digital governance.

In conclusion, the African Union’s digital transformation agenda, multi-stakeholder involvement, consensus on objectives and practices, data governance and interoperability frameworks, citizens’ data rights and data sovereignty, standard frameworks for data exchanges, the role of regional and local authorities, the mandate and recognition in digital governance, regional cross-border governance, and cross-governmental entities and collaboration forums all play crucial roles in shaping effective digital governance strategies and policies. These elements contribute to bridging the digital divide, promoting inclusive digital access and opportunities, and ensuring privacy, security, and trust in the digital realm.

Luis Barbosa

The given information highlights the importance of regional and international efforts in addressing global challenges and issues. It emphasizes the need for individual context to be taken into account alongside these efforts. Building trust among stakeholders is seen as essential for achieving integration or coordination at the regional level. Multiple stakeholders’ involvement is necessary for global-level thinking and causal integration. Consensualized objectives and practices, as well as motivating citizens and civil societies, are also important factors. International organizations are encouraged to focus on three dimensions, representation, synergy, and pedagogy, to counter national-based discourse. Digital sovereignty in Africa is viewed as an extension of national sovereignty, with an emphasis on local ownership and control over data sets. However, there is skepticism towards data localization in smaller African states, suggesting that a more citizen-oriented approach to digital sovereignty might be more beneficial. The involvement of stakeholders beyond governments is emphasized for effective digital governance implementation. The connection between digital governance and broader development objectives is highlighted, along with the importance of understanding and adapting to regional differences. Successful cooperation relies on multi-stakeholder dialogues and aligning discourse with development objectives. International organizations play a supportive role in designing and implementing national strategies for digital governance. A clear government mandate, political will, and technical capacity are crucial for effective governance. The involvement of multiple stakeholders in the entire process of strategy development and implementation is advocated. Academia’s involvement and capacity building at regional and continental levels are seen as important. Additionally, more global action is needed to address problems faced by vulnerable people, displaced people, and refugees. Overall, the summary covers the key points and keywords from the given information, reflecting the main analysis accurately.

Nadia Tjahja

Nadia Tjahja initiated the session by discussing regional perspectives on digital governance. She introduced three speakers who would contribute to the discussion: Nibal Idlebi from UNESCWA, Luis Barbosa from UNU-EGOV, and Jamal Shahin.

Following the introductions, three key questions were presented to guide the session. The first question focused on the contribution of the United Nations (UN) and regional commissions in managing global public good. This inquiry aimed to explore how these institutions play a role in ensuring the welfare of the international community in the digital realm.

The second question centered around the influence of regional actors in shaping the discourse on digital sovereignty. This was an opportunity to examine the impact of regional perspectives and initiatives in defining and defending the rights and control of digital resources within their respective regions.

Lastly, the session aimed to explore the differences among global discourses on cooperation. By considering various viewpoints and approaches towards cooperation in the digital space, the goal was to gain insights into the diverse perspectives and strategies employed by different countries and regions.

It is worth noting that the sentiment surrounding this session was neutral, indicating a balanced and open-minded approach to discussing these complex subjects. The arguments presented by the speakers and the evidence they provided would further elucidate the topics and potentially lead to a better understanding of regional perspectives on digital governance.

In conclusion, the session on regional perspectives on digital governance was initiated by Nadia Tjahja. The introduction of speakers and the formulation of key questions framed the subsequent discussions on the contribution of the UN and regional commissions to managing global public good, the influence of regional actors in shaping discourse on digital sovereignty, and the differences among global discourses on cooperation. The session proved to be a valuable platform for exploring and comprehending the multi-faceted nature of digital governance on a regional scale.

Speakers