Leaders TalkX: Forging Partnerships: Shaping the “Digital for Development” Landscape

Global leaders unite at WSIS Forum to shape the digital development landscape

The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum hosted a session titled “Forging Partnerships, Shaping Digital for Development Landscape,” bringing together a panel of global leaders to discuss the integration of digital technology in sustainable development and efforts to bridge the digital divide. Karen McCabe of the IEEE moderated the session, highlighting the significance of the WSIS Forum’s first partnership and expressing hope for its future strengthening.

Gitanjali Sah opened the session by expressing gratitude for the collaboration with DCO and Excellency Dima. McCabe then set the stage for the leaders’ talks, noting the limited time for each intervention and their subsequent publication in the WSIS Outcomes document.

Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU Radio Communication Bureau, spoke on the potential of digital technology to transform lives, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. He acknowledged the uneven distribution of digital advancements and called for inclusive partnerships among governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organizations to leverage digital innovations for development challenges. Maniewicz emphasized the need for supportive government policies, private sector innovation, civil society involvement, and international organizations’ expertise to bridge the digital divide.

Deemah AlYahya, Secretary General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, outlined DCO’s role in fostering digital cooperation to enable a sustainable and inclusive digital economy. She highlighted DCO’s objectives, including accelerating the digital economy, creating shared markets, and developing skills among women, youth, and entrepreneurs. AlYahya stressed the importance of data sharing and best practices among member countries to support digital growth.

Marsha Caddle, Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science, and Technology of Barbados, connected the digital divide to broader development issues, urging for digital considerations to be part of development cooperation. She called for resources to support digital infrastructure and sovereign compute for AI applications and for trade agreements to facilitate digitally delivered services, ensuring integration of global south countries into online markets.

Mohamed Adam Moalim, Minister of Communications and Technology of Somalia, shared Somalia’s commitment to digital transformation through its inclusive digital policy. He discussed strategies for equitable access, trust in digital services, and addressing the needs of underserved communities, highlighting digital literacy programs and infrastructure development in rural areas.

Mousa Abu Zaid, Chairman General Personal Counsel of Palestine, spoke of Palestine’s digital transformation efforts amidst significant challenges. He called for ITU support for inclusive access to digital technologies and offered to share Palestine’s ICT experience with other countries.

Trairat Viriyasirikul, Deputy Secretary General of Thailand’s NBTC, discussed the commission’s role in promoting sustainable development through ICT. He shared examples of projects supported by NBTC, such as the Land Bridge Project and Thailand 5G Smart Port, which integrate ICT into various sectors.

Carol Roach, Chair of the UNIGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group, highlighted the Internet Governance Forum’s role in engaging diverse actors to contribute to an enabling digital environment. She mentioned the forum’s focus on human rights, digital governance, and the importance of youth participation, inviting participants to the upcoming IGF forum in Riyadh and encouraging engagement with the IGF’s intersessional work.

The session concluded with a call for global collaboration, shared goals, and a commitment to leveraging digital technology for societal betterment. The panelists’ interventions demonstrated a consensus on the need for collective action and partnership to build a more inclusive and prosperous digital future, integrating digital strategies into the broader context of sustainable development and international cooperation.

Gitanjali Sah:
Thank you, Excellency Dima and to DCO for this great collaboration. It is our first partnership at the WSIS Forum, and I do hope that we strengthen it next year. So thank you so much. We will now begin our leaders’ talks. So leaders’ talks one on Forging Partnerships, Shaping Digital for Development Landscape will begin with Karen McCabe as the high-level track facilitator. So Karen, over to you.

Karen McCabe:
Thank you, Excellency Dima and to DCO for this great collaboration. Thank you, Excellency Dima and to DCO for this great collaboration. Hello, everyone. My name is Karen McCabe. I’m with the IEEE, and I am the facilitator for this session. Welcome to the leaders’ talk X1, Forging Partnerships, Shaping the Digital for Development Landscape. Our time is short, as you know, so each panelist will have about three minutes for their intervention, and I thank you for your understanding on that. Panelist interventions, as a reminder, will be published in the WSIS Plus 20 Forum High-Level Outcomes and Executive Brief document. With that, without further ado, let’s get started with remarks first by Mr. Mario Maniewicz, Director of the ITU Radio Communication Bureau. Thank you.

Mario Maniewicz:
Thank you very much, and good afternoon, everybody. It’s an honor to address you today on a topic that holds immense potential for transforming our world, the intersection of digital technology and development. We stand at the threshold of unprecedented technological advancement. We have a unique opportunity to leverage digital innovations to drive sustainable development, enhance inclusivity, and improve the quality of life for millions around the globe. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, digital technologies have transformed the way we live, work, do business, and communicate. They have broken down barriers, connected people across continents, and enhanced access to information. However, this revolution has not been evenly distributed. There are still vast areas of the world where digital infrastructure is lacking, where connectivity is a luxury, and where benefits of digital technology remain out of reach. The concept of digital development is about harnessing the power of digital technology to address development challenges, reduce inequalities, and promote sustainable growth. But to achieve this, we cannot work in silos. We need workable, stronger, and inclusive partnerships that bring together governments, private sector, civil society, and international organizations. Governments are pivotal in creating an enabling environment to digital development. They can enact policies that promote digital literacy, invest in infrastructure, and ensure that regulatory frameworks support innovation while protecting citizens’ rights. However, these efforts alone are not sufficient. Research companies, telecommunication firms, and startups bring innovation, expertise, and resources. They can develop and deploy technologies that address specific development needs, from digital health solutions to online education platforms. By partnering with governments and other stakeholders, the private sector can help scale these solutions and make them accessible to those who need them most. Civil society organizations are equally important. Their involvement is essential to ensure that digital development is inclusive and equitable. International organizations and development agencies also play a critical role in this ecosystem. They can facilitate knowledge exchange, provide technical assistance, and mobilize funding for digital development initiatives. Their global reach and expertise can help scale successful projects and replicate best practices across different regions. However, building effective partnerships is not without challenges. It requires mutual trust, shared goals, and a willingness to collaborate. All our efforts need to be focused on bridging the digital divide and to leaving no one behind. We must also address issues related to data privacy, cybersecurity, and ethical use of technology. In conclusion, the digital for development landscape offers immense opportunities, but we can only realize its full potential through strong collaborative partnerships. ICTs should be regarded as tools and not as an end on themselves. Under favorable conditions, these technologies can be a powerful instrument, increasing productivity, generating economic growth, job creation, and employability, and improving the quality of life of all. They can promote dialogue among people, nations, and civilizations. By working together, we can harness the power of technology to drive sustainable development, improve lives, and create a more equitable world. Let us commit to forging these partnerships and shaping a brighter future for all. Thank you very much.

Karen McCabe:
Thank you so much. We have an esteemed panel here will help elaborate on our topic for our session today, and we’ll be starting with, as gold partner of the WSIS Plus 20 Forum, the Secretary General of Digital Cooperation Organization. So please, I’ll ask your question if you’re ready. You have a microphone? Okay. Sure. Okay. Why don’t we find one? Oh, thank you. What makes the Digital Cooperation Organization unique from other international entities in terms of your approach to bridging the digital divide and promoting the growth of an exclusive, sustainable digital economy? And can you also highlight the distinctive elements in DCO’s strategies, initiatives, and partnerships that contribute to achieving your mission of digital cooperation and social prosperity? Thank you.

Deemah AlYahya:
Well, thank you. Thank you for that great question. And first and foremost, I would like to express how happy we are as DCO to be part of WSIS, which is the platform for cooperation. We, as DCO, have been developed and created in the belief that digital cooperation is the way to leverage, it’s the way to enable a sustainable and inclusive digital economy. And therefore, our creation has been developed based on the digital ecosystem being a platform that facilitates that cooperation by bringing governments, private sector, and civil society all on one table to come up with the right innovative solutions and the right approaches that would help accelerate the growth of the digital economy. One of the things and the factors that we see is very important in DCO is the great opportunities that we see our strength in some countries that can fill a gap in another country. And this is by sharing data that enables us to know what are the best practices and how can we support and help each other. And this is where we leverage the organizations, the like of the ITU, the likes of UNDP, the likes of UNCTAD, and also UNESCO, the great efforts that come out of such kind of organizations, we make sure that they are deployed in our member countries. We’re very proud to represent 16 nations, which represent 800 million in population. That by itself is 10% of the global population, which could increase a very good percentage in the digital economy. If we look at 2023, 16% of the overall GDP was digital economy. And in 2030, 70%. Now how can we harness these opportunities of digital economy if we do not open these doors and collaboration and sharing best practices? As DCO, we focus on four main objectives. Our first objective is accelerating digital economy. That’s by opening the borders of our member countries to create a shared market where we focus on outwards investments and also we help and support our member countries in attracting the right investments. Therefore we work intensively on creating stimulus business environments for our member countries by creating the right policies and regulations. And also, most and foremost, skills. How can we engage women, youth, and entrepreneurs to be part of the discussion, give them the right skills and the tools for them to create their local content, move from job seekers to job creators. Thank you.

Karen McCabe:
Thank you so much. I understand you may need to leave for another session. So thank you for your time with us today. So let’s bring in Barbados, the Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science, and Technology. Thank you for being here. This week, leaders from small island developing states also meet in Antigua and Barbudo for SIDS 4.0. How do you consider that all these simultaneous processes converge to address the global digital divide and what kind of national and global cooperation is needed to ensure all citizens have access to digital technologies and services?

Marsha Caddle:
Thank you. I want to start with a little bit of perspective on this. In 2021, I was in Glasgow for the COP on climate. And in that COP, it was the first time, I believe, that we brought in language on special drawing rights of the IMF to be able to fund climate action. And all that really means is that how do we get some of the excess liquidity in the economy to go for the development issues that matter? Now, in the ministerial meetings that were leading up to that COP, I was involved in some of those meetings. And I was the only, at the time, finance minister that was involved in those discussions. And there were some people who wondered why a finance minister was at a climate meeting. But the reason is that for so long, we had been told that climate and development were separate and that in our discussions about climate, it wasn’t about finance and it wasn’t about the resources and it wasn’t about the global cooperation to make this happen. We realized very quickly that that was, in fact, exactly what it was about. So the first thing I want us to be cautious of here and the platform that I want us to go forward on here is to understand that the digital divide is a development divide. And the cooperation that is needed is development cooperation in the context of all of the global conversations that we are having now on development cooperation. And so the first thing to understand is what are the development implications of what we are trying to do here? What are the opportunities? How will this connectivity happen for all countries and people? And what is this connectivity for? And so the first thing I want to return to is the relationship of technology with how we finance development. How do we make resources and financial flows and the multilateral system and the global financial architecture? How do we allow that to organize itself for what we are trying to do here? And all I’m cautioning is that we not have this as a separate conversation that we kind of ring fence as we’ve done with climate and environment and other issues for so long. We realized certainly in CID, small island developing states and other climate vulnerable countries that issues of debt and climate and financial sustainability and the very survival of these economies and countries and their people were very related to climate. And the same is true for digital considerations. So one of the things to consider is the digital infrastructure and what is needed for that digital infrastructure in countries. What is needed for the sovereign compute that is going to drive AI, that is going to allow countries to be able to apply it to issues of health, to issues of solving or avoiding or responding quickly to the next pandemic whenever it comes or whatever that looks like. How does trade organize to be able to facilitate and embrace, as we heard earlier from our sister Ngozi, digitally delivered services? How do we organize trade agreements, agreements between countries to make sure that we are poised to do that? And to understand that data and technology are the new currency. And so how do we go about making sure that there is a digital transformation that involves all and that we’re very specific about what that looks like. We’re very specific about what are the kinds of services that we can encourage. The conversations to make sure that countries in the global south are integrated into global online markets because if our people are not there, then they’re not in the business of digital services. And so these are so many things that I want us to consider going forward over the next few days.

Karen McCabe:
Thank you. Thank you so much for your perspective. I’m going to move to my right side here and move on and bring in Somalia into the conversation, the Ministry of Communications and Technology. Somalia is demonstrating a strong commitment to digital transformation. We’d be interested to learn more about how your ministry is developing a comprehensive digital inclusive policy. Specifically, could you elaborate on the strategies your ministry is considering to ensure equitable access, build trust in digital services, and address needs of the underserved communities? Thank you.

Mohamed Adam Moalim:
Thank you, Moderator. Good day, everyone. As Minister of Communication and Technology of Somalia, I’m honored to join this panel discussion on the role of digital technology and development in our rapidly changing world. Digital transformation offers hope for promoting inclusivity, efficiency, and progress for countries facing socioeconomic challenges. Somalia is committed to using technology to uplifting communities, drive innovation, and promote sustainable development. Our focus is on ensuring every citizen benefits through our digital inclusion policy, which guides us towards a more equitable digital future. This policy aligns with our 2019-2024 National ICT Policy and Strategy. I’m proud to share our efforts in digital transformation, such as, number one, equitable access. We are building 4,600 kilometers of infrastructure to provide affordable internet, especially in rural and remote areas where digital connectivity exists. Second, building trust. We have enacted data protection laws. and cyber security legislation to help use digital services safely. Additionally, we are implementing digital literacy programs to empower citizens with necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the digital landscape. Thirdly, underserved communities. Addressing the needs of our underserved communities, we are working with local groups to improve pressing issues such as healthcare, education, and financial inclusion through technology. In conclusion, Somalia is dedicated to using digital technology for sustainable development. As outlined in our national ICT policy and strategy, the journey requires collective action and partnership at both national and international levels. I urge all stakeholders to join us in building a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous digital future for Somalia and beyond. I thank all of you. Thank you.

Karen McCabe:
Thank you so much. As we build our various perspectives and examples of actions, I’ll now move to the State of Palestine with the Chairman General Personal Counsel. How can government effectively engage diverse stakeholders in developing national e-strategies for ICT-driven development in Palestine? Thank you. Oh, please.

Mousa Abu Zaid:
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. First of all, allow me to express my gratitude and appreciation to the United Nations and the Global Information Society, which has become a center of interest for those who aspire to and strive for excellence, innovation, and creativity. It is very important to consolidate creativity in our society and to make it a source of inspiration for all developing countries which are facing a large number of challenges. Dear friends, I’m here today and I am coming from a very wounded country, Palestine, a country which is currently wounded and bleeding, a country which today is facing an extremely difficult situation, unprecedented in terms of aggression and difficulty, and that is why I would like to address you today. And I would like to thank you and express our appreciation for the position taken by your countries, the brave positions taken by your countries, which make us believe that free peoples are here to stay. These are the people that will lead the world to transform it into a more human and ethical world, a world which is more able to be creative. Just like the ITU is doing right now, Palestine, despite all the challenges it is facing, is committed to go forward and to encourage progress, universality, the improvement of quality of life for all people. There is a real movement in place, a real commitment and belief that digital transformation is very important. This is true in Palestine and we can say that despite all the challenges we are facing, we are standing besides countries that have reached very advanced stages in progress and implementation of their digital transformation and AI. Today I am extremely proud of those who are an inspiration for us and who allow us to be competitive on this very important platform. For the first time in two years, we are being awarded global recognitions with the support of the ITU in this field. Of course, Palestine has set up a full digital transformation program. All the institutions of the State of Palestine have been encouraged to go forward in an accelerated manner to implement this transformation and to implement information technologies. This technology has spread to every sector and every part of the daily life of the inhabitants of Palestine. The digital sector has a very important role to play and I would like to wish you all the best on behalf of the Ministry for the Economy. Our country is going through very difficult challenges at the moment, but despite this, we have made great progress in terms of the implementation of ICTs and we would like to urge the ITU to support us and to spearhead creative and innovative solutions. I hope that we can get to a level on which we can export the programs that are in place in Palestine thanks to young programmers who are a source of inspiration and creativity in our country. I believe I did not take the floor for longer than my colleagues. I did not speak for longer than them. I believe only my colleague from Somalia stuck to his three minutes. My message to the ITU is the following. We must focus on the upcoming steps. So many of us until now have not been able to use information technology and in view of this, the ITU should leave no one behind. We should all have access to information technologies. All of our peoples need this support. In Palestine, we have spearheaded in the field of information technologies and we have relied on our human resources for this. We are ready through the ITU to go to any country in the world and allow them to benefit from our experience. We would be able to cover the costs of this so that we can play an important role and leave no one behind. No child, no vulnerable group. And we wish that all can benefit from our efforts because we do not want to see a continuation of the status quo and we do not want to see our part of the world left behind. Thank you very much.

Karen McCabe:
So with that, we will now move on. Sorry, I lost my place here for a moment. We will now move on to Thailand. The Deputy Secretary General, Acting Secretary General Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission. As a communications regulator… Wait, I’m so sorry. I’ve lost my space here for a moment. My apologies. As a communication regulator, how does NBTC support the use of ICTs and manage frequency allocation to foster sustainable development for the future?

Trairat Viriyasirikul:
Thank you, Moderator. Before I answer the questions, I would like to say something. Excellency, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it is an opportunity to be here with you in this session that allows me to share our work towards the promotion of ICT for development in Thailand. Since the spectrum auction for 3G service in 2010, the telecommunications sector in Thailand has grown very fast, even faster with the auction for 4G and 5G. This auction not only promoted investment in infrastructure but facilitated network coverage expansion and enhanced service quality. By 2022, most of the area in Thailand is already covered by 5G. As we all know, ICTs are more than connectivity or information access. That’s why the NBTC is now exploring how ICT can be used to drive meaningful development and sustainability. The NBTC has support various projects across various sectors in the public health sector, for example. The NBTC support the Samad Hospital Project with 5G technology and AI for Sibilat Hospital in 2022, showing how hospital can integrate 5G and AI technology into traditional healthcare service to improve efficiency. Another project is called the Yusonet Center, which we have provided public wireless network for villages, especially in schools, to ensure that everyone can benefit from ICT wherever they are. Now, I would like to share the ongoing project called the Land Bridge Project. This project aims to accommodate and modernize maritime transport in the region between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean by 2030, making the transport more efficient by saving time, cost, energy under the concept bridging the East and the West Coast together. As a telecommunication regulator, the NBTC is expecting to support this major project by promoting ICT adoption to accommodate traditional works relevant to this project, such as double-track railway operation and pipeline transport management for more seamless connectivity. The second project I want to mention is called Thailand 5G Smart Port. It initiated in 2032 and led by the Port Authority of Thailand. The project aims to study potential of smart port development by using 5G and green technology while preparing employees for digital transformation. In this project, three main semi-automated ports in Thailand are expected to transform into green automation ports by using 5G and green technologies for their port logistics. Moreover, the 5G technology is expected to reduce energy consumption and human error, increase accuracy and safety but not replace human. To conclude, the regulator’s role regarding ICT is not only about network coverage or service quality but also a regulation or a strategy that can promote sustainability and the use of ICT for development to ensure that people can fully benefit from ICT. Thank you.

Karen McCabe:
Thank you so much. To conclude our session, we have one more speaker. We have Ms. Carol Roach, the chair of the UNIGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group. So here we are. Hello. I was wondering if you had a microphone down there. Digital cooperation is vital to drive ICTs for development. As the chair of the IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group, we know as the MAG, how is Internet Governance Forum meaningfully engaging diverse actors at local, regional and global levels to contribute to an enabling digital environment? Thank you.

Carol Roach:
Thank you. Good question. Distinguished participants, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, I’ll try to be brief. So, yes, I am the chair for the IGF or the MAG group. There are over 40 members from different walks of life, from civil society, governments, from tech. So we’re quite a diverse and active group. The forum operates on a multistakeholder basis where all stakeholders participate on an equal footing. We do this so that all voices can be heard. This year, we’re under the topic, the IGF 2024 is under the topic Advanced Building a Multistakeholder Digital Future. And one of the things that we try to do this year in our sub-themes is to look at people, to be people-centric, to see what the issues are, both from the internet and digital aspect. So the sub-themes this year are Harnessing Innovation and Balancing Risks in a Digital Space. This is something we heard often and we’re going to hear more of during this conference, the whole risks. We’re also looking at Enhancing the Digital Contribution to Peace, Development, and Sustainability. Again, something that’s very critical today in the climate that we have. Advancing Human Rights and Inclusion in the Digital Age. Human rights is the foundation. We cannot get away from it. Improving digital governance for the internet that we want. So the forum is focused on trying to develop for the digital age. We’re more than just a forum, though, even though we do welcome over 9,000 persons to our annual events. There are over 170 organic, bottom-up, national IGFs. We encourage everybody here to go to the website and see if you have one in your country, and please let your voice be heard. Join in the emailing list there. We also have other intersessional activities such as the Policy Networks on Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, meaningful access. We’re excited that the IGF’s parliamentary track is really booming and blossoming. So all the parliamentarians that are here or in your country, we encourage them to participate in the IGF track. Again, you will hear this week, as you’ve heard today, that the youth are very important in forwarding digital development. So we have a very active youth track. So for digital… OK, sorry. So I just want to invite everybody to Riyadh in December 2024 to join us at the IGF forum there. And again, please visit our website at intgovforum.org and look up all the NRIs and the dynamic coalitions that we have there and all the intersessional work. Thank you for having me.

Karen McCabe:
Thank you so much. And with that, I think we’re at time, but please join me in a round of applause for our esteemed panel today. Thank you.