Session
Organizer 1: Bendjedid Rachad Sanoussi, Digital Grassroots
Speaker 1: Bendjedid Rachad Sanoussi, Technical Community, African Group
Speaker 2: Esther Mwema, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 3: Pavel Farhan, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Bendjedid Rachad Sanoussi, Technical Community, African Group
Esther Mwema, Civil Society, African Group
Bendjedid Rachad Sanoussi, Technical Community, African Group
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: The session format, with its dynamic icebreaker, brain-writing activities, insightful discussions, small-group brainstorming, and debriefing, is designed to maximize participant engagement and collaboration. It encourages networking, idea generation, diversity of viewpoints, and the co-creation of concrete results in a structured and interactive setting. This format optimizes the exploration of digital exclusion and the development of effective strategies to promote digital inclusion, making it ideal for the objectives of our activity.
1. How can we ensure fair access to digital technologies for marginalized groups as AI and digital innovations advance? 2. What policies can address the root causes of digital exclusion, including socio-economic disparities and lack of digital literacy? 3. How can international cooperation improve data governance, especially regarding cross-border data flows and AI advancement?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants and attendees at our session will gain valuable insights and strategies for tackling digital exclusion in the AI era. Through discussions and collaborative activities, participants will develop a deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing and using digital technologies. They will discover innovative approaches and best practices to promote digital inclusion and equity, acquiring practical tools and strategies to overcome barriers to digital inclusion. By exchanging ideas and points of view with various stakeholders, participants will contribute to meaningful discussions and co-create results and solutions. This session will enable participants to take concrete steps to foster digital inclusion for all, leading to positive social impact and equity in the digital space.
Description:
Digital technologies offer immense benefits to society, but many groups face barriers to digital inclusion, including older people, the unemployed, and people with disabilities. As our daily lives become increasingly dependent on digital technologies and the internet, these groups risk social isolation, security vulnerabilities, and exclusion from economic opportunities. This session aims to explore the complexities of digital exclusion and its intersections with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). We will explore the challenges faced by marginalised communities in accessing and effectively using digital tools, with a focus on understanding the root causes of digital exclusion. Participants in this session will engage in discussions to identify the main barriers to digital inclusion and reflect on innovative solutions to address these challenges. We will draw on diverse perspectives and experiences to uncover actionable insights that can lead to meaningful change in promoting digital inclusion for all. The session programme includes • A dynamic ice-breaker to encourage networking and sharing of experiences between participants. • Brain-writing activities to capture ideas, questions, and recommendations related to digital exclusion and AI. • Insightful discussions with session speakers to deepen understanding and explore practical strategies. • Brainstorming sessions in small groups to co-create actionable outcomes and formats to tackle digital exclusion. • A debriefing session to summarise the main lessons learned and define the next steps for collaborative action. In addition, we aim to document all the inputs from the sessions and turn them into visual notes with the help of an illustrator. These visual notes will serve as a valuable resource for sharing ideas and recommendations beyond the event, contributing to ongoing efforts to promote digital inclusion and equity.
Expected outcomes of the session include a better understanding of digital exclusion and AI challenges, innovative solutions for digital inclusion, and concrete ideas for promoting global digital equity. Specific outcomes may include visual notes summarising the discussions, which can be shared after the event. The session aims to encourage collaboration and networking between participants, which could lead to follow-up initiatives, publications, or partnerships focused on tackling digital exclusion and promoting inclusive digital ecosystems globally.
Hybrid Format: 1. Interactions between onsite and online speakers will be facilitated by the onsite and online moderators, respectively. Equal speaking opportunities will be made available to both online and onsite attendees. 2. The onsite moderator will periodically check in with the online moderator to address any interactions raised by the online participants. Online participants are encouraged to contribute to the discussions using the online chat as well.
Report
Stakeholders must ensure that AI systems are tailored to local realities, languages, and marginalized groups to prevent exacerbating digital exclusion
Governments, private sector, and civil society must collaborate to provide affordable internet access, digital literacy programs, and community-driven AI innovations
Prioritize funding and policies that enhance digital infrastructure and promote equitable access to AI tools for underserved populations
Invest in the development of AI solutions that address local needs and involve communities in co-creating tools that promote inclusivity and fairness
Key Takeaways
- Stakeholders must ensure that AI systems are tailored to local realities, languages, and marginalized groups to prevent exacerbating digital exclusion.
- Governments, private sector, and civil society must collaborate to provide affordable internet access, digital literacy programs, and community-driven AI innovations.
Calls to Action
- Prioritize funding and policies that enhance digital infrastructure and promote equitable access to AI tools for underserved populations.
- Invest in the development of AI solutions that address local needs and involve communities in co-creating tools that promote inclusivity and fairness.