Session
Emerging Youth Initiative
Name: Gabriel Karsan, Founding Director, Emerging Youth Initiative Dr. Monojit Das Executive Editor, India Aerospace Magazine Technical Group, Asia Dr. Jannatul Ferdous Associate Professor, Comilla University. Bangladesh Kyezonya Blessing Bako Tech Policy Expert - Global South perspectives
Dr. Monojit Das Executive Editor, India Aerospace Magazine Technical Group, Asia Dr. Jannatul Ferdous Associate Professor, Comilla University. Bangladesh Samaila Bako Cybersecurity Expert, CSEAN Technical stakeholder, Africa Milton Cabral CapeVerde Digital Government stakeholder, Africa
Jesse Nathan Kalange
Ihita Gangrapavu
Kyezonya Blessing Bako
4. Quality Education
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
17. Partnerships for the Goals
Targets: Reducing Inequalities (SDG 10): Digital Inclusion Bridging the digital divide is a critical step toward reducing inequalities. By ensuring that everyone has access to modern computation tools, we empower marginalized communities and level the playing field. Affordability:Addressing the high costs associated with internet access aligns with SDG 10. Making connectivity affordable for all promotes economic and social equity. Supporting Innovation (SDG 9): Frontier Technologies: Encouraging collaboration around frontier technologie such as quantum computing, AI, and clean energy directly contributes to SDG 9. These innovations drive economic growth, enhance industry, and foster sustainable development. Open Source Collaboration: Promoting open-source collaboration democratizes innovation. When knowledge flows freely, it accelerates progress and benefits all, regardless of their geographical location. Quality Education (SDG 4): Digital Literacy:Digital literacy is a cornerstone of quality education. Empowering individuals with the skills to navigate complex interfaces, understand algorithms, and use computation effectively aligns with SDG 4. Norms and Policies: Educating policymakers and stakeholders about the normative aspects of frontier computation ensures that policies prioritize inclusivity and equitable access. Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): Multistakeholder Dialogue: exemplifies SDG 17. By bringing together governments, tech companies, civil society, and academia, you foster collaboration and collective action. Shared Infrastructure: Collaborative efforts to build shared networking infrastructure resonate with SDG 17's emphasis on partnerships. Together, we can create an interconnected digital ecosystem.
Theater
Opening Remarks (10 minutes) We kick off by setting the stage. Our goal: to explore how shared computation can narrow digital gaps. Here’s what to expect: Welcome: A warm introduction to our session by moderator Context: Why bridging compute divides matters. Agenda Overview: A sneak peek into the session flow. (10 minutes) Experts take the floor. They’ll share insights on: Compute Disparities: What’s at stake? Challenges: The invisible barriers hindering access. Solutions: How can we level the playing field? 3. Interactive Panel (25 minutes) Our diverse panel dives deep: Shared Infrastructure: Can we build it together? Policy Reflection: Balancing incentives and inclusivity. Digital Literacy: Empowering users. 4. Breakout Sessions (20 minutes) You become part of the conversation: Small Groups: Discuss real-world scenarios. Scenario-Based: Tackle compute access, literacy, and norms. Report Back: Share your group’s insights. 5. Q&A and Audience Participation (20 minutes) Your turn! Ask questions, challenge assumptions, and engage: Audience Queries: Fire away. Critical Inquiry: Let’s dig deeper. 6. Closing Reflections (10 minutes) We wrap up: Key Takeaways: What did we learn? Call to Action: How can we bridge divides?
In our rapidly evolving digital landscape, the pursuit of computational supremacy has become a global race. Quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and other frontier technologies are reshaping human progress. However, as we accelerate toward this digital frontier, we encounter a stark reality: a deepening gap between those who benefit from these innovations and the next billion who remain on the periphery, dreaming of internet access. The Digital Divide Revisited: Unseen Barriers The term “digital divide” traditionally referred to the gap between those with internet access and those without. But today, it encompasses more than mere connectivity. Let’s explore the invisible barriers that exacerbate this divide: High Costs: While efforts focus on connecting everyone, affordability remains a critical issue. Internet prices in many developing countries far exceed the United Nations’ target of less than 2% of the national average monthly income1. Bridging this cost gap is essential. Low Digital Literacy: Access alone is insufficient. Empowering users with digital literacy skills is equally vital. Without the ability to navigate complex interfaces and utilize online tools effectively, connectivity remains underutilized1. Complex User Interfaces: Complicated interfaces hinder adoption. We must design user-friendly experiences that empower even the least tech-savvy individuals to harness the power of computation. Towards Inclusive Computation: A Multistakeholder Dialogue Our proposed Day 0 event aims to foster dialogue among stakeholders governments, tech companies, civil society, and academia around the following key elements: Shared Infrastructure: Imagine a world where shared networking infrastructure built on progressive clean energy enables seamless computation. By pooling resources, we can bridge gaps and democratize access. Quality Data: Access to clean, reliable data is fundamental. Let’s advocate for policies that prioritize data quality and openness, ensuring that everyone benefits from the digital ecosystem. Open Source Collaboration: Frontier technologies thrive when knowledge flows freely. Encouraging open-source collaboration can level the playing field, especially between global south and north regions. Literacy and Norms: Literacy extends beyond reading and writing. Digital literacy understanding algorithms, privacy, and security is essential. Norms around frontier computation should prioritize inclusivity. Social Capital as Human Capital We believe that interconnectedness is the bedrock of progress. When social capital knowledge shared, experiences exchanged is amplified by a robust internet infrastructure, it becomes human capital. Civic action and innovation emerge when barriers dissolve, and equal shaping of frontier tech becomes a reality
We shall ensure effective engagement balance of using active chat, online equal slot management in questions, Use of the online mentimeter feature for polls and reflection for a collective and distributed inclusive participation of stakeholders.
Report
1. Inclusive Infrastructure Development: Addressing digital divides requires localized and inclusive infrastructure initiatives that prioritize rural connectivity, cost-effective telecom models, and public-private partnerships 2. Policy and Collaboration Frameworks: Effective policy-making must involve a multistakeholder approach, emphasizing cross-border data frameworks and sustainable investments in computation resources, AI, and 5G technology
Accelerate Infrastructure Sharing: Governments, private sectors, and telecom providers must commit to infrastructure-sharing agreements to reduce costs, improve broadband accessibility, Strengthen Digital Literacy Programs: Launch and scale digital literacy initiatives that prioritize underserved populations, Promote Multistakeholder Policy Development: Convene regional and global stakeholders to draft policies that address emerging technologies,
Introduction
The digital divide remains one of the most significant challenges for global equity, particularly in the Global South. As digital technologies such as AI, cloud computing, and 5G become increasingly integrated into all aspects of life, the need for equitable access to computation resources and infrastructure is critical. This session focused on the concept of “Sharing and Exchanging Compute” and explored new digital divisions that limit access to vital technologies. The discussion emphasized localized solutions, collaborative frameworks, and inclusive infrastructure development to bridge these divides and ensure equitable participation in the digital economy. Key takeaways and call-to-action points were outlined to provide actionable strategies for addressing the digital gap.
Key Takeaways
1. Inclusive Infrastructure Development
A major takeaway from the session was the importance of addressing the digital divide through localized and inclusive infrastructure development. In many regions, particularly rural areas, the lack of digital infrastructure is a significant barrier to economic development and access to essential services. Initiatives like the PAYAG (Public Access Youth and Adults Group) have demonstrated the power of multilingual digital literacy programs that cater to diverse linguistic and cultural needs. These programs not only provide vital skills but also empower individuals by making them active participants in the digital economy.
Public-private partnerships (PPP) were also emphasized as a vital component for sustainable infrastructure development. By pooling resources and expertise, these partnerships can deliver cost-effective telecom models and enhance broadband connectivity in underserved regions. By prioritizing rural connectivity, governments can help create an inclusive digital environment that empowers all citizens, regardless of location.
2. Policy and Collaboration Frameworks
Effective policy-making in the digital realm requires a multistakeholder approach. Governments, industry, and civil society must work together to create cross-border data frameworks that foster collaboration and innovation while ensuring the protection of citizens’ rights and equitable resource allocation. The rapid evolution of technologies such as AI and 5G makes it essential for policymakers to adopt forward-thinking strategies that promote collaboration and address the disparities in access to computational resources.
Investments in computational resources, particularly in underdeveloped and developing regions, were identified as key to driving innovation while promoting inclusivity. The session stressed the importance of ensuring that the technological advancements of the digital era are accessible to all, rather than deepening existing inequalities.
3. Empowerment Through Literacy and Localized Solutions
Digital literacy was highlighted as an essential tool for empowering marginalized communities, especially women and older generations. Tailoring literacy programs to specific socio-economic groups, cultures, and linguistic contexts can bridge the knowledge gap and facilitate long-term inclusion in the digital economy. The session discussed successful case studies of localized solutions that have been effective in bringing digital literacy to underserved populations. For example, programs that integrate local languages and cultural contexts are more likely to have sustained impacts and create digital environments that are relevant to the participants’ lives.
Providing marginalized groups with access to digital tools, training, and support is vital for fostering economic participation and narrowing the socio-economic gap. The importance of ensuring that digital literacy programs reach rural communities and those traditionally left behind in digital adoption was emphasized.
Call-to-Action Points
1. Accelerate Infrastructure Sharing
One of the key action points from the session was the need to accelerate infrastructure-sharing initiatives. Governments, private sectors, and telecom providers must commit to sharing digital infrastructure to reduce costs, improve broadband accessibility, and minimize the environmental impact of duplicative infrastructure projects. The digital divide is often exacerbated by high infrastructure costs in rural areas, which makes infrastructure-sharing agreements essential for making broadband more accessible and affordable.
By sharing infrastructure, stakeholders can expand the reach of high-speed internet and computational resources, ensuring that all communities, particularly in remote and rural areas, have access to the tools necessary for digital participation. Governments should incentivize these initiatives through regulatory frameworks that encourage cooperation among telecom providers and other stakeholders.
2. Strengthen Digital Literacy Programs
The session strongly called for the scaling of digital literacy programs, particularly for underserved and marginalized populations such as women, older generations, and rural communities. As digital tools become integral to economic participation, empowering these populations with the skills and knowledge to navigate the digital world will be essential for ensuring equitable development.
Governments and private organizations should invest in training programs that not only teach technical skills but also provide the social support needed to integrate underserved groups into the digital economy. Tailored, culturally sensitive programs that address local needs and languages will help overcome barriers to digital inclusion.
3. Promote Multistakeholder Policy Development
The importance of promoting multistakeholder policy development was another critical call-to-action. As emerging technologies like AI, cloud computing, and 5G revolutionize the digital landscape, it is vital that governments and other stakeholders collaborate on policies that govern the digital space. This includes addressing issues related to data protection, cross-border data exchange, equitable resource allocation, and the role of technology in fostering inclusive growth.
International collaboration on these issues will be key to creating a global digital framework that ensures technology works for all, not just the privileged few. Regional forums and partnerships can be utilized to bring together diverse actors, including policymakers, tech companies, NGOs, and community groups, to draft inclusive digital policies that promote equity, safety, and access to digital resources.
Conclusion
The session on Sharing and Exchanging Compute provided valuable insights into the digital divides that persist across the globe, particularly in rural and marginalized communities. The discussions emphasized that addressing these divides requires localized infrastructure solutions, cross-sector collaboration, and a commitment to digital literacy. By accelerating infrastructure-sharing, strengthening digital literacy programs, and promoting inclusive, multistakeholder policy development, we can begin to bridge the digital divide and empower communities to participate fully in the digital economy.
In the context of the Global South, where digital inequalities are often most pronounced, these steps are critical to ensuring that emerging technologies benefit all people and drive inclusive growth. The session highlighted the importance of building infrastructure, policies, and literacy initiatives that respect local cultures, languages, and socio-economic realities, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.