Lagos: A Pan-African organisation, Paradigm Initiative (PIN), on Tuesday said it was committed to engaging with global stakeholders in shaping policies that uphold a free, open, and inclusive internet.
The Executive Director of PIN, Mr Gbenga Sesan, said this at the 20th Global Internet Governance Forum (IGF).
Sesan said that PIN believed meaningful digital inclusion required more than just connectivity.
IGF is a global multi-stakeholder platform that facilitates the discussion of public policy issues about the internet.
Sesan demanded inclusive, progressive, and sustainable policies and frameworks that consider the realities of grassroots stakeholders.
He said that the forum came at a crucial time when digital governance decisions were shaping the future of billions of individuals.
According to him, the voices and solutions of grassroots communities must be heard and integrated into these global conversations.
“PIN’s participation reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to amplify digital inclusion, protect digital rights, and influence global internet governance frameworks that prioritise accountability and meaningful connectivity for marginalised communities.
“It remains committed to ensuring that digital rights are firmly rooted in grassroots realities and that global governance is inclusive of marginalised voices, ” he said.
The forum from June 23 to June 27 will focus on “Building Digital Governance Together.”
It will bring together government, civil society, the private sector, and technical communities to address pressing digital issues, including equitable access, AI ethics, surveillance, and content moderation.
It will be a build-up to the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 review process, which is set for December.