IGP is thrilled to announce its workshop (WS 257) at the 2024 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh: Emerging Norms for Digital Public Infrastructure: Tensions Between Globalization & Protectionism. Scheduled for December 17, Time: 9:30 am (local Riyadh time) 12 noon (Indian Standard Time).
This session organized by IGP’s Regional Director Jyoti Panday will offer a unique conversation around the transformative potential of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and its implications for global digital governance.
What Is Digital Public Infrastructure and Why Does It Matter?
Digital Public Infrastructure refers to coordinated strategies to build large-scale systems, platforms, and services that mediate key identity and payment processes in the digital economy. DPI’s rapid development raises pressing questions economic relations, as it blurs lines between public and private sectors, and challenges traditional governance paradigms.
While DPIs promise to enhance connectivity and efficiency, they also pose significant risks, from threats against privacy and security to fraud and the digital divide. Moreover, the interplay between digital sovereignty and globalization adds layers of complexity—will DPIs bridge divides or deepen fragmentation?
A Workshop Designed for Impact
This 90-minute workshop is designed to delve into these critical issues, bringing together voices from government, industry, academia, and civil society. At its core, this workshop aims to create a shared understanding and more focused definitions of what constitutes DPI. Moderated by Professor Milton Mueller from Georgia Institute of Technology, the session will feature key stakeholders in the DPI space:
- Pramod Varma (Ekstep Foundation, India), representing a vision for DPI deeply rooted in India’s ambitious national framework.
- David Magard (EU Digital Identity Wallet Consortium), advocating for a European approach to digital identity, underscored by a collaborative consortium model.
- Ambassador Henri Verdier (French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs), providing insights into the global governance challenges of DPIs.
- Jyoti Panday (Internet Governance Project), offering perspectives from academic research on governance and data.
- Professor Luca Belli (Center for Technology and Society), highlighting the Brazilian experience with DPI.
- Anriette Esterhuysen (Chair of IGF’s Multistakeholder Advisory Group), bringing civil society’s voice to the fore.
The Purpose: Fostering Dialogue and Building Consensus
Through moderated debates and discussions, participants will:
- Compare differing approaches to DPI across regions.
- Examine the trade-offs inherent in state-market collaboration, data sovereignty and exportability
- Reflect on the impact of DPIs on data governance and competition.
- Identify common principles to guide DPI development and mitigate risks of internet fragmentation.
Why You Should Attend
Attendees will gain unparalleled insights into the complex world of DPI and its far-reaching implications for policy, business, and society. this workshop is a must-attend for anyone interested in the future of digital governance. Whether you’re a policymaker, industry leader, researcher, or advocate, be part of the conversation and make your voice heard. Mark your calendars for WS 257 December 17, 9:30 AM Riyadh time. See you there!
