Video will become available 10 minutes before session start
The discussion will focus on several policy guiding questions from the ones listed below:
Policy and Regulation
How can inclusive policies and stronger regulatory frameworks close the digital divide, lower internet costs, and enforce accessibility standards? What national policies are needed to advance digital literacy alongside infrastructure development, and how can they be tailored for women, youth, and the elderly? How should national regulations be adapted to support the legal establishment and operation of community networks? What regulatory reforms can ease access to spectrum for non-profit community networks? How can community networks be formally recognized within the connectivity ecosystem? What spectrum models (shared use, social licenses, unlicensed spectrum) can better support community networks?
Financing and Sustainability
What funding mechanisms and incentives can support sustainable local connectivity initiatives? How can Universal ICT Funds be structured to effectively finance community networks? What tax incentives or exemptions can reduce financial barriers for community networks? How can funding be prioritized for underserved areas and community-led initiatives?
Recognition and Integration in Public Policies
What value propositions can governments offer Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to support meaningful connectivity efforts What roles should different stakeholders play to achieve affordable, sustainable, and universal internet access? How can successful community networks be supported through national and local public policies? How can community networks be formally integrated into national, departmental, and municipal connectivity plans?
Participatory and Local Governance
What forms of community governance should be recognized in public policy frameworks? How can rural, indigenous, and Afro-descendant communities effectively participate in connectivity policy-making?
Multi-sectoral Collaboration and Partnerships
What models of local ownership and community-led governance can be adapted to different contexts? What strategic alliances between governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector can boost community network development? What role can universities and research centers play in supporting community networks?
Meaningful Ownership and Digital Rights
What measures can promote meaningful Internet access in rural areas beyond just technical connectivity? How can public policies align Internet access with its recognition as a fundamental right and essential service? How can policies strengthen digital skills and community-led technology appropriation?
Organizers: NRI organizers listed here:
Henry Wang, Singapore IGF Judith Hellerstein, IGF-USA Julián Casasbuenas G., - Colombian IGF Levy Syanseke, Youth Zambia IGF Poncelet Ileleji, The Gambia IGF Suzete Centeio, Cabo Verde IGF Tiago Martins, Portugal IGF Una Wang, Singapore IGF Shin Yamasaki, Japan IGF Zeina BOU HARB, Lebanon IGF Ahmed Farah, North African IGF Fotjon Kosta, Albania IGF Kasun Tharaka, Sri Lanka IGF Mary Uduma, West African IGF Marcelo Valenzuela, Chile IGF Elia Gabriela (Rachel Gaby) Vasquez Hermoso, Panama IGF Saba Tiku, Ethiopia Youth IGF Lilian Chamorro, LACIGF
Speakers designated by the NRIs multistakeholder committees will be confirmed by 10 May 2025.
Video will become available 10 minutes before session start
