Story Summary:
- Paradigm Initiative (PIN) will participate in the United Nations Summit of the Future on 22-23 September 2024 in New York, focusing on closing the digital divide through inclusive innovation and cooperation.
- The PIN delegation, led by Executive Director ‘Gbenga Sesan, will present a brief titled “Towards a Common Digital Future,” advocating for the use of Universal Service Funds (USFs) to bridge the digital gap, especially in the Global South.
- PIN will also engage in various events and consultations, discussing the Global Digital Compact and preparing for the 2025 Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum in Zambia
Three representatives from Paradigm Initiative (PIN) are gearing up to attend the United Nations Summit of the Future (SOTF), scheduled for 22-23 September 2024 in New York City. The summit will bring together global leaders to address key challenges, with a focus on creating a safer and more inclusive digital future.
PIN’s delegation, led by Executive Director ‘Gbenga Sesan, along with Senior Manager for Partnerships and Engagements, Thobekile Matimbe, and Senior Manager for Grants and Programmes Strategy, Adeboye Adegoke, will advocate for inclusive innovation and collaboration to close the digital divide, particularly across the Global South.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Thobekile Matimbe highlighted the importance of the event, saying, “The event will culminate in the adoption of the Global Digital Compact that we hope will, among others, promote the safe use of digital technologies, inclusion of the vast global majority, reduction of vulnerabilities, and the development of policies promoting digital rights.”
The SOTF will introduce a Pact for the Future, a key document addressing areas such as sustainable development, digital cooperation, and transforming global governance. The launch of the Global Digital Compact (GDC), an annexure to the Pact, will focus on fostering global collaboration to address the digital divide.
On 23 September, PIN will present a brief during the session titled “Towards a Common Digital Future: Strengthening Inclusive Innovation and Cooperation to Bridge the Digital Divides.” The session will spotlight the extent of the digital divide in the Global South and call for the use of Universal Service Funds (USFs) to bridge this gap.
In addition to the summit, PIN’s delegation will participate in the Global South Alliance Action Days, engage with state delegates, and attend several partner events, including the GDC Civil Society Consultation. The delegation will also meet with funders to discuss PIN’s upcoming Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum, scheduled for 2025 in Lusaka, Zambia.
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