Session
Organizer 1: Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Organizer 2: Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 3: Technical Community, African Group
Organizer 2: Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 3: Technical Community, African Group
Speaker 1: Pedro Lana, Technical Community, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 2: Bruna Santos, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 3: Farzaneh Badii, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 4: Israel Rosas, Technical Community, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 2: Bruna Santos, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 3: Farzaneh Badii, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 4: Israel Rosas, Technical Community, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Format
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: The mix of stakeholders ensures a balanced and comprehensive discussion. For 4 speakers, 60 minutes is sufficient including 40 (roundtable) + 20 (Q&A). A roundtable (U-shaped desired) has proven to be successful for in-depth insights from expert panelists while maximizing audience engagement.
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: The mix of stakeholders ensures a balanced and comprehensive discussion. For 4 speakers, 60 minutes is sufficient including 40 (roundtable) + 20 (Q&A). A roundtable (U-shaped desired) has proven to be successful for in-depth insights from expert panelists while maximizing audience engagement.
Policy Question(s)
1) How can digital sovereignty be exercised while preserving net neutrality and global internet interoperability?
2) What are the technical and policy-based risks of digital fragmentation, and how can they be mitigated?
3) What role do governments, private sector actors, and civil society play in ensuring an open and resilient internet?
What will participants gain from attending this session? * A comprehensive understanding of how digital sovereignty is reshaping the internet landscape.
* Insights into the work of global internet governance experts and real-world policy applications.
* Experiences about case studies on internet fragmentation, geopolitical influences, and technical countermeasures.
* Practical knowledge of policy and technical solutions that balance sovereignty with openness.
* The opportunity to engage with leading policymakers, researchers, and industry experts to contribute to policy solutions.
SDGs
Description:
The Internet has thrived on core values such as openness, global interoperability, and decentralization, yet these are increasingly under threat due to digital sovereignty measures, censorship, and geopolitical pressures. This session organized by the Internet Society Alumni Network will explore the interplay between digital sovereignty, net neutrality, and internet fragmentation, bringing together a distinguished panel of experts who have been at the forefront of internet governance and policy advocacy. This multi-stakeholder discussion will analyze real-world cases of internet fragmentation driven by legislative decisions, economic sanctions, and infrastructure restrictions. Panelists will assess the broader implications for global interoperability, economic development, and digital rights. The discussion will be framed around core internet values and strategies to mitigate harmful fragmentation while respecting national policy priorities. Key focus areas include: * The impact of digital sovereignty on cross-border internet governance and economic development. * The role of net neutrality in ensuring fair and equal access to information and services. * The risks of internet fragmentation due to state-imposed restrictions and infrastructure manipulation. * Strategies for balancing national interests with the principles of a unified and open internet. * The responsibilities of different stakeholder groups in shaping digital policies that promote inclusion and interoperability.
The Internet has thrived on core values such as openness, global interoperability, and decentralization, yet these are increasingly under threat due to digital sovereignty measures, censorship, and geopolitical pressures. This session organized by the Internet Society Alumni Network will explore the interplay between digital sovereignty, net neutrality, and internet fragmentation, bringing together a distinguished panel of experts who have been at the forefront of internet governance and policy advocacy. This multi-stakeholder discussion will analyze real-world cases of internet fragmentation driven by legislative decisions, economic sanctions, and infrastructure restrictions. Panelists will assess the broader implications for global interoperability, economic development, and digital rights. The discussion will be framed around core internet values and strategies to mitigate harmful fragmentation while respecting national policy priorities. Key focus areas include: * The impact of digital sovereignty on cross-border internet governance and economic development. * The role of net neutrality in ensuring fair and equal access to information and services. * The risks of internet fragmentation due to state-imposed restrictions and infrastructure manipulation. * Strategies for balancing national interests with the principles of a unified and open internet. * The responsibilities of different stakeholder groups in shaping digital policies that promote inclusion and interoperability.
Expected Outcomes
* A policy brief summarizes key takeaways from the discussion and challenges and proposed solutions to digital sovereignty and fragmentation.
* A multi-stakeholder dialogue report highlighting areas of consensus and contention.
* Actionable recommendations for policymakers and technical experts on net neutrality, frameworks and principles.
* Increased awareness of the consequences of internet fragmentation and potential mitigation strategies.
Hybrid Format: * Onsite and online moderators will facilitate interactions to ensure equal participation from in-person and remote attendees on a round-robin basis (1 on-site, 1 online, ..)
* Real-time polling and Q&A tools (Mentimeter or Zoom) will be used to enhance engagement.
* A dedicated rapporteur will document key takeaways and publish a session summary.
* Online participants will be encouraged to contribute through chat and interactive tools. (Via Zoom and Mentimeter)
* The model 40 minutes + 20 Q&A has been proven in the past with success, allowing a big space for interaction with the audience and online participants and hubs.