By Muhammed Bello Buhari | May 17, 2024
Digital Grassroots joins the global community in celebrating World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2024, a significant event established by the UN General Assembly in 2005. This day highlights the transformative potential of the internet and other technologies in driving socio-economic development and emphasizes the critical need to bridge the digital divide. Celebrated on May 17, this date marks the signing of the First International Telegraph Convention in 1865, which founded the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and laid the groundwork for international cooperation and innovation in the dynamic field of communication and information technology.
The 2024 WTISD theme, “Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development,” resonates profoundly with the challenges faced globally, especially in marginalized communities. These challenges include the digital divide, which disproportionately affects vulnerable groups such as women, persons with disabilities, and rural and indigenous communities. Digital repression tactics, such as internet shutdowns and cybersecurity threats, further exacerbate these issues, necessitating urgent attention and collective action.
On this important occasion, Digital Grassroots reflects on the state of digital inclusion and internet governance. While acknowledging significant strides in access and connectivity over the past decade, we also highlight persistent challenges in navigating the rapidly evolving digital landscape. The WTISD serves as a reminder of the urgent need to narrow the digital divide and ensure equitable access to information and communication technologies (ICTs).
At Digital Grassroots, our mission is to empower youth and foster inclusion in the digital ecosystem, aligning with international frameworks and principles that champion data protection and freedom of expression. Our programs are designed to promote digital literacy and internet governance, ensuring that individuals from underrepresented communities can fully benefit from the digital age.
Our Key Initiatives:
Digital Grassroots Ambassadors Program: This eight-week program introduces youth from underrepresented communities to internet governance issues. It provides a pathway for the youth to engage their local community in activities that promote digital citizenship. Through the program mentorship, participants leverage connections with internet governance experts and learn how to contribute to shaping internet policies as newcomers. It includes digital literacy training, an Internet Literacy Course that provides valuable resources and education on digital citizenship.
Digital Rights Learning Exchange (DRLX): DRLX engages participants from underrepresented regions in a six-week virtual course to foster global collaboration on group projects related to program themes, promote shared learning on digital rights issues occurring in the participants’ local communities and build networks for digital rights advocates. This in collaboration with the Open Internet for Democracy Initiative.
Community Leaders Program: The six-week remote program connects and empowers diverse communities in fundamental aspects for promoting Internet usage globally. This program spotlights internet issues in diverse local community contexts and creates collaboration among local leaders to engage with tools for open campaigning towards solving the issues.
Digital Rights Monopoly Game: By integrating gamification into our training programs, we enhance digital literacy among newcomers in the internet governance space. This interactive learning approach empowers participants to understand their digital rights and navigate the complexities of the online world.
Through these initiatives, Digital Grassroots remains committed to fostering digital inclusion and eliminating barriers to access. Our approach aligns with the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa 2020-2030 (Africa DTS), which aims to leverage technology for integration, inclusive growth, job creation, and poverty eradication.
As we look into 2024, we are eager to contribute to a more equal digital ecosystem. We will grow our team to build towards organizational sustainability, ensuring that our efforts over the past six years continue to create lasting impacts on our community. We are also participating in the Feminist Accountability Framework Steering Committee and the sole youth leaders in the Generation Equality Forum’s Action Coalition for Technology and Innovation for Gender Equality.
Digital Grassroots remains steadfast in its mission to empower communities through technology and innovation, catalyzing positive change in the digital sphere. By placing the most marginalized at the center of internet governance policy and advocacy, we continue to bridge digital inequalities and drive meaningful change.
On this World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, we celebrate the progress made and recognize the work ahead in ensuring digital equity. We call upon states, regional bodies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to collaborate and invest in ICT infrastructure, prioritize digital inclusion, and uphold human rights in the digital realm.
Together, we can bridge the digital divide and create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age. Digital Grassroots is proud to be part of this global effort and remains dedicated to championing digital rights and promoting inclusion for all.