The event will take place on 17 Feburary from 09:00-11:00 CET. Interested parties are invited to join the online event through this registration link.
The open Internet has become a cornerstone of local development. It is not only key for the transfer of knowledge and international trade, but it is also an essential platform for local start-ups and SMEs to grow, and local culture to develop.
The event will discuss the contribution of the open Internet to digital inclusion and development in Africa, supporting the definition of concrete aspects of the EU Global Gateway strategy, the AU-EU Digital for Development Hub, the AU Digital Transformation Strategy and the UN Secretary General’s 'Our Common Agenda'.
High-level speakers from the African Union, the United Nations, and the European Commission will open the event. On the Commission side, opening remarks will be delivered by Pearse O'Donohue, Director in charge of ‘Future Networks’ within DG CNECT.
The first panel session will feature the evolution of the Open Internet in Africa with technical experts from the private sector such as the Internet Engineering Task Force, Internet Society, Angola Cables, ETNO and Stantec.
The second session will focus on the multilateral approaches to promote and further develop the Open Internet with panelists from the European Union, the African Union, the United Nations and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.