In its fourth year, the Uganda Youth Internet Governance Forum represents a dynamic youth-led initiative dedicated to empowering young individuals in their roles as coordinators, mobilizers, and advocates within the realm of Internet Governance.
As the #UYIGF continues to evolve, it provides an influential platform for young people to delve into thought-provoking discussions on matters related to Internet Governance. This, in turn, fosters youth engagement not only within Uganda’s digital landscape but also on a regional and global scale. Through these engagements, the forum effectively facilitates networking, collaboration, and the establishment of enduring partnerships among pivotal stakeholders and the broader community.
Marked on the calendar to take place at the National ICT Innovation Hub, located at the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) on New Port Bell Road in Nakawa, this year’s event will revolve around the theme “The Internet We Want- Empowering Young People in Uganda.” The forum is scheduled to transpire on Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023.
The significance of the Internet in our lives cannot be emphasized enough, and the forum aims to amalgamate endeavors aimed at nurturing an Internet that is expansive, fortified, and secure for all. Notably, the youth demographic in Uganda holds a dual distinction as the largest demographic within the nation and as a prominent presence on the global Internet stage. This duality underscores the imperative of cultivating an Internet that champions empowerment, trust, security, and inclusivity.
A Glimpse into Internet Governance
The concept of Internet governance extends beyond national boundaries, encompassing a complex web of global, regional, and local discussions. One of the prominent manifestations of this dynamic is the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), which emerged in 2006. The IGF serves as a pivotal annual gathering that attracts stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to deliberate on pertinent Internet-related topics, share experiences, and showcase best practices. Importantly, the IGF operates under a non-binding framework, allowing for open discourse without the constraints of formal decisions.
Furthermore, the IGF’s influence extends to regional and local levels through platforms such as the European Dialogue on Internet Governance (EuroDIG), African IGF, Asia Pacific Regional IGF (APrIGF), Arab IGF, and numerous others. These platforms offer tailored discussions, reflecting the unique challenges and opportunities faced by each region. Similarly, national IGFs like the Tunisian IGF, Russian IGF, and UK IGF provide spaces for country-specific dialogues, fostering engagement and collaborative solutions within individual nations.
Uganda has played a vital role in this global narrative. The 2022 Uganda Internet Governance Forum, held at the Golf Course Hotel in Kampala on November 8th, spotlighted the theme ‘A Resilient and United Digital Inclusion for All Ugandans.’ This event underscored the significance of digital inclusivity and the need for a unified approach to digital access and utilization.
As the Uganda Youth IGF 2023 approaches, it stands as a testament to the evolution of the IGF’s legacy, championing youth empowerment in shaping the Internet’s trajectory. The forum’s focus on dynamic discussions, meaningful engagement, and collaborative efforts embodies a collective endeavor to shape an inclusive, secure, and impactful digital future for Uganda and the broader global community.