BY : Mosa Mojonothoane
MASERU
The Internet Society Community (ISOC) has called for advocacy for underserved communities in the cyberspace.
This was made plain at the Coffee Chat: 2023 Action Plan, where members were inspired and introduced to Ways to Take Action on digital rights advocacy, on Wednesday.
Chaired by Internet Society Alumnus Lily Edinam Botsyoe, the Coffee Chat was an insightful, virtual conference that touched on key issues pertaining to internet governance, most of which still remain folktales for Lesotho.
ISOC Head of Empowerment and Outreach Joyce Dogniez appealed for dedication in human and women rights advocacy within diverse countries this year, saying it all starts with one’s community. She encouraged the empowered to use their power, skills and voices to save the lives of vulnerable communities, whose rights are violated over the internet.
This collaborative conversation attracted digital rights advocates and members of different Internet Society chapters from across the world, who shared thoughts and ideas on how they can work together to make the internet a better place for everyone.
From Brazil, ISH Tecnologia Network Security Technical Leader Pedro Lana said; “At ISOC Brazil we are doing a lot of work on digital sovereignty and fragmentation, if anyone likes this thematic, we are always open to conversations.” He assured the community that working together to share knowledge and approaches will eventually make the internet a safe space for all.
On the other hand, Latin American and Caribbean Regional Group (GRULAC) Head of Youth Coalition on Internet Governance Nicolas Fiumarelli announced the plans for the next hybrid alumni huddle, to be held during the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) meeting in Cancun, Mexico. “The idea of the huddle is to provide a unique opportunity for alumni from ISOC programs to come together, connect with one another, and engage in meaningful discussions about current topics and principles in internet governance,” he informed.
Fiumarelli added; “Our main objective is to encourage new alumni to network, actively participate in ICANN sessions and exchange career opportunities with peers and mentors. If you think it well, it is a valuable opportunity to stay informed and updated on the latest developments within the internet governance community and to expand your professional network. We would be delighted to have you join us for this exciting event and look forward to your active participation in the sessions and career opportunities. Let’s continue shaping the future of internet governance together.”
ICANN is a United State headquartered organization that aims to help ensure a stable, secure, and unified global Internet. It is an American multi-stakeholder group and nonprofit organization responsible for coordinating the maintenance and procedures of several databases related to the namespaces and numerical spaces of the Internet, ensuring the network’s stable and secure operation.
The Internet Society supports and promotes the development of the Internet as a global technical infrastructure, a resource to enrich people’s lives, and a force for good in society.
It aligns with goals for the Internet to be open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy through Building and supporting the communities that make the Internet work; Advancing the development and application of Internet infrastructure, technologies, and open standards; and Advocating for policy that is consistent with their view of the Internet.
