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On January 9, 2025, the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) organized a key workshop on digital inclusion and emerging technologies at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in New Delhi. The event brought together stakeholders from across sectors, focusing on strategies for digital resilience and inclusive transformation, in line with the Global Digital Compact (GDC) principles. This workshop was a critical step toward bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to technology for underserved communities.
Overcoming Barriers: Language, AI, and Global South Representation
The workshop began with a Welcome Address by Mr. Osama Manzar, Founder-Director of DEF; Ms. Radhika Batra Kaul, Chief of Staff at UN India; and Mr. Mehdi Snene, Senior Advisor on AI and Digital Transformation from the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology. They introduced the Office for Digital & Emerging Technologies (ODET), a new UN initiative addressing global digital challenges.
Ms. Radhika Batra Kaul set the tone with an impactful statement: “This is the hall of ‘we the people,’ which is the first line of the UN Charter. We are only hosting you and want your contributions to enrich our knowledge, especially all those representing their communities.” Her message emphasized community involvement in digital transformation.
Mr. Osama Manzar shared DEF’s long-standing commitment to empowering digital leaders: “Over the last 22 years, DEF has impacted 35 million lives. Today, we proudly endorse the Global Digital Compact, a framework for collective action aimed at closing the digital divide.”
The introductory session highlighted the importance of community-centered digital design in shaping India’s digital future, advocating for a more inclusive approach that prioritizes youth, women, and marginalized groups in digital transformation.
Mr. Mehdi Snene tackled the challenge of language barriers, which continue to hinder equitable digital representation. “If you don’t know English, you cannot publish. This has been the narrative for the longest time. As a result, the Global South only contributes 3% of scientific publications,” he noted. He emphasized the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in overcoming such barriers, ensuring that the voices of the Global South are adequately represented.
Celebrating Impact: Real-Life Stories of Digital Empowerment
The workshop featured “Lightning Talks,” where Youth Ambassadors and Grassroots Leaders shared their personal experiences with digital empowerment. These stories showcased how digital tools have driven socio-economic development and improved access to essential services in marginalized communities.
Priyanka Paswan, a SoochnaPreneur from the tea gardens of West Bengal, shared how she bridged the digital gap in her village: “The people in my village are completely excluded from government and digital services. Now, I am bridging that gap through my SoochnaPreneur Centre.” Her story highlighted how grassroots efforts can reduce digital exclusion.
Mr. Bharat Toto, a SoochnaPreneur from a remote tribal area in West Bengal, spoke about his efforts to preserve the Toto tribe’s culture through digital tools. “With DEF’s help, I am archiving, digitizing, and preserving my culture,” he shared. His work demonstrates the importance of digital preservation for vulnerable cultural heritages.
Civil Society at the Forefront of Digital Change
The “Voices of CSOs” session underscored the importance of collective efforts in advancing digital transformation. Civil society organizations (CSOs) stressed the need for collaborative frameworks that align digital adoption with the unique needs of underserved communities. Mr. Anshul Tewari from Youth Ki Awaaz highlighted the power of storytelling in driving digital inclusion, sharing that “Youth Ki Awaaz’s citizen publication with DEF showcases 30 stories of resilience in navigating technology in underserved communities.”
A Roadmap for the Future: Insights on Digital Governance
The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Amandeep Singh Gill, UN Under-Secretary-General for Digital and Emerging Technologies and the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology. Mr. Gill spoke about the global necessity for inclusive digital policies and governance frameworks. He stressed that addressing digital inequalities is crucial for sustainable development.
“We are being datafied. We become tools. We lose human essence,” he warned, highlighting the importance of maintaining human dignity in the digital age. He also emphasized that inclusive digital policies require multi stakeholder approaches, involving society, government, and the market.
DEF’s Legacy: Showcasing a Journey of Digital Empowerment
The workshop included a visit to The Museum of Digital Society, an exhibition that showcased DEF’s two-decade journey in advancing digital literacy and inclusion across India. The museum illustrated the organization’s role in making digital tools accessible to marginalized communities and the ongoing efforts required to achieve universal digital literacy.
The workshop concluded with the symbolic signing of the Global Digital Compact, reaffirming the collective commitment to creating accessible digital spaces for all, signaling a shared vision for an inclusive and resilient digital future.
Ground-Level Innovation: Strengthening Partnerships for Digital Inclusion
The event highlighted the significance of partnerships and local innovation in driving meaningful digital inclusion. Discussions centered around how grassroots initiatives, when supported by sound policy frameworks, can address the digital needs of underserved communities. By aligning local solutions with global goals, these initiatives can create lasting impacts on digital inclusion.
The DEF workshop served as a pivotal platform for discussing the future of digital transformation in India and globally, emphasizing the need for collaboration, inclusive policies, and localized solutions. With the digital divide still a challenge, events like this are crucial in ensuring no one is left behind in the digital revolution.