New technologies are transforming our world, empowering people across the globe with new freedoms, knowledge and opportunities. However, the benefits are not felt equally: while some parts of society flourish, others are left behind. Vulnerable groups face access issues, such as internet shutdowns or societal barriers to getting online; technology issues, such as tech-facilitated rollback on rights or gender disinformation; and policy issues, whereby these groups’ interests are neglected during the formation of policy. The lingering issue of inequality in the cybersecurity workforce exacerbates these issues as new policies and technologies do not factor in the perspectives of marginalised groups. The IGF has provided us the opportunity to gather key stakeholders from academia, civil society, industry and government together in one place. The issues to be discussed in this networking session are not ones that can be tackled alone or in isolation; we must come together in a whole-of-society approach to shine a light on these issues and discuss solutions. This session aims to bring together a diverse multistakeholder grouping and foster lasting connections for the benefit of the Cyber community. It is key that this networking session is run as a hybrid event in order to be as inclusive as possible. Online participants will split into breakout rooms and will use collaborative tools to record discussions. Towards the end of the session, we will bring onsite and offline participants together to share the outcomes of discussion. All participants will be able to sign up to a voluntary contacts list which will be shared with participants to ensure lasting connections and collaboration.
Open Zoom
