This is a collaborative session organized by several national, regional and youth IGF initiatives from different regions. New and emerging technologies hold immense promise for driving innovation, economic growth, and societal advancement on a global scale. However, the benefits they offer are not uniformly distributed, with developing countries often facing barriers to accessing and effectively utilizing these technologies compared to their developed counterparts. This digital divide exacerbates existing inequalities and hinders the ability of developing nations to fully participate in the digital economy and realize the potential benefits of technological progress. Addressing this disparity requires not only efforts to expand access to technology infrastructure and resources but also the development of inclusive governance models at regional levels. Such models must prioritize equitable distribution of technological resources, foster collaboration between governments, private sector stakeholders, technical communities, and civil society, and promote regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with ethical considerations and societal values. Cooperation among countries is essential to navigate the complexities of regulating and governing emerging technologies effectively, ensuring that they are deployed responsibly and in ways that promote sustainable development and global welfare. The discussion will be guided by several policy questions:
What emerging digital technologies are priorities for your region? Is there a gap between developed and developing countries? How are these technologies governed in different regions? What strategies can be implemented to ensure equitable access to and responsible governance of new and emerging technologies, particularly in countries with limited resources and infrastructure? How can we ensure the responsible and user-centric deployment of emerging technologies? How can regional or international collaboration and multistakeholder engagement enhance the development and implementation of responsible governance frameworks for emerging digital technologies? What mechanisms can be established to facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives between developed and developing countries?
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