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IGF’s Dynamic Coalition on ROAM-X engage further with European stakeholders to shape digital transformation
Anriette Esterhyusen, former chair of the United Nations Internet Governance Forum Multistakeholder Advisory Group, emphasized that the robustness of the ROAM-X framework relied on “a multi-layered policy context: on a regional, national but also global level”.
There are visible synergies between the ROAM-X framework and the United Nations Our Common Agenda. Just as the ROAM principles, which serve as an aspiration for a more inclusive and accessible Internet, the Global Digital Compact is a tool that supports a framework of accountability to ensure global access to Internet.
The Dynamic Coalition (DC) on ROAM-X continues to engage with members and partners on advancing and applying shared principles for humanistic digital ecosystems, including by reflecting on how the experiences built over the last 6 years of implementation of the ROAM-X framework can support consultations, development and uptake of the Global Digital Compact. ROAM-X, endorsed in 2015 by all UNESCO Member States, gives concrete proof that the world can agree on shared principles for the governance of digital spaces, and go beyond, using these principles to agree on recommendations and actions for a truly Human Rights-based internet.
Xianhong Hu, Programme Specialist at UNESCO, provided an update of the ROAM project deployed in 40+ countries, highlighting the newly completed assessment in Argentina, and informing the scale up of initiating new assessment in SIDs (Small Islands Developing States): Tuvalu, Tonga, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Maldives and in Central Africa region: Congo RC and Congo DRC.
Matthias C. Kettemann, Head of Research Program, Leibniz Institute for Media Research, Hans-Bredow-Institut and Andreas Salz, German Commission for UNESCO expert, stressed the strong impact of recommendations formulated in the to foster dialogue with policymakers. The impact is reflected in the coalition Treaty 2021-2026 to mainstream digital policies in the work of all ministries in Germany.
Lucien Castex, Researcher at Université Sorbonne-Nouvelle and Anelia Dimova pinpointed the challenges encountered in the completion of the ongoing assessment in France and Bulgaria. Lucien Castex informed the assessment in France will be completed by late-2022.
Paul Mitchell, Chair of the United Nations Internet Governance Forum Multistakeholder Advisory Group, stressed “The need for a common vocabulary to discuss the difficult issues around the Internet in a consistent and safe manner. Thus, a role of the Dynamic coalition is to set the table for multilateral discussions.” He highlighted the value of underpinning such discussions with a monitoring framework with agreed indicators, pointing out that “what gets measured gets done” and that data collected must turn into actual actions and services that actually improve lives.
Constance Bommelaer, Area Vice President Institutional Relations at Internet Society, stated that the value of the ROAM framework lies in the fact that it is a tool universally recognized and accepted across the United Nations system and 195 UN Member States, that can be used to inspire and organize collaboration at global, regional and local levels.
Giacomo Mazzone, Member of the EuroDIG Board, proposed ways to strengthen the Dynamic Coalition’s capacity, including tightening collaboration with the IGF Policy Network on Meaningful Access (PNMA) for exploring best practices across the globe, and implementing sustainable digital transformation policies. The PNMA has been advancing the conversation on “access,” from an issue of infrastructure to include affordability of devices, skills, and the responsibilities of the platforms in providing an enabling environment, in line with the ROAM-X framework – which is principles-based but also offers an accountability mechanism.
Representing the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), Suada Hadzovic underlined the impact of the ROAM framework on the GAC’s work, notably in securing a global response to important digital issues such as diversity, inclusion, local content and connectivity.
Tomasz Komorowski, Project Coordinator at the Polish National Commission for UNESCO and Desiree Miloshevic Evans, Co-Chairs the RIPE Cooperation Working Group and Generic Name Supporting Organisation Councillor at Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), weighed on the synergies between the ROAM-X indicators, the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Digital Compact, noting the many opportunities for the Dynamic Coalition to mainstream policies of high relevance.
All participants recognized the unique value of ROAM and called for it to be leveraged for better digital envronments, the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and the uptake of the Global Digital Compact with capacity building, global and local cooperation and multistakeholder networks, including the ROAM Dynamic Coalition. Participants also highlighted the importance of National and Regional IGF initiatives (NRIs) in supporting the implementation of the ROAM-X framework.
In closing, Anriette Esterhyusen stressed that “an assessment framework is essential if we want principles to matter,” and Marielza Oliveira highlighted how the important, rich, concrete experiences and considerations shared by speakers, can guide and support consultations around the development of the Global Digital Compact. The globally-endorsed ROAM principles – Human Rights, Openness, Accessibility, Multistakeholder governance - should be an integral part of the Compact, and ROAM-related coalitions and networks should engage and contribute to the consultation process. Ms. Oliveira invited all participants to “continue advancing a principled, human rights-based internet around the world, through the Internet Universality ROAM-X framework”.
