The World Impact Development Foundation (WIDEF) is pleased to announce its pivotal role in mobilizing over 60 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to co-host the #Summitofthefuture: Nigerian Civil Society Consultative Forum on the Global Digital Compact.
This significant event was organized in collaboration with the United Nations Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Innovation, and the International Center for Investigative Reporting (ICIR).
The forum brought together a diverse group of CSOs to engage in a comprehensive review of the draft Global Digital Compact and Nigeria’s stance on this crucial international document.
The essence of the review was to facilitate constructive dialogues and knowledge-sharing sessions, enabling CSOs to actively contribute to shaping policies that reflect the digital needs and aspirations of the Nigerian populace and addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving digital landscape.
The consultative review covered critical areas such as digital rights and privacy and highlighting the importance of safeguarding digital rights and enhancing privacy protections, particularly in the context of increased digital surveillance and data collection.
Digital inclusion was another major thrust of the review. It was recommended that policies should bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to digital resources for all segments of the Nigerian society, including marginalized and underserved communities.
Other areas of concern and recommendations factored in includes emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect individuals and organizations from the growing threats in the digital space as well as the implementation of capacity-building programs to equip Nigerian citizens with the necessary digital skills and competencies to thrive in a digitally-driven world.
The consultative forum culminated in a set of vital policy recommendations that were submitted to the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Innovation and the United Nations Nigeria.
These recommendations are aimed at influencing the finalization of the Global Digital Compact and ensuring that it effectively addresses the unique digital challenges and opportunities within the Nigerian context.
WIDEF’s leadership in this initiative has reinforced its role as a key advocate for digital rights and digital inclusion in the Nigerian civil society digital landscape. We will continue to contribute significantly to the shaping of global and national digital policies that foster sustainable development and protect digital rights.
