The Importance of an Open and Multi-Stakeholder Internet: What’s at Stake for Freedom of Expression and Economic Growth in Africa?

Panel includes:

Jillian York 
Director International Freedom of Expression, Electronic Frontier Foundation

Prof David Souter
Managing Director, ict Development Associates, 
Visiting Professor in Communications Management, Business School, University of Strathclyde, Visiting Senior Fellow, Department of Media and Communications, 
London School of Economics & Political Science

Nicolas Siedler
Policy Advisor at the Internet Society ISOC

Internet Freedom Fellows from Nigeria, Ghana and Sudan

Why is a free and multi-stakeholder internet so important for Africa’s future? What is the significance of this framework for freedom of expression , economic opportunity and innovation, and the defense of human rights and democratic freedoms? As the world comes to grips with the importance of maintaining an open and multi-stakeholder internet, this panel will focus on the particular challenges for Africa and why an enabling Internet environment is so relevant today for Africa’s future tomorrow. What has been the experience of Kenya’s ICT sector? What is the situation in west Africa? In Ghana and Nigeria? Does north Africa present different or similar challenges? How can the international community support and work with African nations’ to prate and strengthen a free, open and multi-stakeholder internet governance framework? These are some of the issues to be address in this timely discussion of one of the most important issues facing Africa and the international community today.

Public Forum at Geneva Press Club in partnership with the Internet Society

Attendance is open. If you wish to attend in person, please sign up via our registration page: http://iff-isoc.eventbrite.com

or you can Join the interactive video webcast at:
https://conx.state.gov/geneva/