​    CONCEPT NOTE

 Dates:

  • Lesotho School of Internet Governance (LesSIG):  July 8-10, 2024
  • Lesotho Internet Governance Forum (LesIGF):   July 11-12, 2024

Venue: Maseru, Lesotho

Format: Hybrid (in-person and virtual participation)

Theme: Building Lesotho's Multistakeholder Digital Future: Aligning with Global Trends

Sub-themes:

  • Harnessing Innovation and Balancing Risks in the Digital Space: Exploring how Lesotho can leverage technological advancements while mitigating potential risks associated with the digital landscape.
  • Enhancing the Digital Contribution to Peace, Development, and Sustainability: Examining the role of internet governance in promoting peace, sustainable development, and inclusive growth in Lesotho.
  • Advancing Human Rights and Inclusion in the Digital Age: Addressing issues of digital equity, access, and online safety to ensure human rights are protected and promoted in the digital sphere.
  • Improving Digital Governance for the Internet We Want: Discussing best practices and frameworks for effective Internet governance that fosters a safe, open, and accessible Internet for all in Lesotho.

Background:

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is a global platform for stakeholders to discuss and debate issues related to Internet governance. The theme for the 19th IGF, which will be held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from December 15 to 19, 2024 is "Building our Multi Stakeholder Digital Future". This theme recognises the importance of the Internet in empowering individuals, communities, and societies. It aims to explore ways in which the Internet can be made more inclusive and accessible for everyone.  By fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration around these issues, the IGF contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

The 2024 Lesotho Internet Governance Forum (LesIGF 2024) is a multi-stakeholder platform led by the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology, and Innovation in partnership with the Lesotho Communications Authority and the Internet Society. Its goal is to provide an annual platform for stakeholders in Lesotho to discuss Internet governance matters that affect them.

Lesotho recognizes the transformative potential of the Internet and its role in driving economic and social development. However, navigating the complexities of the digital world requires a multistakeholder approach that fosters collaboration and informed decision-making.

The LesIGF and LesSIG aim to provide a platform for diverse stakeholders in Lesotho, including government, civil society, academia, the private sector, and the technical community, to engage in open dialogue and discussions on critical internet governance issues.

Objectives:

  • LesSIG:
    • Equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively engage in Internet governance discussions.
    • Build capacity within Lesotho to contribute meaningfully to global internet governance forums.
  • LesIGF:
    • Facilitate discussions on key internet governance challenges and opportunities relevant to Lesotho.
    • Develop consensus-based recommendations for policy development and implementation.
    • Foster collaboration among stakeholders to advance Lesotho's digital future.

Target Audience:

  1. Lesotho Internet Governance Forum (LesIGF)
  • Government officials
  • Civil society representatives
  • Academia and researchers
  • Private sector representatives
  • Technical community
  • Students and youth
  • Individuals interested in Internet Governance

 

  1. Lesotho School of Internet Governance (LesSIG): 
  • Students and youth
  • Academia and researchers

 Expected Outcomes:​

  • Enhanced understanding of key Internet governance principles and issues.
  • Increased participation of Lesotho stakeholders in regional and global Internet governance forums.
  • Development of actionable recommendations for Internet governance policy and practice in Lesotho.
  • Strengthened multi-stakeholder collaboration on building a robust and inclusive digital future for Lesotho.

Logistics:

Both LesIGF and LesSIG will be held in Maseru, Lesotho, with a hybrid format enabling remote participation. The events will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Partnerships:

The LesIGF and LesSIG are organized in partnership with relevant stakeholders in Lesotho, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners.

Conclusion:

The LesIGF and LesSIG offer a unique opportunity for Lesotho to engage in critical discussions on Internet governance and contribute to shaping the digital future of the country. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and fostering collaboration, these events can play a vital role in advancing Lesotho's digital development and ensuring a safe, open, and inclusive internet for all.