The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) concluded its Community Gathering in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The Gathering took place from 15-17 May 2024. It brought together all members of the network organization – both in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Caribbean, Northern America, Middle East and North Africa. It also brought in funding agencies and development partners from different regions.
The Centre for Multilateral Affairs (CfMA) recently joined the membership of the APC to compliment the organizations work in advancing African and global south priorities and perspectives in multilateral and multistakeholder policy processes.
During the gathering, CfMA representative was able to facilitate a session on day two for the APC members in Africa region. The session aimed at strengthening the participation and contribution of African members in digital and cyber policy processes.
Particularly emphasis was placed on seeking how APC African members can take advantage as a collective; to engage and contribute to processes such as the United Nations Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) in context of international security, the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS+20) and the Global Digital Compact (GDC) processes.
During the gathering, several topics were discussed through parallel sessions, group meetings, lighting talks that underscored the importance of digitalization in the 21st Century and beyond. Some of the topics under discussions focused on collective actions for a transformative movement; highlighting the power of collective action when groups come together.
Other sessions were categorized as lighting talks, which are very powerful conversations that touched areas around digital capitalism, climate justice and territories, decolonizing internet, internet shutdowns and content takedowns among others. Several other sessions focused on underscoring and taking stock of respect for digital rights in Africa and online gender-based violence. Regional meetings and other interesting topics under discussions constituted session plans for the gathering.
It was a great opportunity for the CfMA to participate in the gathering. We gained a lot of insights on the opportunities for collaborative actions, built relationship and networks that are critical in advancing our vision and mission at national, regional and international level.
