Proposal
Title: Governing AI in Developing Countries: Issues and Challenges
(60 characters maximum)
Theme of your Proposal
Please select the IGF 2023 Theme that your session relates to. If applicable, select any Topics that apply to your Theme. Lists of Topics are non-exhaustive. *
Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Emerging Technologies
Session Format and Interaction
Session Format *
Panel Discussion ( 60 min)
Description of the Session 
Please provide a short description of your session that can be included in the IGF schedule. Try to cover content focus and approach. If applicable, state what the issues, challenges and opportunities are related to the selected theme.
The workshop titled "Governing AI in Developing Countries: Issues and Challenges" aims to bring together policymakers, academics, civil society, and industry representatives to discuss the challenges of governing artificial intelligence (AI) in developing countries, and to identify potential solutions that can enable these countries to benefit from AI while minimizing its risks. The workshop will focus on the subtheme of AI & Emerging Technologies, which is one of the eight subthemes of IGF 2023
AI is transforming various sectors in developing countries, such as healthcare, finance, and education, and is increasingly being adopted to improve their economic growth and development. However, governing AI presents several challenges, particularly in developing countries that may not have the necessary legal, regulatory, and ethical frameworks in place to manage the risks associated with AI. This workshop will address these issues and discuss strategies for building capacity and developing legal and regulatory frameworks for governing AI in developing countries.
The workshop will consist of   a panel discussion and a Q&A sessions that will enable participants to exchange ideas and identify potential solutions. The outcomes of the workshop will be shared with the broader IGF community to inform discussions on AI governance. The session will be an opportunity to engage with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and to learn from their experiences, perspectives, and insights.
Objective: The objective of this workshop is to discuss the issues and challenges related to governing artificial intelligence (AI) in developing countries and identify potential solutions that can enable these countries to benefit from AI while minimizing its risks.
Description: AI is transforming various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and education, and is increasingly being adopted by developing countries to improve their economic growth and development. However, governing AI presents several challenges, particularly in developing countries that may not have the necessary legal, regulatory, and ethical frameworks in place to manage the risks associated with AI. This workshop will bring together policymakers, academics, civil society, and industry representatives to discuss the following topics:
The challenges of governing AI in developing countries
The role of stakeholders in developing ethical and responsible AI
Strategies for building capacity and developing legal and regulatory frameworks for governing AI in developing countries
Relation to SDGs 
SDG - 9,10,16
Please review the list of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets at https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/topics/sustainabledevelopmentgoals. Then select all that apply to your proposal from the corresponding list of codes below. (You may want to hold Ctrl key to multiselect).
Targets
Please describe how your proposal links with the SDG targets that you have just selected.
Yes, the session on "Governing AI in Developing Countries: Issues and Challenges" is closely related to several of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Firstly, the session is aligned with SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, which calls for the promotion of inclusive and sustainable industrialization and innovation, including the use of AI and emerging technologies, to foster economic growth and development.
Secondly, the session is also relevant to SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities, as it seeks to address the challenges of governing AI in developing countries and promote greater inclusion and access to AI technologies.
Finally, the session also aligns with SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, as it aims to discuss strategies for building capacity and developing legal and regulatory frameworks for governing AI in developing countries, which can contribute to the promotion of good governance, rule of law, and accountable institutions.


Name(s), Organizational Affiliation(s), Stakeholder and Regional Group of Speaker(s)
At least one of them is required to be online.
Onsite Moderator (identify from the list of organizers): 
Santosh Babu Sigdel, Executive Director, Digital Rights Nepal 
Proposals should include a moderator or facilitator for the speakers and participants onsite, as well as a moderator or facilitator for the speakers and participants online (including moderation of comments and questions that come in through the meeting platform’s chat function). A moderator participating in the session online must have a physically present, onsite counterpart. A moderator participating in the session onsite must have a counterpart for online engagement, who may be physically present or participating online.
Online Moderator (identify from the list of organizers):
Saurav Bhattarai, Project Coordinator, Digital Rights Nepal
Rapporteur (identify from the list of organizers)
Sanjina Kshetri
The rapporteur is expected to summarize the main takeaways at the end of the session and include them in the written report due after the session.


Need to write  background paper  for the above proposal in IGF , i dont know whether its organization background or the session topic background. Could you please draft something that is suitable , if its the organization background here is the in for for reference:

Digital Rights Nepal (DRN): Safeguarding Digital Rights for a Secure Digital Space

Overview:
Digital Rights Nepal (DRN) is a leading non-profit organization in Nepal that was established in 2020 with a crucial mission: to safeguard digital rights and create a safe and secure digital space for all individuals. With a team consisting of rights advocates, academics, civitech advocates, and campaigners, DRN possesses extensive experience in running and implementing internet freedom and digital rights-related projects in Nepal. The organization maintains a wide public network of major stakeholders, further strengthening its influence and impact.

Objectives and Focus Areas:
DRN is committed to advocating for better policies, conducting research, and providing capacity-building initiatives to promote digital rights in Nepal. The organization's primary focus areas include:

Online Freedom of Expression and Association: DRN works tirelessly to protect and promote online freedom of expression and association, recognizing the importance of these rights for a vibrant and democratic society.
Privacy and Data Protection: DRN advocates for strong privacy measures and data protection policies to safeguard individuals' personal information in the digital realm.
Access to Information: DRN believes in the fundamental right of individuals to access information and actively engages in efforts to ensure unhindered access to information for all .
Internet Governance and Cyber Laws/Policies: DRN actively contributes to the development of internet governance frameworks and cyber laws/policies in Nepal, with the aim of creating an inclusive and fair digital environment.
Mis/Disinformation and Hate Speech: DRN addresses the growing challenges of mis/disinformation and hate speech, advocating for responsible digital practices and countering the spread of harmful content.
Cybersecurity and Child Safety: Recognizing the importance of a secure digital space, DRN promotes cybersecurity measures and raises awareness about potential threats and best practices for protection.

Key Achievements:
Since its inception, DRN has achieved significant milestones in its pursuit of digital rights:

Policy Research and Advocacy: DRN actively engages in policy research, reviewing government bills and policies from a right-based approach. The organization collaborates with parliamentarians and contributes to building a supportive policy environment for digital rights. For instance, DRN has reviewed the Information Technology Bill, E-commerce Bill, Draft National Cybersecurity Policy 2078, 2080, Telecommunication Bill 2023, Social Media Management Directive 2078, Election code of conduct, and 11th Amendment of Broadcasting Regulation and advocated for revisions of these bill and draft policies.

Research and survey: DRN is at the forefront of conducting surveys and research on various digital rights issues in Nepal, demonstrating its commitment to evidence-based advocacy and policy interventions. The organization has undertaken several significant surveys and research projects, including:

National Assessment of Internet Universality Indicators: DRN successfully conducted a national assessment of UNESCO's Internet Universality Indicators in Nepal, providing a comprehensive analysis of the country's digital policies and highlighting structural causes of digital inequalities.
CSO Digital Resilience Survey: DRN actively conducts the CSO Digital Resilience Survey to assess the digital resilience and preparedness of civil society organizations. This survey helps identify the challenges and needs of CSOs in the digital realm, enabling DRN to provide targeted support and capacity-building initiatives.
Privacy Perception Survey: Understanding the perceptions and awareness of privacy among individuals is crucial for advocating effective privacy measures. DRN has conducted the Privacy Perception Survey to gauge public attitudes towards privacy, identify gaps in knowledge, and develop awareness campaigns and policy recommendations accordingly.
Radio Stations Resilience Survey: DRN recognizes the importance of radio stations in disseminating information and promoting digital rights. Through the Radio Stations Resilience Survey, DRN assesses the digital resilience of radio stations, including their online presence, cybersecurity measures, and capacity to withstand digital threats.
Research on Internet Freedom Situation: DRN has conducted comprehensive research on the state of internet freedom in Nepal, analyzing various aspects such as internet access, censorship, content regulation, and the overall digital environment. This research provides valuable insights for advocacy efforts aimed at protecting and promoting internet freedom in the country.
Research on Telecommunication Companies' Policies: DRN had conducted research on the policies of telecommunication companies operating in Nepal, analyzing their approach to privacy, data protection, and user rights. This research helps evaluate the practices of telecommunication companies and advocate for policies that prioritize individual rights and interests.
Research on Surveillance Laws: DRN has conducted in-depth research on surveillance laws in Nepal, examining their compatibility with human rights standards and the potential implications for individuals' privacy and freedom. This research serves as a foundation for advocating for transparent and accountable surveillance practices.
Research on Online Hate Speech Landscape: DRN has been investigating the online hate speech landscape in Nepal, analyzing its prevalence, impact, and legal frameworks. This research will enable DRN to advocate for policies and initiatives that combat hate speech, promote tolerance, and safeguard the digital rights of individuals.
Research on Voters' Privacy Laws: DRN has conducted research on voters' privacy laws and their implementation in Nepal. By examining the legal frameworks and practices surrounding voter privacy, DRN aimed to ensure that citizens' personal information is adequately protected during electoral processes.

Through these surveys and research projects, DRN generates valuable insights, raises awareness, and provides evidence-based recommendations to inform policy interventions and advocacy efforts, ultimately contributing to the promotion and protection of digital rights in Nepal.

Youth Engagement and Capacity Building: DRN regularly organizes impactful initiatives to enhance knowledge and awareness of digital rights among Nepalese youth. For instance The "Nepal Digital Rights School 2022" a two day school on digital rights organized by DRN  provided youths with essential skills for online privacy protection and safe technology usage. DRN has also implemented a US-Government-sponsored (USG) exchange program alumni project that aims to train and build the capacity of youths on digital security, countering mis/disinformation and fact-checking in the far-western province of Nepal. DRN has collaborated with Youth led organizations such as “ YUVALAYA” and conducted three days Training of trainers on identifying and tackling hate speech , misinformation and disinformation. 

Social Media Campaigns: DRN has executed highly effective social media campaigns, raising awareness about crucial digital rights issues such as freedom of expression, privacy, data protection, and misinformation/disinformation. These campaigns have successfully reached a wide audience, particularly among youth and students. DRN has developed more than 20 short videos , 40 plus digital posters and infographics as part of its social media campaign.  DRN developed awareness materials on digital rights, mis/disinformation and digital security are being used by various civil society organizations such as Panos South Asia, NGO Federation, and Federation of Nepali Journalists.

Collaboration with Local Governments and Civil Society Organizations: DRN actively collaborates with local governments, supporting them in policy framing and recommending revisions to promote human rights and a rights-based approach. For instance DRN developed a model draft Data Management Policy and Guidelines for Local Governments and has been implementing them in 6 Local Governments as part of the D4D’s Integrated Policy Intervention to ensure Evidence-based policy formulation at local levels. DRN has continuously worked towards creating a policy environment that is supportive of digital rights, while also providing capacity-building initiatives and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, specifically CSOs, lawyers, journalists  to raise awareness about digital rights issues in Nepal.

Advocacy at International level 
DRN actively engages in international advocacy for digital rights. For instance At the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) 2022 in Singapore, DRN hosted two sessions on important topics. The first session focused on the digital resilience of civil society in the face of shrinking civic space, discussing challenges such as censorship and surveillance. The second session examined the impact of social media regulations during elections, emphasizing the risks to freedom of expression and informed choices. DRN's participation in international forums allows them to contribute to vital discussions on digital rights and promote informed policymaking and international collaborations. DRN also participated in the Internet Governance Forum, 2022 held in Adis Ababa, Ethiopia and presented its experience relating to application of ROAM-X principles in assessing Internet development in Nepal.