"Equity and social justice in a digital world" policy workshop in Bangkok, Thailand

BANGKOK, THAILAND –  The Global Advances Group was invited to share policy recommendations at the “Equity and social justice in a digital world – An inter sectoral/movements dialogue for a digital justice agenda” workshop in Bangkok this month. The event was organised with the support of, and in partnership with, Karibu Foundation, Our World Is Not For Sale network, and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.

The three–day workshop aimed to shape progressive and Southern agendas for the digital society and economy. It brought together civil society actors from different social sectors who are facing digital challenges and opportunities, and digital activists who are inclined to work on issues of equity and social justice. The aim was to develop a ‘digital justice manifesto’ as a key advocacy document, as well as sector–specific issue papers and outlines of sector–focussed principles. The workshop also aimed to develop new directions for the Just Net Coalition – towards a JNC 2.0 avatar, enlisting new members, and putting it on a firm sustainable foundation.

Context

Digital technology has revolutionized the way humans interact with each other and the world around them. The internet has created a global village, where people from all corners of the world can communicate and collaborate with each other. This has led to the rise of the digital economy, where businesses are conducted online and digital products and services are traded.

However, there is a downside to this digital revolution. The gap between the rich and the poor has increased exponentially. The wealthy have access to the best technology and can use it to their advantage, while the poor are left behind. This has led to a situation where the powerful are using data to further entrench their controls over the less fortunate.

Governments are struggling to keep up with the pace of the digital economy and are often reliant on big business to advise and lead them. There is a lack of focus on economic and social rights and justice, which has resulted in a singular, homogeneous global digital economy discourse. This discourse is dominated by the neoliberal tenets of seamless techno–enabled economic globalisation, open unregulated markets, and individual merit and personal responsibility.