The 2024 Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF24) is calling on interested participants to seize the opportunity to be part of a transformative experience in Accra, Ghana, from April 23rd to April 25th. Here is the link for registration: https://whova.com/portal/registration/draif_202404/. Hosted by the pan-African organization, Paradigm Initiative (PIN), in collaboration with its partners, the event promises to be a melting pot of ideas, strategies, and innovations under the theme “Fostering Rights and Inclusion in the Digital Age.”

DRIF24 is set to gather hundreds of delegates from around the globe, with a focus on bilingual discussions to cater to a diverse audience. This year’s forum will be co-hosted with the E-Governance and Internet Governance Foundation for Africa (EGIGFA), University of Media, Arts and Communication- Institute of Journalism, Media Foundation for West Africa, Inclusive Tech Group, Internet Society (ISOC) Ghana Chapter, and Human Security Research Centre (HSRC), marking a significant collaboration among major stakeholders in the digital rights and inclusion space.

The forum will delve into crucial sub-themes such as Trust and Accountability, Data Protection, Privacy and Surveillance, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Digital Inclusion, and Marginalised Groups. By doing so, DRIF24 aims to foster a rich dialogue on the pressing issues facing the digital landscape today, especially in the context of the Global South.

Building on the success of its ten previous editions, the 2024 forum has received an impressive 245 session proposals, indicating a broad interest in addressing digital rights and inclusion issues. Approximately 80 sessions are planned, showcasing a variety of formats including panel discussions, tech demos, lightning talks, and exhibitions. This array of sessions reflects the event’s commitment to addressing a wide range of topics related to digital rights, digital inclusion, and digital security.

The previous DRIF event, held in Nairobi, Kenya, saw over 600 participants from 54 countries, demonstrating the forum’s global reach and impact. The upcoming DRIF24 aims to surpass this achievement by offering even more enriching and engaging sessions, as highlighted by Thobekile Matimbe, PIN’s Senior Manager, Partnerships and Engagements. The emphasis on a Global South convening underscores the forum’s dedication to fostering discussions that transcend geographical boundaries and address universal challenges in the digital age.

As an essential platform for shaping digital policy in Africa and beyond, the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum has established itself as a key venue for debating policy directions, shaping conversations, and forging partnerships for actionable outcomes. With registration open until April 3rd, 2024, interested parties are encouraged to sign up and contribute to a future where digital rights and inclusion leave no one behind.