AI and Algorithms to Take Center Stage at Digital Citizen Summit 2024

CNX-APAC To Be Held in Hyderabad 

Digital Empowerment Foundation Hosts CNX-APAC 2024 and Digital Citizen Summit 2024 with Telangana Government, and T-Hub

Hyderabad, November 14: The 8th edition of the Community Network Xchange- Asia Pacific (CNX-APAC) and the 6th Digital Citizen Summit (DCS) 2024, will take place on 15th and 16th November 2024 at T-Hub, Hyderabad, announced Mr. Osama Manzar, Founder-Director of Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF).  Delegates from 15 countries and representatives from Global Digital Inclusion Partnership countries will deliberate on the policies about and influence of technologies like Artificial Intelligence, last-mile connectivity, and digital support systems at the grassroots level.

Organized by the DEF, both events are being hosted by the Government of Telangana in partnership with the Internet Society, APNIC Foundation, Association for Progressive Communications, Centre for Development Policy and Practice and the Global Digital Inclusion Partnership.

Interacting with the media during a press conference at the Center for Development Policy and Practice (CDPP), Mr. Manzar said “The two-day event will include more than 40 sessions and 15 lightning talks featuring students, researchers, civil society representatives, and public policy professionals. Over 40 organizations working in digital and grassroots development and digital empowerment have partnered with the DEF to support the CNX-APAC and DCS 2024.”

According to CDPP Director Ms. Anjana Divakar, “the Digital Citizen Summit 2024 will focus on “Algorithms, Al, and Accountability,” delving into the ethics and accountability issues emerging from artificial intelligence in South Asia and India. The summit will demystify Al and foster discussions around its responsible use, bringing together experts from diverse sectors to present their research and insights.”

Speaking on the occasion, Development Economist Prof. Amir Ullah Khan said the theme of CNX-APAC 2024 is “Building Communities for Rights to Access and Access to Rights”, which will address the network deployment challenges in rural and remote regions and the issue of exclusion from entitlements.” 

CNX-APAC will bring community-led and community-centered access solutions to the forefront, engaging with philanthropic organizations, government bodies, policymakers, and grassroots movements to explore sustainable models. This occasion will also showcase a first-of-its-kind all-weather connectivity vehicle that is aimed at providing last-mile connectivity to the deepest rural pockets and areas with inadequate technology infrastructure.

The Journal of Development Policy and Practice, focussing on Technology and Society, featuring Osama Manzar as the Guest Editor will also be released on this occasion.

Mr Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C) and Department of Industries & Commerce, Mr Sujit Jagirdar, CEO of T-Hub, Rajnesh Singh, CEO of APNIC Foundation, Pankaj Pachouri, Editor-in-Chief of Go News, Sowmya Kidambi, Director and CEO of Barefoot College, Rakshita Swamy, Founder and Director of SAFAR, Urvashi Aneja, Founder-Director, Digital Future Lab will also deliver talks on this occasion.