Indigenous Digital Infrastructures and Emerging Technologies: Challenges, Capacities and Commons
Redes AC, Rhizomatica and APC
Session 240
In recent years, the rapid advancement of emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence, sensors, and the Internet of Things (IoT)—has introduced new challenges and widened existing digital divides, especially for Indigenous Peoples and rural communities.
This session will focus on Indigenous digital infrastructures and digital commons as essential elements of inclusive, community-driven, and sustainable digital development. It will explore how Indigenous communities are designing, building, and governing their own digital infrastructures, asserting digital sovereignty while adapting to the opportunities and risks of new technologies.
The session will feature hands-on experiences from Indigenous practitioners and technologists who are incorporating emerging tools into their local contexts—for communication, connectivity, environmental monitoring, and cultural preservation. It will also reflect on capacity-building initiatives supported by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Latin America and Africa, underscoring the role of training, community knowledge, and collective governance in shaping just and resilient digital futures.
Finally, the discussion will link these grassroots efforts to broader global policy frameworks, including the Global Digital Compact and the WSIS+20 vision.
Carlos Baca is a specialist in designing and facilitating capacity-building processes and in supporting organizations working with rural, remote, and Indigenous communities in the development of telecommunications and community communication projects. Since 2019, he has served as an expert consultant to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), where he leads the Training Program in ICT Network Management in Indigenous and Rural Communities in Latin America, focused on strengthening local technical capacities. Since 2020, he coordinates the capacity-building area of LocNet, a global initiative led by APC and Rhizomatica, where he oversees the development of National Schools of Community Networks.
He has advised numerous community-based initiatives on digital inclusion, local infrastructure development, and connectivity strategies in underserved areas. He was general coordinator of the Center for Research in Community Technologies and Knowledges (CITSAC), and has been a Level 1 member of Mexico’s National System of Researchers (SNI–CONACyT) since 2019.
He holds a PhD and Master’s in Sociology from the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities "Alfonso Vélez Pliego" (BUAP), and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences from UDLAP.
Lawyer and communicologist from the Universidad de las Américas Puebla (UDLAP). Since 2016 she participates in projects related to community cinema, student movement and gender in the legal and communication area. Since 2021 she is part of the team of the Center for Research in Technologies and Community Knowledge (CITSAC). She currently coordinates the area of Political Advocacy for REDES A.C.
Adrian Wan is a Senior Manager of Policy and Advocacy at the Internet Society, focusing on issues related to the openness, connectivity, trustworthiness, and security of the Internet, with a particular emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region. He also leads the global Community Networks project.
With a background as a business and technology journalist at the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong and Beijing, he developed a strong interest in technology policy and regional engagement in Asia-Pacific. He has worked with organizations such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Microsoft, and Huawei.
He holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, specializing in economic policy and analysis.
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C1. The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development
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C2. Information and communication infrastructure
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C3. Access to information and knowledge
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C4. Capacity building
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C6. Enabling environment
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C8. Cultural diversity and identity, linguistic diversity and local content
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C11. International and regional cooperation
This session directly contributes to several WSIS Action Lines, particularly:
- C1. The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development: By highlighting Indigenous-led digital infrastructure efforts and promoting inclusive governance models, the session demonstrates how community stakeholders are key actors in digital development.
- C2. Information and communication infrastructure: The session showcases how Indigenous communities are building and managing their own infrastructure, improving access in underserved areas.
- C3. Access to information and knowledge: Community networks and Indigenous digital commons expand access to locally relevant knowledge and tools, including in Indigenous languages.
- C4. Capacity building: Through case studies and ITU-supported training programs in Latin America and Africa, the session illustrates how locally grounded capacity-building enhances digital inclusion and resilience.
- C6. Enabling environment: It encourages supportive policy and funding environments for community-led connectivity, advocating for inclusive digital public infrastructure.
- C8. Cultural diversity and identity, linguistic diversity and local content: By focusing on cultural preservation and Indigenous digital sovereignty, the session aligns with the promotion of local content and the safeguarding of linguistic and cultural diversity.
- C11. International and regional cooperation: The session reflects strong interregional collaboration between civil society, technical actors, and international agencies, contributing to inclusive global governance.
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Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere
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Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
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Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
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Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
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Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries
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Goal 11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
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Goal 16: Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies
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Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
This session contributes to several SDGs by promoting inclusive, community-led digital development:
- SDG 1 (No Poverty) – through improved access to communication and economic opportunities in marginalized areas
- SDG 4 (Quality Education) – by supporting local training and capacity building
- SDG 5 (Gender Equality) – by highlighting the role of women in Indigenous digital initiatives
- SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) – by fostering community-built infrastructure and innovation
- SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) – by addressing digital divides for Indigenous and rural communities
- SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) – by strengthening local resilience and services
- SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) – by promoting participatory digital governance
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) – through interregional collaboration and support from global partners
Relevant links and social media:
- REDES A.C.: https://redesac.org.mx
- CN Learning Platform: https://cnlearning.apc.org
- APC – Digital Inclusion: https://www.apc.org/en/our-work/themes/digital-inclusion
- Rhizomatica: https://www.rhizomatica.org
- ITU – Indigenous Peoples: https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Digital-Inclusion/Indigenous-Peoples/
Social media:
- Twitter/X: @redes_ac | @apc_news | @rhizomatica
- Instagram: @redes_ac | @apc_network
- LinkedIn: Redes AC | APC