Indigenous Digital Infrastructures and Emerging Technologies: Challenges, Capacities and Commons


Redes AC, Rhizomatica and APC

Session 240

Tuesday, 8 July 2025 12:00–12:45 (UTC+02:00) Physical (on-site) and Virtual (remote) participation Room F, Palexpo Interactive Session

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.

Panellists
Dr. Carlos F. Baca Feldman
Dr. Carlos F. Baca Feldman Learning and Mentorship Lead at the LocNet Initiative Association for Progressive Communications and Rhizomatica Moderator

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.


Ms. Alessandra Lustrati
Ms. Alessandra Lustrati Head of Digital Development Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), United Kingdom Remote Panellist

Alessandra Lustrati is the Head of Digital Development in the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). As part of her role, Alessandra leads the team responsible for the Digital Development Strategy (2024-2030) and oversees the global Digital Access Programme. Her work is focused on supporting the inclusive, responsible and sustainable digital transformation of developing and emerging countries.

Alessandra is a development economist by background, holds an MSc from the London School of Economics, and is an accredited Senior Private Sector Development Adviser. Before joining the UK Government, Alessandra worked with the United Nations, the European Commission, and in the non-profit and private sectors - with an emphasis on inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and a deep interest in the role of digital technologies for the reduction of poverty and inequality. She has lived and worked extensively across Africa, Asia and Europe, and speaks seven languages.


Ms. Anita Gurumurthy
Ms. Anita Gurumurthy Executive Director IT for Change

Anita Gurumurthy is a founding member and Executive Director of IT for Change where she leads research and advocacy on data and AI governance, platform regulation, and feminist frameworks on digital justice. She is a Visiting Fellow at the UN University International Institute for Global Health and serves as an expert on various bodies – including the T20’s digital transformation track and the UN CSTD’s Working Group on Data Governance. Anita has been part of the High Level Committee of the NetMundial+10 under Brazil’s leadership, the UN Secretary-General’s 10-Member Group on Technology Facilitation, and the Paris Peace Forum’s working group on algorithmic governance. Anita is also a Board member of global justice organizations such as the ETC Group, and University centers such as the Tech & Policy Lab at the University of Western Australia. Anita contributes regularly to academic and media spaces.


Mr. Adrian Wan
Mr. Adrian Wan Senior Policy and Advocacy Manager Internet Society

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.


Ms. Mariana López Lima
Ms. Mariana López Lima Political Advocacy Coordinator Redes por la Diversidad, Equidad y Sustentabilidad AC Remote Panellist

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.


Topics
Artificial Intelligence Capacity Building Cultural Diversity Digital Divide Digital Inclusion Digital Skills Education Environment Infrastructure
WSIS Action Lines
  • AL C1 logo C1. The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development
  • AL C2 logo C2. Information and communication infrastructure
  • AL C3 logo C3. Access to information and knowledge
  • AL C4 logo C4. Capacity building
  • AL C6 logo C6. Enabling environment
  • AL C8 logo C8. Cultural diversity and identity, linguistic diversity and local content
  • AL C11 logo 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.
Sustainable Development Goals
  • Goal 1 logo Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere
  • Goal 4 logo Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
  • Goal 5 logo Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
  • Goal 9 logo Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
  • Goal 10 logo Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries
  • Goal 11 logo Goal 11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
  • Goal 16 logo Goal 16: Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies
  • Goal 17 logo 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
Links

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