The internet can positively impact the life of the youth, he said: “Positive digital engagement is crucial for the younger generation and they should make the best use of the available tools for sustainable growth.”
Hon. Mbowe, who was reappointed as a member of the Multi-stakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) on Internet Governance by the United Nations Secretary-General, following the completion of his first three-year term in 2024, is currently serving as the Pan-African Parliament member of ICT committees in both institutions.
During his first term, the Honourable was instrumental in initiating the parliamentary track at the UN IGF, and he co-chaired the Policy Network on Meaningful Connectivity (PNMA).
He also contributed to the coordination of the IGF events in Ethiopia, Japan and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2024.
He was selected for the second time as a member for the UN staff responsible for evaluating all nominated members, he said: “I have made an impact and commitment to ensuring that the Internet is safe, inclusive and has good policies for its advancement.”
He added: “I will continue to work on the parliamentary track where major issues like connectivity, security and advancements like artificial Intelligence (AI) are discussed to have the potential to guide us.
“I will continue this drive but on the Policy Network on Meaningful Connectivity, as we need to share ideas and programmes in closing the digital divide.’’
IGF has been in existence for twenty years, he pointed out, saying MAG has been in the forefront for organising forums to various stakeholders to discuss Internet ecosystem, including government, the private sector, CSOs and most recently parliamentarians and judges.
“MAG will continue to play a central role for the future of the IGF and could play a prominent role in the Global Digital Compact as well,” he stated.
“My previous term, I co-chaired the Policy Network on Meaningful Connectivity (PNMA) where we provided documentary evidence as well as projects across the globe that helped to close the digital gap more especially with the vulnerable populations.
“We have repository of projects that have impacted these people and it has the potential to influence policies that are meant to ensure people get connected but most importantly, a meaningful connection.”
Hon. Mbowe added that there are several issues and gaps between the developed and developing countries.
Stakeholders are key to the success of IGF, he said, adding that stakeholders would continue to evolve.
He said the UN, AU, EU and others would continue to support continental, regional, national and youth IGFs.
‘‘This approach ensures no one is left behind,” he said. “We share the platforms to discuss issues and advance. I chaired the group that reviewed the African Charter on Internet and Governance. I have submitted the draft Charter which was adopted with the support of UNECA and the African Union.”
Hon. Mbowe pointed out that there is already a group that organised The Gambia IGF, saying there is a need for more support not only from the United Nations, and the private sector but also from governments.
He further said regulations are generally essential in the information age, most of which is to ensure citizens and institutions abide by rules which would ensure the protection of consumer at the same time secure the assets of the providers.
He said regulatory frameworks must not stall innovation or infringe on individual or institutional rights, adding that the internet is not owned by an individual, institution or country but it is a tool that interconnects networks to foster collaboration online.
He highlighted the importance of cyber security, data protection and connection, saying: “The Gambia is trying to domesticate African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection bills.”
The Upper Saloum NAM said it is important to devise a way to reduce cost of Broadband services and make recommendations for shared services by the GSM companies to the Ministry of Information and Communication.
