Global Networks, Individual Freedoms

URL: http://conx.state.gov/geneva (Short URL: http://goo.gl/5drMZ)

Description:

“We need to work toward a world in which access to networks and information brings people closer together and expands the definition of the global community.” – Secretary Clinton, Remarks on Internet Freedom Jan. 2010

Take part in a global conversation on the important role of a free and open Internet in advancing freedom of expression, fundamental human rights, and the values of free societies.  Submit your questions to a panel of human rights activists from around the world who will be gathered at United Nations in Gevena, share your thoughts, and chat with other online viewers.

The discussion is part of the Internet Freedom Fellows program, which brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights.  A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.  The program takes place June 19-29, during the 20th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.  Launched in 2011, the program is run by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva.  For additional information on the program, please visit Internet Freedom Fellows.

This year’s Internet Freedom Fellows, all human rights activists and active practitioners of digital media, are from Syria, India, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Venezuela and Azerbaijan.  In Geneva they will participate in a global conversation, webcast from the United Nations, on “Global Networks, Individual Freedoms” Wednesday, June 20 at 10:00 EDT (14:00 UTC).

During the program, the Fellows will describe their own experiences on the frontlines of Internet Freedom, and discuss the challenges the global community faces as we grapple with issues of privacy and security while working to protect and preserve the Internet’s enormous promise for advancing human rights and individual liberties.

In Geneva, the Fellows will be joined by special guest, acclaimed author and proponent of a free Internet, Rebecca MacKinnon – author of the recently released book: Consent of the Networked: The Worldwide Struggle for Internet Freedom. Ms. MacKinnon will speak on the fundamental question of how technology should be structured and governed to support the rights and liberties of all the world’s Internet users.

The event will be live streamed with a simultaneous webchat. Twitter users can engage and propose questions using the tag #FreedomFellows.  Viewers worldwide are invited to join the discussion on any of these platforms.

Format: This will be a video webchat in English.  Please click on the URL above and sign into the chatbox to participate.