Rwanda Parliamentarian IGF Track
Rwanda's digital transformation journey
Vision and Strategic Framework
Rwanda's ambition to become a knowledge-based, digitally enabled economy is firmly anchored in Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2). Digital technologies, the Internet, and data-driven systems are now central to governance, economic growth, service delivery, innovation, and civic participation. Policy and legislative decisions taken today will have long-term implications for national development, security, inclusion, and human rights.
The Internet Governance Forum
The Internet Governance Forum (IGF), established by the United Nations, provides a neutral, multistakeholder platform for dialogue on public policy issues related to the Internet. At national level, the Rwanda Internet Governance Forum (Rwanda IGF) convenes the Government, Private sector, Civil Society, the technical community, Academia, and youth to discuss how the Internet can best serve Rwanda's development goals.
Bridging the Parliamentary Gap
While Parliament plays a constitutional role in legislation, oversight, and representation, engagement of Parliamentarians in Internet Governance discussions has often been indirect. Yet, many of the issues discussed within IGFs such as digital inclusion, cybersecurity, data protection, platform governance, and emerging technologies directly inform parliamentary work. The Rwanda Parliamentarian IGF Track is therefore introduced to bridge this gap by creating a dedicated space for legislators to engage meaningfully with Internet Governance processes.
Rationale for the Parliamentarian IGF Track
Empowering parliament in the digital age
Informed Digital Policymaking
Strengthen Parliament's capacity to engage in informed digital policymaking through structured understanding of Internet Governance concepts and global policy trends.
Structured Interface
Provide a structured interface between Parliamentarians and the broader Internet Governance ecosystem, fostering multistakeholder collaboration.
Policy Alignment
Support alignment between national legislation, regional commitments, and global digital policy discussions for cohesive governance.
As digital transformation accelerates, Parliamentarians are increasingly required to legislate on complex and fast-evolving digital matters. Effective lawmaking and oversight in this context demand a solid understanding of Internet Governance concepts, global policy trends, and multistakeholder approaches. By embedding this track within the Rwanda IGF, Parliamentarians are positioned not only as beneficiaries of dialogue but as key actors shaping Rwanda's digital future.
Purpose and Focus of the 2026 Launch Edition
Building foundational understanding and sustainable engagement
Discussion Theme
"Parliamentary Leadership in Internet Governance: Building Informed Lawmaking for Rwanda's Digital Future" - The launch of the Rwanda Parliamentarian IGF Track will focus on building foundational understanding and establishing a sustainable engagement framework.
Primary Focus Areas
1. Introducing Internet Governance concepts and the role of IGF discussions in shaping Rwanda's digital landscape, with a clear articulation of the role and responsibilities of Parliament within national, regional, and global IGF processes.
Capacity Building Initiative
2. Presenting the Internet Governance capacity-building plan for relevant parliamentary committees, outlining a structured approach to strengthening legislative and oversight capacity on digital and Internet-related issues. This initial focus is intended to lay the groundwork for deeper, issue-specific parliamentary engagement in future editions.
Objectives
Strengthening Parliament's role in Internet Governance
Core Concepts Understanding
Introduce Parliamentarians to core Internet Governance concepts, principles, and global policy processes.
Policy Impact
Highlight how IGF discussions influence national digital policies and legislative agendas.
Parliamentary Role
Clarify and strengthen the role of Parliamentarians within the Rwanda IGF and broader IGF ecosystem.
Capacity Development
Present and discuss a tailored Internet Governance capacity-building plan for relevant parliamentary committees.
Role of Parliament in Internet Governance and IGFs
Parliament's multifaceted contribution to digital governance
Legislation
Parliament plays a central role in shaping the digital environment through enacting laws that govern digital infrastructure, data protection, cybersecurity, e-commerce, and emerging technologies.
Oversight
Ensuring accountability of public institutions responsible for ICT, digital services, and online safety. Parliament provides crucial checks and balances in the digital domain.
Representation
Articulating citizens' concerns related to access, affordability, digital rights, and inclusion. Parliament gives voice to constituent needs in internet governance matters.
Format and Modality
How the Rwanda Parliamentarian IGF Track will be organized
High-Level Opening Remarks
Distinguished speakers and parliamentary leaders will set the stage for meaningful dialogue on Internet Governance.
Expert-Led Policy Briefings
Leading Internet Governance and digital policy experts will provide comprehensive briefings on key topics.
Moderated Roundtable Discussions
Focused discussions among Parliamentarians to share experiences and insights on digital governance.
Interactive Stakeholder Exchanges
Direct engagement with government officials, technical experts, civil society, and international partners.
Key Takeaways Session
Summary of key findings and discussion of next steps for parliamentary engagement in IGF processes.
High-Level Session Format
Organized as a high-level session within the Rwanda IGF programme, using a focused and interactive format.
Target Participants
Who should engage with the Rwanda Parliamentarian IGF Track
Parliamentary Members
Members of the Parliament of Rwanda (Chamber of Deputies and Senate) are the primary audience for this initiative, bringing their legislative expertise and constituent perspectives to Internet Governance discussions.
Parliamentary Committees
Relevant Parliamentary Committees (ICT, Governance, Economy, etc.) will engage directly with Internet Governance issues within their respective domains of oversight and legislation.
Supporting Stakeholders
Selected government institutions, regulators, Internet Governance experts, and resource persons will provide technical expertise and cross-sectoral perspectives to enrich parliamentary understanding.
Expected Outcomes
Impact and achievements of the Rwanda Parliamentarian IGF Track
Improved Understanding
Enhanced understanding of Internet Governance concepts and global policy processes among Parliamentarians.
Clear Role Articulation
Clear articulation of Parliament's role within the Rwanda IGF and IGF ecosystem at regional and global levels.
Capacity-Building Pathway
Adoption of a structured Internet Governance capacity-building pathway for Parliament and relevant committees.
Policy Alignment
Stronger alignment between parliamentary work and Rwanda's digital transformation agenda and Vision 2050.
Sustained Engagement
Foundations laid for sustained parliamentary engagement in future Rwanda IGF editions and beyond.
Digital Leadership
Enhanced parliamentary leadership on digital issues positioning Rwanda as a regional leader in responsible Internet Governance.
Coordination and Partnerships
Collaborative implementation framework
Rwanda IGF Framework
The Rwanda Parliamentarian IGF Track will be implemented under the Rwanda IGF framework, ensuring alignment with national Internet Governance processes and multistakeholder principles.
Key Partners
Collaboration with the Parliament of Rwanda, relevant government institutions, Rwanda IGF Committee, and national partners committed to inclusive and sustainable Internet Governance.
International Engagement
Partnership with international partners and organizations dedicated to advancing Internet Governance at the regional and global levels, ensuring Rwanda's participation in broader dialogues.
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