Prof. Rajendra Gupta to lead Dynamic Coalition on Internet & Jobs at UN's Internet Governance Forum

Global public policy expert and policymaker, Prof. Rajendra Pratap Gupta, has been tasked to lead the Dynamic Coalition on ‘Internet & Jobs’ as its Chair at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), United Nations.

The Dynamic Coalition on ‘Internet & Jobs’ has been formed from the realization of the need for sustainable and responsible automation, and the potential of the Internet to create jobs and boost the local economies.

It is a result of the initiatives taken by Prof. Rajendra Pratap Gupta at the IGF, since 2018 when it was held in Paris and then, in 2019, at Berlin.

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) was announced by the Secretary-General of the United Nations on 18 July 2006, as a platform for discussions. The IGF brings various people and stakeholder groups to the table as equals to exchange information and share good policies and practices relating to the Internet and technologies.

It facilitates common understandings and knowledge exchange of how to maximize Internet opportunities and address risks and challenges.

With COVID-19, the world is at a tipping point when it comes to job losses due to imminent economic collapse, and this global role will entail showing the way for job creation, globally. The Dynamic Coalition, hence, intends to work with individuals, communities, universities, organizations, and the governments to further the goals of creating a vibrant digital economy supporting the feet on the ground (local jobs).

Commenting on this role and expressing optimism on achieving the coalition's goals, Prof. Rajendra Pratap Gupta, said, "This is a lifetime opportunity to make a difference, globally. And we will engage with all stakeholders to come out with transformative ideas."

Under Gupta's guidance, the coalition will work to achieve two main goals: i) to create jobs across sectors and geographies, through a multi-stakeholder, ecosystem approach of - Connect, Coordinate, Activate, Train, and Enable, and ii) help people realize the human resource and entrepreneurial potential of the Internet across the globe.

The action plan is: i) The Dynamic Coalition on Internet & Jobs will come out with an annual report on ‘Internet & Jobs’ capturing the opportunities, best practices, and success stories, to inspire people to leverage the Internet to build local economies and connect them to the global opportunities, ii) Organize online and offline workshops on how local communities can leverage the Internet for a better life, iii) showcase real-life stories and brainstorm ideas and innovations at the local IGF and annual IGF meetings.

Pic Courtesy: Prof Gupta's LinkedIn Page