Header Ads Widget

At the 2021 Asia-Pacific Community Networks Summit: Innovating Policymaking to Connect the Unconnected

The 2021 Asia-Pacific Community Networks Summit held a profound significance in the realm of digital connectivity and policymaking. With the goal of connecting the unconnected, this summit brought together stakeholders, policymakers, innovators, and community leaders to explore new avenues and strategies for bridging the digital divide. The event served as a platform to discuss innovative approaches and policies that can empower local communities and enable them to participate fully in the digital age.

One of the primary challenges addressed at the summit was the lack of internet access in many remote and marginalized areas across the Asia-Pacific region. Despite significant advancements in technology and connectivity, a significant portion of the population still remained offline, limiting their access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and vital information.


The concept of community networks emerged as a key solution during the summit. Community networks are locally-owned and operated communication infrastructures that are built and managed by the communities themselves. These networks leverage a range of technologies, including wireless mesh networks, to provide affordable and reliable internet connectivity to underserved areas. They enable communities to take ownership of their digital connectivity, fostering self-reliance and empowerment.

The summit highlighted several success stories and best practices from various community networks in the Asia-Pacific region. These networks have demonstrated that by leveraging local knowledge, resources, and collaboration, it is possible to overcome the challenges associated with connectivity in underserved areas. Through grassroots initiatives, these networks have been able to bring connectivity to remote villages, indigenous communities, and underserved urban areas, transforming lives and fostering economic development.

Innovative policymaking was another crucial aspect of the summit. Policymakers and regulatory authorities recognized the need to create an enabling environment for community networks to thrive. Traditional regulatory frameworks often pose challenges for the establishment and operation of these networks. Therefore, policymakers explored alternative approaches and regulatory models that are more conducive to community-led connectivity initiatives.

The summit emphasized the importance of collaborative policymaking, involving multiple stakeholders such as governments, civil society organizations, technology providers, and community representatives. By engaging in inclusive and participatory processes, policymakers can gain valuable insights and perspectives from the ground, ensuring that policies are tailored to the specific needs and challenges of the communities they aim to serve

Moreover, the summit underscored the significance of partnerships and resource mobilization. Connecting the unconnected requires a concerted effort from various actors. Governments, international organizations, private sector entities, and civil society organizations need to work together to mobilize resources, share best practices, and support community network initiatives financially and technically. The summit served as a platform for forging new partnerships and strengthening existing ones to collectively address the digital divide.

In conclusion, the 2021 Asia-Pacific Community Networks Summit brought together a diverse group of stakeholders committed to innovating policymaking and bridging the digital divide. By focusing on community networks, the summit highlighted the transformative potential of locally-owned and operated connectivity initiatives. It showcased success stories, discussed policy challenges, and emphasized the need for collaboration, inclusivity, and resource mobilization. Through these efforts, the summit laid the groundwork for empowering communities, connecting the unconnected, and building a more inclusive and digitally equitable Asia-Pacific region.

Post a Comment

0 Comments