Bridging the Digital Divide: Reflections from WSIS+20 and the Path Ahead

By Dr. Hakikur Rahman
Professor, International Standard University | Speaker, WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025

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🌐 Setting the Stage

From 7–11 July 2025, the international community gathered in Geneva for the WSIS+20 High-Level Event, marking two decades since the first World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). I had the honor of presenting during Session 413: Bridging the Digital Divide – Inclusive ICT Policies for Sustainable Development, held on 11 July at Room E, Palexpo.

This interactive and insightful session brought together policy experts, technologists, and development practitioners to examine how inclusive ICT frameworks can meaningfully contribute to global digital equity. Our goal was to identify pathways toward ICT policies that are fair, transparent, environmentally responsible, and globally equitable.

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📣 My Contribution: A 3-Pillar Framework

In my presentation, I proposed a three-pillar framework for digital policy design:

1. Inclusion – Prioritizing access for marginalized populations, including rural communities, women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

2. Ethics – Addressing digital rights, data protection, and algorithmic fairness as foundational design principles.

3. Sustainability – Integrating ICT deployment with environmental considerations and long-term infrastructure resilience.

Drawing on case studies from Bangladesh, I highlighted both achievements and challenges in reducing the urban-rural divide, improving digital literacy, and advancing e-governance. The experience of Bangladesh—like many Global South nations—shows that technological advancement alone is not enough. Institutional readiness, inclusive governance, and ethical foresight must accompany it.

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🔍 Key Insights from the Session

The WSIS+20 session generated a rich discussion around the following themes:

• Access gaps remain urgent: Despite advances in connectivity, over 2.6 billion people globally remain offline, with the majority concentrated in low-income and remote regions. The digital divide is no longer just about infrastructure—it is about affordability, relevance, and capacity.

• Policy fragmentation is a barrier: Participants emphasized the need to harmonize national ICT strategies with broader development plans, SDGs, and environmental commitments. Cross-sectoral coordination remains limited in many countries.

• Human rights must anchor digital governance: As technologies like AI and big data scale, ensuring transparency, privacy, and accountability becomes more critical than ever. Ethical frameworks are not optional—they are essential.

• Local innovation and multistakeholderism are key: Whether through community networks, public-private-education partnerships, or national Internet Governance Forums, collaboration is vital to create policies that reflect lived realities.

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📄 Full Report and Executive Summary

To support deeper engagement and policy research, I have compiled a 47-page document covering:

• Session highlights

• Panelist insights and quotes

• Case studies from Asia, Africa, and Europe

• Synthesized policy recommendations

• WSIS+20 reflections and forward-looking actions

An executive summary is also available for quick reference.
📥 [Insert Google Drive or Dropbox link to the summary]
📘 Full report available upon request or in your Google Classroom if you're a student.

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✍️ Why This Matters

As someone deeply engaged in the WSIS and IGF processes for over two decades, I believe WSIS+20 is not a checkpoint—it is a springboard.

We are transitioning into a phase where digital divides will deepen if we do not act with urgency, empathy, and foresight. WSIS has created a normative foundation; now, we must implement these norms through coherent, localized, and rights-based policies.

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🛤️ What’s Next?

In the coming months, I will continue contributing to the WSIS+20 discourse through:

• A forthcoming book manuscript titled “WSIS+20: Reflections, Achievements, and Future Pathways for the Global Information Society”

• Public lectures and seminars on ethical ICT policy design

• Further collaboration with IGF, UNDP, and academic stakeholders to bridge research and implementation gaps

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🙏 Gratitude

My sincere thanks to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the WSIS+20 Secretariat for organizing a vibrant platform that enables multi-actor dialogue at a critical time. Gratitude also goes to my fellow panelists, co-presenter Dr. Ranojit Kumar Dutta, and the participants who enriched the conversation.

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💬 Join the Conversation

I welcome feedback, questions, and collaborative ideas—particularly from:

• Researchers in ICT4D and global governance

• Policymakers and practitioners in developing countries

• Students working on digital inclusion and policy impact

Let’s work together to ensure that the digital future is open, inclusive, and human-centered.

#WSIS20 #DigitalInclusion #InternetGovernance #ICTPolicy #ITU #SDGs #EthicalTech #Bangladesh #WSIS #FutureOfICT #GlobalSouth

 

🎉 Celebrating a Milestone: IJKM’s Impact Factor Rises to 2.1!

Every now and then, in the life of a journal, a moment comes that calls for quiet reflection—and joyful celebration.

It is with great pleasure that I share some exciting news: the International Journal of Knowledge Management (IJKM) has achieved a significant rise in its Impact Factor, from 1.2 to 2.1 in the latest Journal Citation Reports. 📈

This is more than just a metric—it is a milestone. A signal that our consistent efforts to nurture quality scholarship, foster global dialogue, and promote integrity in publishing are being recognized within the academic community.

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🌍 A Collective Achievement

This success is not mine alone. It belongs to:

• The authors who trusted us with their ideas, inquiries, and groundbreaking research.

• The reviewers whose critical insights upheld the highest standards of peer review.

• The editorial board members who offered their wisdom, guidance, and time.

• The readers and scholars who continue to cite, share, and build upon the work we publish.

To each one of you—thank you. This is your celebration, too.

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💡 Our Vision Remains Unchanged

While metrics like the Impact Factor provide benchmarks of visibility and influence, we have never pursued numbers for their own sake. Instead, our goal remains to:

• Advance meaningful knowledge in the field of knowledge management.

• Encourage ethical and inclusive research, particularly from emerging voices across the globe.

• Maintain transparency and rigor in every aspect of our editorial process.

This milestone only strengthens our resolve to uphold these values.

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📚 Looking Ahead

As we move forward, the road ahead is filled with new challenges and greater responsibilities. The academic publishing world is evolving rapidly—with AI tools, open science movements, and shifts in research evaluation.

At IJKM, we are committed to adapting wisely, embracing innovation, and maintaining the human touch in scholarly communication.

We invite you to continue walking this journey with us—whether as a contributor, reviewer, reader, or collaborator.

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🙏 A Moment of Gratitude

Milestones are not just about celebration—they are reminders. Reminders of how far we’ve come, who helped us get here, and how much more we can still do—together.

To everyone who has been a part of IJKM’s story: thank you for believing in our mission.

Here’s to new questions, stronger networks, and knowledge that makes a difference.

📌 Visit IJKM on IGI Global

#IJKM #ImpactFactor #KnowledgeManagement #AcademicPublishing #ResearchExcellence #Gratitude #IGIGlobal #ScholarlyCommunity #OpenScience

 

Professors vs. Tech: Who Is Shaping the Future of Learning?

In a quiet university café, a curious student once asked her mentor, “Will artificial intelligence replace you someday?”

The professor paused for a moment, looked thoughtfully at his cup, and replied, “It might replace how I deliver lessons, but not how I inspire them.”

This conversation captures a powerful question in the modern education discourse: who is really shaping the future of learning—professors or technology?

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The Rise of Technology in Education

From chalkboards to chatbots, education has undergone a rapid transformation in the past two decades. EdTech is no longer a novelty—it is the backbone of modern learning environments.

• Platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy, and edX have democratized access to world-class learning.

• Tools like ChatGPT, Kahoot, Quillbot, and Turnitin are now used in classrooms to assist in teaching, assessments, and academic integrity.

• According to HolonIQ, global EdTech investment is expected to exceed $404 billion by 2025, reshaping how content is delivered and consumed.

Virtual reality labs, AI tutors, personalized learning dashboards, and automated grading are becoming the new norm.

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But Where Are the Professors?

Despite the surge in automation and digital content, the role of educators remains indispensable.

Professors don’t just teach. They mentor, contextualize, question, provoke thought, encourage debate, and understand emotions—aspects that no algorithm has yet convincingly replicated.

A 2022 report by the World Economic Forum noted that:

“92% of educators globally believe that technology will significantly shape education, but 84% also emphasized the continued importance of human guidance in all learning models.”

In hybrid and flipped classrooms, professors are no longer just content deliverers—they are learning architects, facilitating critical thinking and collaborative exploration.

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Technology as a Tool, Not a Threat

Rather than “Professors vs. Tech,” the narrative must evolve into “Professors with Tech.”

Technology can handle scale, speed, and personalization. Professors can provide judgment, ethics, and empathy. The most impactful learning experiences will emerge from a collaborative ecosystem, where technology supports and enhances the educator’s mission—not replaces it.

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Global Trends to Watch

1. Blended and Hybrid Learning: Combining online flexibility with in-person depth.

2. AI-Powered Personalization: Adaptive learning paths based on student behavior.

3. Microlearning and Modular Credentials: Short, skill-based learning blocks.

4. Global Classrooms: Cross-border education and virtual collaboration.

5. Ethical Challenges: Academic dishonesty, data privacy, and AI bias.

Countries like Finland, Singapore, and South Korea are already integrating technology in ways that preserve the human core of education, offering valuable models to emulate.

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Final Thoughts: A Shared Future

The future of education doesn’t rest solely in silicon chips or seasoned lectures. It lives in the fusion of human intuition and intelligent systems. It is not a competition between professors and machines—but a partnership.

Let us not ask who is shaping the future of learning.

Let us shape it together.

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📌 What’s your view? Can technology truly replace teachers—or only enhance them? Share your thoughts below!

#FutureOfLearning #EdTech #AIinEducation #ProfessorVsTech #HybridLearning #LifelongLearning

 📘 New Milestone Achieved: My Monograph on AI in the Global South Goes to Press!

I am delighted to share a piece of exciting news—my monograph titled “Artificial Intelligence in the Global South: Challenges, Opportunities, and Policy Pathways” has officially gone to press under LAMBERT Academic Publishing.

This work has been close to my heart for many reasons. Over the past few years, we have witnessed rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence, but often the global discourse has remained concentrated in the Global North. In contrast, regions in the Global South—rich in diversity, talent, and innovation—have received relatively less attention when it comes to AI readiness, ethical concerns, and policy development.

With this monograph, I have attempted to bridge that gap. It explores:

• The unique challenges the Global South faces in adopting and governing AI technologies

• The untapped opportunities that lie in localized innovation, inclusive policies, and grassroots digital transformation

• Strategic pathways for policymakers, academics, and stakeholders to navigate the complexities of AI governance in developing contexts

This has been both a professional and personal journey—intersecting research, policy thinking, and a vision for equitable technological progress.

I sincerely thank everyone who has inspired and encouraged me along this path. I hope the publication will contribute meaningfully to the ongoing global conversation on responsible and inclusive AI.

Looking forward to sharing the published version with you all soon!

🔗 Stay tuned for updates and the release link.
📬 Feel free to reach out if you'd like to know more or collaborate on related initiatives.

#ArtificialIntelligence #GlobalSouth #AIEquity #TechnologyAndSociety #NewPublication #Policy #DigitalInclusion #AIForAll

 

📘 Call for Chapters: Enhancing Community Empowerment Through Digital Transformation in Local Governance

I am pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for researchers, academics, practitioners, and policymakers to contribute to an upcoming edited book titled Enhancing Community Empowerment Through Digital Transformation in Local Governance, to be published by IGI Global in 2026.

This book will explore the intersection of digital innovation and grassroots governance, focusing on how emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics—can empower communities and improve transparency, inclusivity, and service delivery at the local level.

Despite growing interest and investment in e-governance, its application at the community level remains uneven and under-researched. This volume seeks to fill that gap by drawing from interdisciplinary insights, practical case studies, and theoretical advancements from across developed, developing, and transitional economies.

✍️ Submission Details

• Proposal Submission Deadline: July 27, 2025
• Full Chapter Submission: October 19, 2025
• Final Submission Deadline: January 4, 2026
• Expected Publication: 2026
• Publisher: IGI Global (USA)
• No submission or publication fees.

Contributors are invited to submit chapter proposals (1,000–2,000 words) describing the scope and focus of their intended chapter. All proposals and chapters will undergo a double-anonymized peer review process.

🔗 Submit here: https://www.igi-global.com/publish/call-for-papers/call-details/9015

📌 Recommended Topics Include (but are not limited to):

• Theories and frameworks of local digital governance
• Digital inclusion and the rural-urban technology gap
• Use of AI, mobile platforms, and blockchain in community governance
• Comparative case studies of grassroots e-governance
• Participatory platforms for civic engagement
• Policy, cybersecurity, and ethical considerations in local e-governance
• Capacity building and digital literacy for local stakeholders
• Monitoring and evaluation tools for community-level digital initiatives

🎯 Target Audience

This book will be particularly valuable to:

• Academics and researchers in public administration, ICT4D, and development studies
• Government and local authorities involved in digital transformation
• NGOs and civil society organizations focusing on community empowerment
• Tech developers creating e-governance and civic tech solutions
• Students and educators exploring grassroots digital innovation

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📨 For inquiries, please contact:
Hakikur Rahman
International Standard University
📧 email@hakik.org

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This volume is an important step toward strengthening digital governance at the level that affects people most directly: the grassroots. I invite you to be part of this collaborative and impactful scholarly effort.

#CallForChapters #DigitalGovernance #CommunityEmpowerment #eGovernance #ICT4D #AI4Governance #LocalDevelopment #HakikurRahman

 

🌟 A New Chapter with IJKM and a Proud Recognition

I am delighted to share two significant updates in my academic journey.

🏛️ New Affiliation at IJKM

As of May 12, 2025, I have taken on a new institutional affiliation with International Standard University (ISU) as a Professor and Chair, CSE in my ongoing role as Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Knowledge Management (IJKM). IJKM continues to serve as a platform for advancing discourse in the evolving field of knowledge management and information systems.

This affiliation reflects my continued commitment to bridging research, policy, and technological advancement—especially in areas like digital transformation, knowledge ecosystems, and responsible innovation.

🏆 IJKM Featured in Reviewer of the Year Awards (2024–2025)

In even more exciting news, IJKM was recently featured in the 2024–2025 Reviewer of the Year Awards, an international recognition for journals that uphold rigorous, high-quality, and timely peer review standards.

This acknowledgment is not just an achievement for the journal but a tribute to the entire scholarly community behind it — our dedicated reviewers, editorial board, and contributing authors, all of whom make our collective work possible.

📚 Moving Forward

With renewed institutional support and this recognition in hand, we at IJKM remain dedicated to:

• Advancing interdisciplinary research in knowledge management

• Promoting high editorial and ethical standards

• Supporting emerging scholars and practitioners around the globe

I look forward to continuing this journey with you — as a reader, reviewer, contributor, or collaborator.

📬 If you're interested in submitting to IJKM, reviewing for us, or exploring collaborative opportunities, feel free to reach out.

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Dr. Hakikur Rahman
Editor-in-Chief, IJKM
International Standard University (ISU)
📧email@hakik.org | 🌐 https://www.igi-global.com/journal/international-journal-knowledge-management/1083

Bridging the Digital Divide: Presidency University Session Accepted for WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025

I’m thrilled to share a significant milestone: our session proposal titled "Bridging the Digital Divide: Inclusive ICT Policies for Sustainable Development" has been officially accepted for presentation at the WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025, scheduled from 7 to 11 July at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland.

Representing Presidency University, this session offers a vital platform to address how inclusive and forward-thinking ICT policies can help eliminate digital inequality and drive meaningful progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

WSIS+20: A Global Milestone

The WSIS+20 event commemorates two decades of the World Summit on the Information Society process. It serves as a high-level global forum bringing together international stakeholders—from governments and academia to civil society and the private sector—to reflect on past achievements and envision a digital future that is equitable, sustainable, and inclusive.

Our Accepted Proposal

Our session, "Bridging the Digital Divide: Inclusive ICT Policies for Sustainable Development," focuses on identifying practical, scalable strategies that foster digital inclusion, particularly for underserved communities. By addressing access, equity, education, and participation, we aim to reimagine ICT policies that empower societies and reduce digital gaps.

A Shared Platform for Sustainability

Following the WSIS Secretariat's review, our session will be grouped with two other compelling proposals under the broader theme of ICT and Sustainable Digital Transformation:

1. Leveraging ICT Technology in Supporting Business Sustainability and Resilience
   Safeworld Management Services

2. Bridging the Digital Divide: Inclusive ICT Policies for Sustainable Development
   Presidency University

3. Advancing Inclusive, Ethical, and Sustainable Digital Transformation for the Future Global Development
   City University Bangladesh

This collaboration highlights the collective commitment to building inclusive digital ecosystems and opens the door for mutual learning, cross-sector dialogue, and international cooperation.

Looking Ahead

Presenting at WSIS+20 is more than just a personal or institutional achievement—it’s an opportunity to shape policy conversations that have a global impact. I am deeply honored to contribute alongside distinguished partners in advancing sustainable and inclusive digital transformation.

I extend sincere thanks to the WSIS Secretariat for this recognition and to my colleagues, students, and institutional leaders who continue to support this important work.

Stay connected—more updates will follow as we prepare for the event!

Hakikur Rahman, Ph.D.

A proud graduate of Ansted University.

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Are you attending WSIS+20 or interested in collaborations on ICT, digital equity, or sustainable development? Let’s connect and explore synergies.

#WSIS2025 #DigitalInclusion #ICT4D #SDGs #PresidencyUniversity #SustainableDevelopment #BridgingTheDivide #WSIS20 #ICTPolicy #GlobalDevelopment

A Proud Literary Milestone!

I am truly honored and humbled to be a small part of what is being celebrated as "দু'হাজার বছরের সর্ববৃহৎ কাব্যগ্রন্থ"  "(The Largest Poetry Anthology in 2000 Years), published by the আন্তর্জাতিক সাহিত্য সমন্বয় কেন্দ্র (International Literary Coordination Center) of Kolkata and edited by the esteemed Mr. Prabir Biswas.

My Bengali poem "Gopon Prodip" (The Secret Lamp) has been featured on page 45 of this monumental volume.

Being included in such a remarkable collection alongside poets from around the globe is indeed one of the most memorable moments of my literary journey.

Heartfelt thanks to all who have supported and inspired me along the way. Your encouragement continues to light my path. 🌟📖✍️

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#PoetryAnthology #InternationalPoetry #BengaliPoetry #ProudWriter #LiteraryAchievement #GoponProdip #KolkataLiterature #GlobalVoicesInPoetry #WriterLife #PublishedPoet

Recognition of IJKM Under IGI Global’s Latest Campaign

I am pleased to share that the International Journal of Knowledge Management (IJKM), under my stewardship as Editor-in-Chief, has been recently highlighted by IGI Global as part of their "Our Latest Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles" campaign.

This recognition underscores IJKM’s continued commitment to advancing scholarly research in the field of knowledge management. Alongside IJKM, the International Journal of Asian Business and Information Management (IJABIM) and the International Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Information Systems (IJAEIS) were also featured — reflecting the broad scope and quality of IGI Global’s Open Access journals.

As IJKM transitions into a fully Open Access model, this acknowledgment by IGI Global reaffirms our dedication to providing researchers, practitioners, and academics worldwide with accessible, peer-reviewed knowledge.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to our editorial board members, reviewers, contributing authors, and the wider academic community for their steadfast support. Their contributions are the cornerstone of the journal's success and visibility.

We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of research dissemination and look forward to continuing this journey with our global readership.

Hakikur Rahman
Editor-in-Chief
International Journal of Knowledge Management (IJKM)

 

🌟 A Milestone to Remember: 7,000 Reads and Counting!

Today, I received a small but meaningful notification from ResearchGate:

"Way to go, Hakikur! Your article reached 7,000 reads."

The article in question, titled “Open Innovation in SMEs: From Closed Boundaries to Networked Paradigm”, has now been read over 7,000 times.

To many, this may seem like just another number. But to me, it's a deeply motivating moment — a quiet acknowledgment that ideas matter, that someone, somewhere, took the time to engage with the work I put into this research.

💭 Reflecting on the Journey

This article was born out of a deep interest in the evolving landscape of innovation, particularly how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adapt through openness and collaboration. It delves into the shift from isolated development models toward more networked paradigms — something increasingly vital in today’s interconnected economy.

Over the years, the paper has sparked discussions, questions, and perhaps most importantly, thoughts. For a researcher like me, that’s what makes this journey worth it.

🙏 A Word of Thanks

I am grateful to everyone who has read, shared, or referenced the article. Your curiosity and engagement keep the research alive beyond the pages.

And to young researchers out there: keep writing, keep sharing, and don’t worry about the numbers too early. They grow — slowly, then all at once.

🔗 If You Haven’t Read It Yet...

You can access the article here:
👉 Open Innovation in SMEs: From Closed Boundaries to Networked Paradigm

Here’s to more learning, sharing, and reaching new milestones together. 📚

 Call for Papers for Gold Open Access Journal:

Description

Information and communication technologies are directly influencing the way human beings are engaging themselves in their routine activities. The governance including socio-economic environment needs a catalyst for social change for human development. Currently, technologies are required to play the role of a catalyst to bring this social change for human development. The International Journal of Information Communication Technologies and Human Development (IJICTHD) will compile theoretical and empirical works that significantly contribute to the still unexplored field of how ICTs can make a difference in the lives of human beings and contribute to human development.

Topics Covered
ICTs and citizen participation
ICTs and commerce
ICTs and culture
ICTs and education
ICTs and ethics
ICTs and gender equality
ICTs and governance
ICTs and health
ICTs and human empowerment
ICTs and human rights
ICTs and international cooperation
ICTs and political development
ICTs and poverty alleviation
ICTs and rural development
ICTs and social change
ICTs and social media
ICTs and social networks
ICTs and socio-economic development
ICTs and the environment
ICTs and urban development
Knowledge for human development
Policy making with regard to ICTs for development

For more information and for your submission, please visit www.igi-global.com/ijicthd
(This is a progressive call. There is no deadline)

Thanking you,
Dr. Hakikur Rahman
EiC, IJICTHD.
email@hakik.org

 New Book Announcement: Digital Citizenship and Building a Responsible Online Presence

I am delighted to share the exciting news that my latest book, Digital Citizenship and Building a Responsible Online Presence, has been officially published by IGI Global Scientific Publishing, USA. This book is a comprehensive exploration of the principles, challenges, and opportunities of digital citizenship in today’s interconnected world.

About the Book

In the digital era, our online actions have far-reaching consequences, shaping our professional and personal reputations. With the increasing reliance on digital platforms for communication, education, and business, understanding the responsibilities of digital citizenship has never been more crucial.

This book provides in-depth insights into:
✅ The principles of responsible digital engagement
✅ Ethical considerations in online interactions
✅ Privacy and security challenges in the digital space
✅ The impact of social media and digital footprints
✅ Strategies to foster inclusive and safe digital communities

Publication Details

• Title: Digital Citizenship and Building a Responsible Online Presence
• Author: Dr. Hakikur Rahman
• Publisher: IGI Global
• Release Date: March 2025
• Pages: 460
• DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3693-6675-2
• ISBN (Hardcover): 9798369366752
• ISBN (Softcover): 9798369366769
• eISBN: 9798369366776

Why This Book Matters

With cybersecurity threats, misinformation, and online harassment becoming pressing concerns, the importance of digital responsibility cannot be overstated. This book serves as a guide for educators, students, professionals, and policymakers who seek to create a safer and more ethical online space.

Acknowledgments

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my co-researchers, contributors, and the entire team at IGI Global for their unwavering support in making this book a reality. Their dedication and expertise have been invaluable in shaping this publication.

Who Should Read This Book?

This book is ideal for:
📌 Educators and students in digital literacy and online ethics
📌 Researchers and academicians exploring digital transformation
📌 Policymakers and tech professionals shaping digital governance
📌 Social media users and content creators keen on ethical engagement

Final Thoughts

I am truly excited about this publication and hope it will contribute to meaningful discussions on digital responsibility and online ethics. I look forward to engaging with readers, receiving feedback, and collaborating on future research in this domain.

For more details or to get a copy, visit IGI Global's website or check the DOI link provided above.

💬 Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments! Let’s build a responsible and ethical digital world together!

#DigitalCitizenship #OnlinePresence #CyberEthics #DigitalLiteracy #AcademicResearch #ResponsibleTech #IGIGlobal #Publishing