Proposed Sub-Regional Initiative

Strengthening Digital Governance in South Asia

SAIDGI is a dedicated multistakeholder platform fostering research, dialogue, and collaborative digital development tailored to the region's unique realities.

SAIDGI Inaugural Dialogue on Digital Sovereignty

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The South Asia Internet and Digital Governance Initiative (SAIDGI) is proud to announce its inaugural high-level discussion: "Social Media and Digital Sovereignty in South Asia." In an era defined by rapid technological shifts, SAIDGI is convening a premier forum to address the critical intersection of regional data security, digital rights, and the future of the South Asian internet landscape. This session aims to bridge the digital divide and architect a sovereign digital future for the region.

Distinguished Panel of Speakers

We are honored to host an elite panel of regional experts and thought leaders:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89615069437?pwd=nLr0XMpMxafAmHhbSj2DMDxxR5EEa4.1
Meeting ID 896 1506 9437
Passcode 032393

Shreedeep Rayamajhi (Nepal): Founder, Learn Internet Governance.
Dr. Gnanajeyasaman Rajaram (India): Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha University.
Mahee Kirindigoda (Sri Lanka): CEO / Director FlexSoft Technologies (Pvt) Ltd.
Mohammad Abdul Haque Anu (Bangladesh): Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum.

Event Logistics

Date: 30 April 2026

Time: 12:15 UTC

Theme: Two Worlds. One Choice: Connected, Empowered, Informed vs. Disconnected, Vulnerable, Left Behind.

A Strategic Mandate for South Asia

This inaugural discussion serves as the foundation for a Secure, Sovereign, and Sustainable digital ecosystem. By uniting voices from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, SAIDGI is committed to ensuring that our data, our rights, and our future remain under regional stewardship.

Join us as we take the first step toward a stronger, more connected, and sovereign South Asia.

Sri Lanka: 17:45 (5:45 PM) - IST (UTC+5:30) India: 17:45 (5:45 PM) - IST (UTC+5:30) Nepal: 18:00 (6:00 PM) - NPT (UTC+5:45)
Bangladesh: 18:15 (6:15 PM) - BST (UTC+6)
Pakistan: 17:15 (5:15 PM) - PKT (UTC+5)

Who We Are

About SAIDGI

Initiated by a group of seasoned Internet governance and digital development professionals from across South Asia. We represent Bangladesh, Bhutan, India,Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, committed to bridging gaps in the Asia Pacific IGF ecosystem by creating a focused sub-regional space that amplifies South Asian voices.

Vision

A vibrant, inclusive, and rights-respecting digital future for South Asia, where the Internet serves as a tool for equitable development, empowerment, and innovation, governed through genuine multistakeholder collaboration.

Mission

To establish and sustain an open, bottom-up, multistakeholder platform that facilitates dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collective action on Internet governance matters of priority to South Asia.

Our Priorities

Strategic Objectives

01
Dedicated Multistakeholder Space
Equitable discussions among governments, civil society, private sector, and underrepresented groups.
02
Transnational Issues
Addressing digital divides, internet shutdowns, multilingual content moderation, and AI ethics.
03
Capacity Building
Empowering women, youth, and linguistic minorities to participate meaningfully in digital policy shaping.

Accountability

Governance Model

Organizing Committee

Balanced representatives from government, civil society, and the technical community across the sub-region.

Bottom-up Process

Thematic priorities determined through open calls for input and community consensus-building.

Open Participation

Open to all stakeholders with hybrid/virtual formats to maximize accessibility and inclusivity.