This post was written by Kenneth Dimalibot, GDIP Senior Communications Manager.
Today, the Global Digital Inclusion Partnership (GDIP) announced the launch of its Fellowship Program designed to advance scholarship, research, and policy leadership to tackle critical questions in building truly inclusive digital societies.
The Fellowship Program will focus on developing a body of knowledge and leadership to help address some of the world’s most pressing issues in achieving universal and meaningful connectivity, including affordable access, the gender digital divide, the gaps in digital skills, internet governance, and the general impact of emerging technologies on the world’s ability to achieve digital inclusion and equity. The program will provide a platform for fellows to lead public dialogue and launch new initiatives and projects aligned with our mission and strategic priorities.
Distinguished experts Dr Robert Pepper (United States of America) and Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka (South Africa) will serve as GDIP’s inaugural Senior Fellows.
Robert Pepper is a renowned expert in technology and connectivity policy. Until August 2024, he served as the Head of Global Connectivity Policy and Planning at Meta, where he played a key role in driving the company’s efforts in infrastructure and connectivity technology development, deployment, and adoption. Prior to his time at Meta, he was the Vice President for Global Technology Policy at Cisco and held significant leadership roles at the United States Federal Communications Commission, including being chief of the Office of Plans and Policy and Policy Development.
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is the founder of the Umlambo Foundation, and serves as Chair of the Board of Women Deliver, and Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg. A dedicated gender activist and campaigner, she previously served as the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women and as the Deputy President of South Africa. A longtime champion of women’s rights, she is affiliated with numerous organizations focused on education, women’s empowerment, and gender equality.
“Robert and Phumzile bring exceptional leadership and a wealth of experience to GDIP through their decades-long careers in various roles spanning multiple sectors and geographies. Their deep understanding of the real issues in digital development equips them to provide strategic advice and challenge the sector to consider innovative solutions to achieve universal meaningful connectivity in the global majority. We are honored and excited to work with them on a wide variety of issues and initiatives to support our mission,” said Sonia Jorge and Onica N. Makwakwa, GDIP Executive Directors.
Given the challenges of stubborn and multiple digital divides as well as rapid advancements in emerging technologies, GDIP — through its work and programs — aims to inform the discourse and develop new approaches to increase inclusion rather than exacerbate divides and exclusion.
“I am honored to join GDIP as a Senior Fellow and look forward to working with the team and our partners to ensure meaningful access is a reality for the global majority, especially focusing on women and girls, and rural and marginalized population groups. With digital technologies so closely linked to the Sustainable Development Goals and more than halfway to 2030, we will devote our time and expertise to drive policy advocacy and action,” said Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, GDIP Senior Fellow.
“It is exciting to have the opportunity to join GDIP as a Senior Fellow and contribute to the development of new and innovative policy approaches to close existing digital gaps and support inclusive digital societies. The potential impact of emerging technologies warrants a deep understanding of their workings, as well as policy leadership, to ensure that they do not result in new divides reversing recent progress. I look forward to working with the team and supporting GDIP’s mission,” said Robert Pepper, GDIP Senior Fellow.
Building on our record of research, policy advocacy, and multi-stakeholder coalition-building, our Fellowship Program will broaden our capacity, impact, and network across key issues in digital rights and inclusion. Fellows will have the unique opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities, including convening working groups, organizing events and conferences, writing and publishing reports, guiding research, facilitating partnerships, and collaborating with GDIP staff and partners.
More information about the Fellowship Program, inaugural and additional cohorts, and how to apply will be announced in the coming months.
For media inquiries, please contact press@globaldigitalinclusion.org
About GDIP
The Global Digital Inclusion Partnership is a coalition of public, private, and civil society organizations working to bring internet connectivity to the global majority and ensure everyone is meaningfully connected by 2030. GDIP advances digital opportunities to empower and support people’s lives and agency, leading to inclusive digital societies.