Breaking News: Nnenna Nwakanma to keynote @NetMundial 2014

ITRealms:

Nigerian-born Information and Communication Technology (ICT) advisor and Free and Open Source Software advocate, Ms Nnenna Nwakanma is to keynote at the forthcoming NetMundial being hosted by the government of Brazil, reports ITRealms.

Confirming this development, Nwakanma disclosed to ITRealms that she received an invitation from the chairman of the Global Multistakeholder Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance 2014, tagged ‘NetMundial,’ Professor Virgílio Fernandes Almeida to keynote on behalf of the Civil Societies.

Also, ITRealms gathered that Nnenna has been slated to speak at the opening ceremony where heads of government over 23 countries have confirmed attendance including a delegation from the Nigerian government led by the Federal Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson.

Nnenna, known for her ‘Africaness,’ frankness and human rights activism is expected to address the gathering for some eight minutes.

“I have replied to say ‘I will be speaking from the civil society perspective, which is my stakeholder group,’" she affirmed to ITRealms.

She expressed optimism this will be pulled off well.

ITRealms also gathered that Prof. Almeida has invited some other distinguished names to co-chair and lead the Netmundial organisation in the spirit of multistakeholders.

They include Prof. Jeanette Hofmann from the Academic Community, Subi Chaturvedi – Civil Society, Mr. Fadi Chedadé of ICANN representing technical community and Andile Ngcaba from the private sector.

Also there are four committees working in the Netmundial, namely the High-Level Multistakeholder Committee, Executive Multistakeholder Committee, Logistics and Organizational Committee and Council of Government Advisors.

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Nnenna joins World Wide Web Foundation

ITRealms:

From last Friday, November 1, Ms Nnenna Nwakanma commenced work with the World Wide Web Foundation’s growing international network as Africa Regional Coordinator for the organization.

Reputed as an experienced technology and development professional, Nnenna, according to information available to ITRealms, would be based in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.

Nnenna, ITRealms reports will work to develop cutting-edge collaborations which will advance the aims and reach of the Web Foundation’s work across Africa, including the Alliance for Affordable Internet project and the Web We Want campaign for human rights on and through the Web.

ITRealms recalls that Nnenna is an experienced development professional has worked in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) field on the continent over a decade.

“As well as leading a highly-regarded consultancy platform, Nnenna has in recent years co-founded The Free Software and Open Source Foundation for Africa, and served as a board member of the Open Source Initiative,” official statement from the foundation revealed.

She had worked closely with a range of civil society organisations, including  the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Digital Solidarity Fund (DSF) and has worked on the United Nation (UN) Africa Information Society Initiative.

Just penultimate week, she was invited to speak to over 2,000 participants from 111 countries at the opening ceremonies of the Internet Governance Forum in Bali on behalf of civil society.

Confirming this appointment, the chief executive officer (CEO), World Wide Web Foundation, Ms Anne Jellema, noted that securing someone with Nnenna’s background and talent is a real coup for her foundation.

“Nnenna will play a vital role in helping us to achieve our vision: an open Web which is a global public good and a basic right. We are delighted to welcome Nnenna onboard,” she said.

Reacting, Nnenna told ITRealms that the growing digital divide is a global issue that could only be tackled collaboratively.

“An open Web that is available, usable and valuable for everyone is crucial for Africa’s future. I look forward to working with the team at the World Wide Web Foundation to make affordable and open internet access a reality for all,” she said.

ITRealms recollects that Nnenna has lived in five different African countries, speaks English and French, as well as three other African languages.

Remmy Nweke

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