The Internet Governance Forum USA (IGF-USA) is a collection of public interest advocates, government officials, technologists, research scientists, industry experts and academia that gather to discuss the future of the Internet. The annual conference provides a forum for thought leaders to exchange information and share good practices that help shape technology policy. 

Francella Ochillo, Next Century Cities’ Executive Director, participated in the opening session, “Did America’s Tech Industry Deliver for America during the COVID Crisis?” Alongside Vint Cerf, Chief Internet Evangelist, Google; Suzanne Clark, President, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Jon Husted, Lt. Governor of Ohio; and Chris Wilson, Senior Manager, Public Policy, Amazon, on a panel moderated by David Redl, CEO, Salt Point Strategies, Francella explained the importance of a nationwide strategy to address broadband access and adoption. 

Next Century Cities works towards ensuring that every resident in every community has access to digital opportunities, but too many communities are still waiting for broadband solutions. As Francella explained in her remarks, every stakeholder – government officials, private sector, community leaders, and the public – must claim a part of solving the digital divide. You can view the conversation here.