Today’s dependency on digital technologies is a given. How to ensure that no one is left behind?

People and communities must have a say in the design and development of digital technologies and in the policies that regulate them, writes Media Development editor Philip Lee in the third issue of WACC’s journal in 2026.

Contributions in “Our common digital future: By the people, for the people” dig into how to use digital technologies for the common good, how to mitigate their dangers and potential for harm, and how to harness them for democratic accountability, inclusion, and genuine social progress.

There is a continent-movement in Africa toward digital sovereignty by embedding traditional values like Ubuntu into AI and connectivity initiatives, writes Rebecca Ryakitimbo, a feminist technologist, researcher, and community leader. She advocates for community-driven, culturally relevant technology that empowers local voices and preserves linguistic diversity.

Nino Todua from Helping Hand, a WACC partner organization in Georgia, explores how digital justice in her country requires more than just access to technology. She points to the need for local languages, critical thinking, and inclusive participation to ensure that AI and digital transformation benefit all, especially marginalized youth and minorities.

In a contribution in Spanish, sociologist and communications specialist J. Ignacio ‘Iñaki’ Chaves G. critically examines the rapid spread of AI in Latin America, warning of technological dependency, ethical risks, and the need for human-centered, critical, and ethical approaches to AI.

The time period 2026–2028 is a pivotal one for shaping global digital governance, writes Christina Dahl-Jensen (Tinkr) in a report commissioned by WACC. She urges civil society and faith-based organizations to advocate for justice-centered, rights-based frameworks, leveraging new UN mechanisms and regional strategies.

Gissela Dávila Cobo (CIESPAL) reports in Spanish on the 3rd Festival JUNTANZA for Communication from Our America co-organized by WACC, which emphasized collective action, cultural identity, and the defense of communication rights in the face of technological and political challenges.

The issue closes with a summary of the WSIS Forum 2026 outcomes; insights and recommendations from WACC’s session during the Forum; and calls to the Global Dialogue on AI Governance and the AI for Good Summit for committed action for an AI for women and girls.

“Our common digital future must be determined by the people, for the people: digital sovereignty, no less. That’s the real meaning of communication justice today, concludes Lee.

Media Development 3/2026 is available to subscribers and WACC members. Articles in the issue include: