Session
Dynamic Coalition on Measuring Digital Inclusion & Dynamic Coalition on Public Access in Libraries
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: The roundtable format supports open dialogue and ensures equal participation among speakers and attendees, making it ideal for addressing the multifaceted aspects of digital inclusion and gender equality. A 90-minute session will provide sufficient time for in-depth discussions on evidence-based measurement frameworks, sharing good practices, and exploring policy solutions that enhance digital inclusion.
This session aims to engage with IGF stakeholders to trigger policy discussions that advance inclusive digital governance and create digital ecosystems that are accessible to everyone, including women, girls and underserved communities. It will draw from best practices presented by the panellists and will seek to engage the audience to coordinate joint policy development and initiatives to address the complex challenges in the pathway towards inclusive universal connectivity.
In line with the implementation of IFAP Strategic Plan 2023-2029, UNESCO Information for All Programme (IFAP), jointly with Global Digital Inclusion Partnership (GDIP) and DC partners International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), Regional Centre for Studies on the Development of the Information Society (CETIC), United Nations University Group on Electronic Governance (UNU-EGOV), and Tech and Global Affairs Innovation Hub; the session will also launch the newly founded IGF DC on Measuring Digital Inclusion.
This session has three objectives:
- Discuss the strategy, actions, work plans and synergies among these Dynamic Coalitions and shed light on the Coalitions efforts towards organizing awareness campaigns, fostering multi-stakeholder dialogues, showcasing achievements, and conducting policy studies that facilitate evidence-based policy-making to address the meaningful connectivity and digital gender gap.
- Exchange on methodologies, results, and good practices for measuring and enhancing digital inclusion and participation of women and girls and the underserved. The session will also highlight efforts to share and promote accurate data collection, research and good practice at global, regional, and national levels.
- Explore the multiple implications of frontier digital technologies, such as AI, including generative AI, quantum technology, etc., on women and girls empowerment and in building an inclusive digital inclusion framework, with a focus on promoting evidence based and gender-inclusive policies and capacity-building initiatives that are essential for advancing human rights and promoting inclusivity in the digital age.
These efforts are in line with the UN Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation and directly contribute to the development and implementation of the Global Digital Compact. Through these collaborative efforts, the session aims to establish a foundation for ongoing action and engagement among global stakeholders to advance gender equality as well as sustainable and inclusive digital environments.
The session will be managed by dual moderators, one onsite and one online, to facilitate interaction across both audiences. Organizers will be present to welcome participants and ensure smooth proceedings, while a dedicated 40-minute Q&A session will allow for rich dialogue between speakers and attendees, whether they are participating in person or virtually.
Xianhong Hu, UNESCO Information for All Program, Intergovernmental Organization
Maria Fernanda De Brasdefer, IFLA, NGO, Global/WEOG
Sonia Jorge, GDIP, NGO, Global
Tawfik Jelassi, Assistant Director General of Communication and Information Sector of UNESCO, Intergovernmental Organization, Global
Onica Makwakwa, Executive Director, Global Digital Inclusion Partnership, NGO, Global
Viktoriia Romaniuk, Deputy Director at Mohyla School of Journalism, Eastern European
Alexandre Barbosa, Managing Director, Cetic, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group, Latin America
Constance Bommelaer de Leusse, Executive Director, Tech and Global Affairs Innovation Hub, Paris School of International Affairs, Sciences Po, Europe
Sarah Kaddu, Dean/Library and Information Sciences, Makerere University, Uganda, Africa
Eman Bushulaibi, Executive Director, Sharjah Library, United Arab Emirates
Xianhong HU, UNESCO
Sonia Jorge, GDIP
Sonia Jorge, GDIP
1.5
4. Quality Education (4.4, 4.5)
10. Reduced Inequalities (10.2, 10.6)
16.10 (16.10, 16.3, 16.7)
17. Partnerships for the goals
Targets: This session will address multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 4 on education and 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), focusing on the intersection of gender equality and technology. The session also addresses digital divides an inequalities by promoting equitable access to digital tools and knowledge for all
The development of digital literacy skills (SDG 16) plays a crucial role in fostering informed citizenship that promotes dialogue and combats misinformation. This will contribute to building peaceful and inclusive societies. The session also showcases examples of successful partnerships to promote similar approaches (SDG 17).