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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.