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 is a joint meeting of two IGF Dynamic Coalitions: DC-Public Access in Libraries, led by IFLA, and DC-Measuring Digital Inclusion, led by UNESCO IFAP and GDIP, in collaboration with partners such as CETIC, UNU-EGOV, and the Tech and Global Affairs Innovation Hub.
The aim is to engage IGF stakeholders in policy discussions on creating inclusive digital ecosystems accessible to all, especially women, girls, and underserved communities. Panelists will share best practices to inspire collaborative policy initiatives addressing connectivity and inclusion challenges. This session has three objectives:
1. Discuss the strategy, actions, work plans and synergies
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
Aligned with the IFAP Strategic Plan 2023-2029 and ROAM-X Indicators, these efforts support the UN's Roadmap for Digital Cooperation and the Global Digital Compact. This session aims to foster ongoing action and engagement among global stakeholders to promote gender equality and inclusive digital environments.
Dual moderators (onsite and online) will facilitate interaction across audiences. Organizers will welcome participants, and a 30-minute Q&A session will encourage rich dialogue between speakers and attendees, whether 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
Alexandre Barbosa,
Abdullah AI-Hawas, Head of Ithra Library (in person)
Sarah Birungi Kaddu, Dean of the East African School Library Information Sciences, Makerere University, Uganda (in person)
Nagwa Ebrahim Elshenawy, Cairo University in Egyp (in person)
Kossi Amessinou, Ministère de l'économie et des Finances de Benin, the chair of the NGO Women Be Free (in person)
Ahmad Albihed, Secretary General of UNESCO National Commission of Saudi Arabia (TBC)
Onica Makwakwa,
Viktoriia Romaniuk, Director at Mohyla School of Journalism and the Chair of IFAP Working Group on Information Ethics, Eastern European (online)
Mariam Keburia, Business and Technology University of Georgia (online)
Dorothy Gordon, the former Chair of IFAP (online)
Najib Mokni, UNESCO
Xianhong HU, UNESCO and Carmen Ferri, 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).
Report
Bridging the digital divide and building meaningful connectivity through inclusive frameworks, comprehensive policies and tailored projects
Leveraging emerging technologies and partnerships to improve digital gender-inclusion and combat disinformation
Flag the key role of libraries on closing the gap
calls on policy makers to a comprehensive approach to digital inclusion to build a gender-responsive and inclusive framework which can bridge the digital divide and empower all citizens (Leaving no one behind)
Invest in digital infrastructure and literacy programmes. • Collaborate: Encourage collaboration among government, private sector, and communities, and mostly IFLA, UNESCO – coordination (All present entities today).
Report of the DC Session IGF 2024 DC-PAL & DC-Digital Inclusion Transformative digital inclusionat IGF2024
Takeaway 1: Bridging the digital divide and building meaningful connectivity through inclusive frameworks, comprehensive policies and tailored projects
The panellists emphasized the importance of addressing not only the digital divide but also broader gaps in information and knowledge. This aligns with IFAP core mandate to create a more inclusive knowledge society. Panelists highlighted the role of strategic frameworks and comprehensive policies to tackle connectivity challenges, particularly for women, girls, and underserved communities.
Specific tailored projects initiatives were also emphasized in the session. With the support from IFAP, India, Georgia and Iran undertook training programmes for rural women, addressing the significant digital divide and empowering them with information literacy and digital skills. The received training in digital technologies, empowering them with skills to participate actively in society. Georgia's experience was shared at the meeting, more participants including Ukrainian refugee women and more stakeholders were included after the project ended, further expanding the project's influence.
Takeaway 2: Leveraging emerging technologies and partnerships to improve digital gender-inclusion and combat disinformation
Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), generative AI, and quantum computing were identified as double-edged swords. While they can drive knowledge societies and provide innovative solutions, they also come with risks, including the manipulation of information through social media, fake news, propaganda and cyber-attacks aimed at destabilizing societies and undermining trust in institutions.
UNESCO's global recommendations on AI ethics, developed as early as 2018, reflect its commitment to ensuring technologies benefit humanity equitably. Partnerships were recognized as pivotal for success. Collaborative efforts among governments, academia, civil society, and the private sector were encouraged to address global challenges like connectivity and inclusion, which transcend borders. Panellists underscored that 2.6 billion people remain offline, emphasizing the urgency of collective action. At the same time, AI can be a powerful tool in solving the disinformation issues, especially in detecting fake news and analysing large amounts of data.
Takeaway 3: The key role of libraries on closing the gap
By sharing the good experiences of the Ithra Library and the case study of Uganda, the key role of the libraries in digital inclusion were emphasized, especially for girls and women in rural areas, where they face more serious challenges on accessibility, affordability, skills and gender gap. The libraries could be culture centres for various activities and hubs for digital inclusion to address challenges by continuous support, offering free access for all and educational resources, and more girls and women getting involved.
Calls to Action :
- The session calls on policy makers to a comprehensive approach to digital inclusion to build a gender-responsive and inclusive framework which can bridge the digital divide and empower all citizens (Leaving no one behind)
- Invest: Invest in digital infrastructure and literacy programmes.
- Collaborate: Encourage collaboration among government, private sector, and communities, and mostly IFLA, UNESCO – coordination (All present entities today).
- Engage: Actively involve women and underserved communities in digital initiatives.
- Encourage progressive policies such as tax regimes that lower costs of connectivity, adult education, and female education.
- To address the challenges of disinformation in the digital world, speakers call for on government and ICT department to:
- Development of accessible, transparent, and interactive communication to effectively engage with audiences and provide reliable information.
- Building international networks of partners and information influence agents, which will enable a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics and approaches to disinformation in different countries and among different audiences.
- Creation of a system for rapid information dissemination and response to disinformation threats.
- Establishing partnerships with universities and academic institutions allows for the integration of research and the development of new approaches to combating disinformation, as well as fostering the exchange of knowledge and resources among scholars, government organizations, and civil society.