IGF 2024 Open Forum #77 ROAMX Indicators: Advancing Inclusive Digital Transformation

UNESCO developed the Internet Universality ROAM-X Indicators as a holistic toolkit for Member States to conduct voluntary assessment of the Internet environment and formulate effective actionable policy recommendations to advance the national digital development. The framework is implemented through a multistakeholder approach, in which various interested, concerned stakeholders come together to discuss the various dimensions of the Internet environment covered by the indicators based on the principles of Rights, Openness, Accessibility for All, and Multistakeholder participation (ROAM), as well as a number of X-cutting issues such as gender equality and climate change.

Since the launch of the ROAM-X framework in 2018, Internet Universality assessments have been progressing in over 40 countries, each of which has established a Multistakeholder Advisory Board (MAB) to steer the evidence-based assessments and the implementation of policy recommendations.

Following five years of its deployment, UNESCO, through global consultations, updated the framework to ensure its continued value and relevance in light of the emerging technologies and drawing on the implementation experience across the globe. The revised IUI Framework will be launched during a high-level session at the 19th IGF, to be held on Day 0.

As a follow-up to this event, the Open Forum aims to achieve the following main objectives:

- Bring together key stakeholders to discuss the role of the IUI ROAM-X framework in advancing evidence-based policymaking.
- Present the latest IUI framework and its significance in the ever-evolving digital landscape and discuss the key updates in the revised Indicators.
- Explore the experiences of implementing the IUIs, highlighting best practices and lessons learned.

We will fully embrace the hybrid format of the 2024 IGF by designing our session to ensure equal participation and accessibility for both onsite and online attendees. We will work closely with the IGF Secretariat and the Host Country to utilize the provided technical tools and ensure seamless connectivity for all participants. To prepare, we will confirm the connectivity of online speakers and provide them with clear instructions on using the platform effectively. Additionally, our session will be designed to encourage interactive engagement through tools like live Q&A and active moderation, ensuring inclusivity and a meaningful experience for all.