Session
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: The classroom layout and 60-minute duration are ideal for this activity because they foster an environment that balances structure with interaction. The layout encourages active participation by allowing attendees to easily listen the panelists' interventions while facilitating direct engagement with speakers and other participants during discussions.
The 60-minute duration provides ample time to present the revised Internet Universality Indicators, engage attendees in meaningful dialogue, and address questions, ensuring the session is both informative and participatory. This format supports the open forum’s objective of collaborative exchange and feedback.
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.
UNESCO
Tatevik Grigoryan, Associate Programme Specialist, UNESCO Camila Gonzalez, Consultant, UNESCO
- Mr. Fabio Senne, ICT Survey Projects Coordinator at Cetic.br / NIC.br (Latin America)
- Mr. Najib Mokni, Programme Specialist, UNESCO (Arab States)
- Ms. Tenanoia Simona, CEO at Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation (Asia and the Pacific)
- Ms. Seluvaia Kauvaka, ICT, Cyber Security, IT Management Consultant (Asia and the Pacific)
Tatevik Grigoryan, Associate Programme Specialist, UNESCO
Camila González
Khouzeifi Issakha
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
10. Reduced Inequalities
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
17. Partnerships for the Goals
Targets: The session will highlight the significance of indicators in equipping stakeholders across various sectors with the means to align themselves with the UN SG's roadmap for digital cooperation and the Global Digital Compact, aimed at achieving the SDGs. By providing concrete solutions towards fulfilling Goals 4, 5, 10, 16, and 17 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, UNESCO's Internet Universality Indicators framework addresses a global and national standard-setting gap. It serves as a comprehensive research tool to promote Internet policies for sustainable development in all countries.
Report
The revised Internet Universality Indicators (IUIs) provide a more robust and adaptive framework to support stakeholders in making evidence-based decisions. By addressing contemporary internet challenges— such as environmental impact and advanced digital technologies—they serve as a critical tool for advancing inclusive, rights-based, and sustainable digital development.
Regional and international collaboration networks are crucial for strengthening the implementation of the IUIs. These networks facilitate the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and solutions, enabling regions to tackle shared challenges more effectively.
Establishing a mechanism for monitoring and tracking progress is fundamental. This includes the development of performance indicators to measure advancements and ensure accountability in the implementation process.
Leverage the revised Internet Universality Indicators as a strategic tool to bridge the digital divide and address both contemporary challenges and opportunities in the internet landscape. The updates strengthen the framework’s ability to guide and support stakeholders in evidence-based decision-making.
Strengthen multistakeholder participation as a cornerstone for success. Effective collaboration among governments, civil society, the private sector, and local communities fosters a strong sense of ownership, incentivizing the implementation of solutions and initiatives that promote inclusive and sustainable internet development.
Opening Remarks
The session commenced with opening remarks from Mr. Tawfik Jelassi (Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, UNESCO), who summarized the key updates of the Internet Universality Indicators and expressed gratitude to the Regional Center for Studies on the Development of the Information Society (CETIC.br) for their collaboration in the revision process of the IUIs.
Key Highlights of IUI initiative include:
-
UNESCO supported 40 national implementations completed worldwide:
-
17 in Africa
-
12 in Asia-Pacific
-
5 in Latin America and the Caribbean
-
3 in Europe
-
3 Arab States
-
7 Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have completed the process.
-
IUI assessments aim to identify gaps and opportunities in the Internet landscape and inform national strategies toward inclusive digital development.
-
The assessments guide countries in developing comprehensive digital strategies.
Panelists included:
-
Mr. Fabio Senne, ICT Survey Projects Coordinator at Cetic.br / NIC.br
-
Shared insights on the revision process, which included desk research, interviews, surveys, and stakeholder consultations. This led to a streamlined and user-friendly Framework, simplifying implementation.
-
Highlighted the IUIs' relevance across diverse economies, from G20 countries like Germany, Brazil, and Argentina to smaller nations such as Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the South Pacific.
-
Addressed how the revised IUIs efficiently tackle emerging challenges and opportunities, including advanced digital technologies and the environmental impact of the Internet.
-
Mr. Najib Mokni, Programme Specialist, UNESCO (Arab States)
-
Shared lessons from implementing IUIs in Tunisia, Cameroon, Burundi, DRC, and Congo:
-
Emphasized the importance of active stakeholder engagement to foster ownership, ensuring commitment and involvement in implementing policies and solutions informed by the assessments.
-
Highlighted the need for awareness-raising and capacity-building sessions to help stakeholders construct roadmaps and understand their roles throughout the process.
-
Stressed the significance of tracking progress through follow-up assessments and performance indicators to measure success.
-
Discussed common challenges, including lack of political will, trust deficits, limited civil society involvement, and fragmented Internet governance issues. He underscored the importance of innovative strategies to address these obstacles from the outset.
-
Ms. Tenanoia Simona, CEO at Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation (Asia and the Pacific)
-
Noted that while governments play a pivotal role, especially in SIDS, active engagement with private sector and civil society organizations is critical. A shared sense of ownership fosters trust among stakeholders.
-
Highlighted unique challenges in SIDS, such as difficulties in attracting investment, leading to an overreliance on partnerships and the private sector. She emphasized the need to address these through local capacity-building and innovation.
-
Stressed the importance of findings from the IUIs in identifying priorities and leveraging regional cooperation to enhance environmental preparedness.
-
Ms. Seluvaia Kauvaka, ICT, Cyber Security, IT Management Consultant (Asia and the Pacific)
-
Emphasized the role of Multistakeholder Advisory Board in implementing IUIs by facilitating data collection, fostering ownership, and tailoring solutions to regional needs.
-
Highlighted the importance of regional cooperation to share best practices and address common challenges effectively.
-
Identified language barriers when communicating with stakeholders, noting the need to translate highly technical or international terminology into accessible, local contexts.
Conclusion and Way Forward
The meeting reinforced the importance of national digital assessments as a critical tool for achieving inclusive and sustainable internet strategies. Key recommendations included:
-
Prioritizing multistakeholder collaboration for ownership and trust.
-
Addressing regional challenges, particularly in developing economies and SIDS.
-
Promoting innovation, capacity building, and technical expertise.
-
Leveraging revised frameworks to tackle digital divides and environmental challenges.
To finish, UNESCO’s role remains vital in guiding global efforts through inclusive processes that empower all stakeholders and foster digital equality.