Session
Independent women's Lawyer
Sraddha Kedia, Independent Women's Lawyer, Asia-Pacific Group Manish Jaiswal, Indian Aerospace Defence News(IADN), Asia-Pacific Group Monojit Das, Independent Analyst, Asia-Pacific Group Samaila Bako, Cyber Safe Nigeria, African Group Susan, Cyber Peace Zambia, African Group Miroslav Plundrich, University of West Bohemia, Western Europe and other Group Jannatul Ferdous, Comilla University, Bangladesh, Asia-Pacific Group
Sraddha Kedia, Independent Women's Lawyer, Asia-Pacific Group Manish Jaiswal, Indian Aerospace Defence News(IADN), Asia-Pacific Group Monojit Das, Independent Analyst, Asia-Pacific Group Samaila Bako, Cyber Safe Nigeria, African Group Susan, Cyber Peace Zambia, African Group Miroslav Plundrich, University of West Bohemia, Western Europe and other Group Jannatul Ferdous, Comilla University, Bangladesh, Asia-Pacific Group
Organization's Website
Speakers
Sraddha Kedia, Independent Women's Lawyer, Asia-Pacific Group
Manish Jaiswal, Indian Aerospace Defence News(IADN), Asia-Pacific Group
Monojit Das, Independent Analyst, Asia-Pacific Group
Samaila Bako, Cyber Safe Nigeria, African Group
Susan, Cyber Peace Zambia, African Group
Miroslav Plundrich, University of West Bohemia, Western Europe and other Group
Jannatul Ferdous, Comilla University, Bangladesh, Asia-Pacific Group
Onsite Moderator
Miroslav Plundrich
Rapporteur
Jannatul Ferdous
SDGs
4.1
4.2
Targets: This session directly aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, specifically the following targets: SDG 4.1: "By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy." Link to Session: Digital literacy is an essential part of SDG 4.1. This session will address the gaps in digital literacy, particularly among underrepresented groups, such as older adults, rural communities, women, and persons with disabilities. It will discuss strategies to improve digital education and skills training, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, can participate fully in the digital world. SDG 4.2: "By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education." Link to Session: Early access to digital tools and education can significantly improve the developmental outcomes for children, particularly in disadvantaged areas. The session will discuss the importance of including digital skills as part of early education programs to bridge gaps in technological access and ensure equitable development opportunities for children from diverse backgrounds. By addressing these SDG targets, the session will foster discussion on the critical role digital inclusion plays in achieving equitable education and opportunities for all, regardless of age, gender, or disability.
4.2
Targets: This session directly aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, specifically the following targets: SDG 4.1: "By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy." Link to Session: Digital literacy is an essential part of SDG 4.1. This session will address the gaps in digital literacy, particularly among underrepresented groups, such as older adults, rural communities, women, and persons with disabilities. It will discuss strategies to improve digital education and skills training, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, can participate fully in the digital world. SDG 4.2: "By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education." Link to Session: Early access to digital tools and education can significantly improve the developmental outcomes for children, particularly in disadvantaged areas. The session will discuss the importance of including digital skills as part of early education programs to bridge gaps in technological access and ensure equitable development opportunities for children from diverse backgrounds. By addressing these SDG targets, the session will foster discussion on the critical role digital inclusion plays in achieving equitable education and opportunities for all, regardless of age, gender, or disability.
Format
The session will be a hybrid panel discussion featuring speakers from diverse sectors, including representatives from international organizations, the private sector, civil society, and academia. The session will be structured as follows:
Opening Remarks : The session moderator will introduce the topic of digital inequalities, providing a brief overview of how barriers related to age, gender, disability, and economic situation hinder equitable access to technology.
Panel Discussion : Experts will discuss key topics, including:
The impact of economic, geographic, and social factors on access to digital resources.
The role of government policies in reducing digital inequalities.
Case studies from organizations working to address these issues in underserved communities.
Interactive Q&A : Attendees will be invited to ask questions and share insights. Online participants will be able to submit questions through an interactive platform.
Closing Remarks : A wrap-up of the key takeaways and actionable recommendations, with a focus on encouraging collaborative efforts to address digital inequalities on a global scale.
Duration (minutes)
30
Description
This session will examine the multiple dimensions of digital inequalities, focusing on how barriers related to age, gender, disability, geographic location, language, and economic status perpetuate disparities in digital access and participation. As digital technologies continue to shape economies, societies, and governments worldwide, addressing these inequalities is crucial to ensuring equitable access and opportunities for all.
The session will explore the following key topics:
Access to Technology: How disparities in internet access, devices, and digital literacy impact underrepresented communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Gender and Disability: The specific challenges faced by women and persons with disabilities in accessing and using digital technologies, and what can be done to create more inclusive digital spaces.
Language and Geographic Barriers: The role of language and geographical factors in preventing access to digital resources, services, and education, particularly for communities in the Global South.
Economic Barriers: How financial constraints affect access to the internet, digital services, and technologies, and the role of affordable internet policies in reducing inequality.
Through panel discussions, case studies, and interactive dialogue, the session will explore both the challenges and potential solutions, aiming to raise awareness about the scope of digital inequalities while discussing concrete actions that can be taken by governments, the private sector, and civil society to foster inclusivity.
This session links directly to the IGF 2025 Issue Areas such as Digital Inclusion, Gender Equality, and Access to Technology.
Real-time Streaming and Q&A: The session will be streamed live for online participants, and questions can be submitted through zoom or similar platforms, where the moderator will select questions from both online and onsite attendees. Panel and Audience Interaction: A dedicated facilitator will ensure that both onsite and online audiences have equal opportunities to engage with the speakers and participate in discussions. Online participants will be encouraged to share their experiences and ideas through chat or live polling tools. Equal Participation in Breakouts: The breakout discussions will be integrated into the hybrid format. Online participants will be placed in virtual breakout rooms, while onsite participants will have physical spaces for their discussions. Each group will report back to the main session, ensuring that online participants’ voices are heard and valued. Interactive Digital Tools: To ensure equal engagement, tools will be used for collaborative exercises. These tools will allow participants to contribute ideas and solutions in real-time, regardless of location. Zoom or Microsoft Teams: For breakout discussions, these platforms will allow virtual participants to engage in group activities, share insights, and interact with experts.
Real-time Streaming and Q&A: The session will be streamed live for online participants, and questions can be submitted through zoom or similar platforms, where the moderator will select questions from both online and onsite attendees. Panel and Audience Interaction: A dedicated facilitator will ensure that both onsite and online audiences have equal opportunities to engage with the speakers and participate in discussions. Online participants will be encouraged to share their experiences and ideas through chat or live polling tools. Equal Participation in Breakouts: The breakout discussions will be integrated into the hybrid format. Online participants will be placed in virtual breakout rooms, while onsite participants will have physical spaces for their discussions. Each group will report back to the main session, ensuring that online participants’ voices are heard and valued. Interactive Digital Tools: To ensure equal engagement, tools will be used for collaborative exercises. These tools will allow participants to contribute ideas and solutions in real-time, regardless of location. Zoom or Microsoft Teams: For breakout discussions, these platforms will allow virtual participants to engage in group activities, share insights, and interact with experts.