Session
Organizer 1: Civil Society, African Group
Organizer 2: Government, African Group
Organizer 3: Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 2: Government, African Group
Organizer 3: Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 1: Abubakr Dalia, Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 2: Christine Arida, Government, African Group
Speaker 3: charbel chbeir, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 4: Nermine EL Saadany, Technical Community, African Group
Speaker 2: Christine Arida, Government, African Group
Speaker 3: charbel chbeir, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 4: Nermine EL Saadany, Technical Community, African Group
Format
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: The roundtable format of this session will allow for more interactivity between speakers and participants and this is needed to reach a solid output out of the session. The time duration is needed to allow enough time for speakers to share their insights and give room for participants to reflect and have elaborative discussions on the topic.
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: The roundtable format of this session will allow for more interactivity between speakers and participants and this is needed to reach a solid output out of the session. The time duration is needed to allow enough time for speakers to share their insights and give room for participants to reflect and have elaborative discussions on the topic.
Policy Question(s)
1- How can digital accessibility policies be strengthened to ensure inclusive and equitable access for all, particularly for people with disabilities, elderly groups and seniors, people with low digital literacy levels, and marginalized groups?
2- What are the current regulatory challenges in the Middle East regarding digital accessibility, and how can policymakers address gaps to align with global best practices?
3- What multi-stakeholder strategies can governments, the private sector, and civil society adopt to integrate digital accessibility into governance frameworks?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants and attendees of this session will gain a deeper understanding of digital accessibility as a fundamental pillar of inclusive digital environments and a driver for economic growth. They will explore diverse perspectives on accessibility challenges, particularly in the Middle East, and gain insight into regional and global legal compliance frameworks.
Through discussions and expert insights, attendees will discuss solutions, policies, and best practices for integrating accessibility into digital governance. They will also discuss strategies to advocate for and implement inclusive digital policies, ensuring equitable access for people with disabilities, elderly groups and seniors, people with low digital literacy levels, and marginalized groups.
SDGs
Description:
In alignment with the IGF-2025 sub-theme on Building Universal Access and Digital Rights, this workshop on “An Inclusive Digital Future: Solutions, Policies, and Impact” will explore the critical need for inclusive digital environments that empower individuals, regardless of their abilities, location, gender, or level of digital literacy. The workshop will delve into key barriers to internet access and the transformative solutions that Digital Accessibility offers, with a focus on ensuring equitable access for people with disabilities, elderly groups and seniors, people with low digital literacy levels, and marginalized groups. Speakers will emphasize the multi-stakeholder nature of digital inclusion, highlighting the essential collaboration between service providers, governments, policymakers, and the private sector in fostering accessibility for all. Beyond its social impact, Digital Accessibility is also a driver of economic growth, influencing both regional and global development. The discussion will underscore the correlation between accessible digital ecosystems and economic empowerment for underrepresented communities. Additionally, the workshop will examine the legal compliance status of Digital Accessibility in the Middle East, providing insights into existing policies, gaps, and opportunities for improvement. By showcasing the global and regional regulatory landscape, participants will engage in an interactive discussion to propose an action plan for integrating accessibility into digital governance frameworks through effective strategies and policies.
In alignment with the IGF-2025 sub-theme on Building Universal Access and Digital Rights, this workshop on “An Inclusive Digital Future: Solutions, Policies, and Impact” will explore the critical need for inclusive digital environments that empower individuals, regardless of their abilities, location, gender, or level of digital literacy. The workshop will delve into key barriers to internet access and the transformative solutions that Digital Accessibility offers, with a focus on ensuring equitable access for people with disabilities, elderly groups and seniors, people with low digital literacy levels, and marginalized groups. Speakers will emphasize the multi-stakeholder nature of digital inclusion, highlighting the essential collaboration between service providers, governments, policymakers, and the private sector in fostering accessibility for all. Beyond its social impact, Digital Accessibility is also a driver of economic growth, influencing both regional and global development. The discussion will underscore the correlation between accessible digital ecosystems and economic empowerment for underrepresented communities. Additionally, the workshop will examine the legal compliance status of Digital Accessibility in the Middle East, providing insights into existing policies, gaps, and opportunities for improvement. By showcasing the global and regional regulatory landscape, participants will engage in an interactive discussion to propose an action plan for integrating accessibility into digital governance frameworks through effective strategies and policies.
Expected Outcomes
Expected Outcomes:
• Increased awareness of the importance of digital accessibility as a driver of digital inclusion, and economic growth.
• Deeper understanding of the legal and regulatory landscape in the Middle East regarding digital accessibility, highlighting gaps and opportunities for policy improvement.
• Actionable strategies for integrating accessibility into digital governance frameworks through multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Expected Outputs:
• A policy brief summarizing key takeaways, recommended actions, and insights from the discussion.
• A stakeholder action plan outlining steps for governments, businesses, and civil society to enhance digital inclusion.
• Possible follow-up events to track progress.
Hybrid Format: The session will be a moderated one, that will feature PowerPoint presentations from expert speakers. This will be followed by an open discussion including participants. Some of the speakers will be participating online through zoom and others will be sharing their presentations onsite. This format will allow for easy engagement of speakers and participants online and ensure that all participants will have a similar experience.