Session
Subtheme
Organizer 1: Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 2: Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 3: Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 4: Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 2: Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 3: Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Organizer 4: Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 1: Paola Galvez, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 2: Maureen Hilyard, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 3: Veni Markovski, Technical Community, Eastern European Group
Speaker 4: Edmon Chung, Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 5: Shreedeep Rayamajhi, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 2: Maureen Hilyard, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 3: Veni Markovski, Technical Community, Eastern European Group
Speaker 4: Edmon Chung, Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 5: Shreedeep Rayamajhi, Civil Society, Asia-Pacific Group
Format
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: The roundtable format (panel discussion) is perfect for this session because it encourages an open, collaborative environment where all speakers and participants can engage in meaningful conversations. Sitting together around a table promotes equality and allows for deeper, more interactive exchanges, making it easier for everyone to share their insights on how we can rethink digital access and inclusivity. A 60-minute session strikes the right balance – enough time to dive into the topic, hear expert viewpoints, and have an engaging conversation, while keeping the energy high and participants focused. This time frame allows for structured input, followed by a dynamic Q&A, where everyone can voice their thoughts. Ultimately, it will create a space where ideas can flow freely and tangible outcomes can be achieved without overwhelming anyone.
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: The roundtable format (panel discussion) is perfect for this session because it encourages an open, collaborative environment where all speakers and participants can engage in meaningful conversations. Sitting together around a table promotes equality and allows for deeper, more interactive exchanges, making it easier for everyone to share their insights on how we can rethink digital access and inclusivity. A 60-minute session strikes the right balance – enough time to dive into the topic, hear expert viewpoints, and have an engaging conversation, while keeping the energy high and participants focused. This time frame allows for structured input, followed by a dynamic Q&A, where everyone can voice their thoughts. Ultimately, it will create a space where ideas can flow freely and tangible outcomes can be achieved without overwhelming anyone.
Policy Question(s)
A. What measurements for Universal Access reflect your experiences?
B. How can these metrics assess digital inclusivity beyond connectivity, considering language, affordability, and digital literacy?
C. How should policy frameworks evolve to uphold digital rights in developing nations? Who should develop these frameworks?
D. How can Universal Acceptance in policies address language, affordability, and literacy while fostering collaboration for equitable participation?
What will participants gain from attending this session? This session will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape of digital access and inclusion. In a world where having an internet connection does not necessarily equate to full participation, we will explore the broader dimensions of digital access, including language barriers, affordability, and digital literacy.
Attendees will gain valuable insights from experts, policymakers, youth leaders, and researchers who are at the forefront of challenging traditional metrics and advocating for more inclusive approaches to internet governance.
Participants will walk away with:
🔹 A new perspective on evaluating digital access that goes beyond basic connectivity statistics.
🔹 Practical insights on developing policies that foster inclusivity and ensure no one is left behind.
🔹 Inspiration to champion a more inclusive, multilingual, and equitable digital ecosystem.
SDGs
Description:
We've been talking about Internet access and inclusivity for years—yet, in 2025, are we really measuring the right things? It's no longer just about whether someone is connected but about how they are connected and what that connection truly means. Think about it—if a community has the Internet but the cost is sky-high, speeds are painfully slow, or content isn't in their language, can we really call that "access"? What if people are online but lack the skills or confidence to participate meaningfully? This session will challenge outdated ways of measuring digital access. Instead of just looking at infrastructure and numbers, we'll explore new, multidimensional metrics—ones that reflect the real experiences of people in diverse contexts. We'll ask: - What does "being online" actually mean in different regions? - How do we measure accessibility for marginalized communities? - What should policymakers prioritize beyond infrastructure? Join us as we go beyond connectivity and rethink how we measure digital inclusion for a more equitable future.
We've been talking about Internet access and inclusivity for years—yet, in 2025, are we really measuring the right things? It's no longer just about whether someone is connected but about how they are connected and what that connection truly means. Think about it—if a community has the Internet but the cost is sky-high, speeds are painfully slow, or content isn't in their language, can we really call that "access"? What if people are online but lack the skills or confidence to participate meaningfully? This session will challenge outdated ways of measuring digital access. Instead of just looking at infrastructure and numbers, we'll explore new, multidimensional metrics—ones that reflect the real experiences of people in diverse contexts. We'll ask: - What does "being online" actually mean in different regions? - How do we measure accessibility for marginalized communities? - What should policymakers prioritize beyond infrastructure? Join us as we go beyond connectivity and rethink how we measure digital inclusion for a more equitable future.
Expected Outcomes
Universal digital access is about more than just being connected—it is about meaningful participation in the digital economy, governance, and society. By rethinking access metrics, we can build a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable digital future for all. This session will serve as a platform to redefine how we measure, understand, and address digital inclusion challenges globally.
Attendees will explore limitations of current metrics and discover multidimensional approaches for measuring true accessibility.
The session will:
- Provide practical recommendations for policy development using updated qualitative and quantitative measures
- Feature diverse experts from UN organizations, ICANN, governments, youth, and research sectors
- Address multilingualism, affordability, digital literacy, and inclusion with actionable strategies
- Create networking opportunities for collaboration on digital rights initiatives
- Develop follow-up actions and regional dialogues to advance inclusive digital participation globally
Join us to rethink digital inclusion metrics for a more equitable digital future.
Hybrid Format: To make sure both onsite and online participants feel included and engaged, we’ll make the session as interactive as possible. We’ll have a dedicated online moderator who will manage questions and comments from the virtual audience, making sure their voices are heard throughout the discussion. Online participants will have the chance to ask questions directly to the speakers and actively participate in live polls and interactive questions, creating a two-way conversation.
We’ll encourage both onsite and online attendees to share their thoughts and insights, ensuring everyone has a chance to contribute to the discussion. This approach helps create a space where online participants are just as involved as those attending in person, making the session feel collaborative and dynamic for everyone, no matter where they are. The goal is to foster meaningful dialogue that truly connects all participants.