Session
Organizer 1: Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 1: Egle Celiesiene, Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Morten Flate Paulsen, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Valunaite Oleskeviciene Giedre, Government, Eastern European Group
Speaker 2: Morten Flate Paulsen, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Valunaite Oleskeviciene Giedre, Government, Eastern European Group
Format
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: The roundtable format is ideal for this session because it fosters interactive discussion, knowledge exchange, and multi-stakeholder collaboration on critical issues related to digital literacy, cybersecurity, and the protection of vulnerable groups. Given the complexity of topics such as AI-driven disinformation, online safety, and digital inclusion, this format allows for diverse perspectives, debate, participant engagement and co-creation. Session Duration: A 90-minute session is recommended to allow for: Brief presentations (20 min) – Showcasing key projects and policy challenges. Facilitated discussion (50 min) – Engaging stakeholders in structured dialogue. Actionable conclusions (20 min) – Summarizing insights and identifying next steps. This format ensures an inclusive, solutions-driven conversation that translates into meaningful policy recommendations and future collaborations.
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: The roundtable format is ideal for this session because it fosters interactive discussion, knowledge exchange, and multi-stakeholder collaboration on critical issues related to digital literacy, cybersecurity, and the protection of vulnerable groups. Given the complexity of topics such as AI-driven disinformation, online safety, and digital inclusion, this format allows for diverse perspectives, debate, participant engagement and co-creation. Session Duration: A 90-minute session is recommended to allow for: Brief presentations (20 min) – Showcasing key projects and policy challenges. Facilitated discussion (50 min) – Engaging stakeholders in structured dialogue. Actionable conclusions (20 min) – Summarizing insights and identifying next steps. This format ensures an inclusive, solutions-driven conversation that translates into meaningful policy recommendations and future collaborations.
Policy Question(s)
How can digital literacy programs be strengthened to equip vulnerable groups (NEET youth, seniors, and marginalized communities) with the skills needed to critically assess online information and protect themselves from disinformation, particularly in the age of AI-generated content?
What policies and educational strategies are needed to safeguard children, young people, and seniors from harmful and unsafe online content, ensuring their digital rights and well-being?
How can cross-sector collaboration (governments, educators, tech companies, and civil society) enhance cybersecurity awareness and resilience among the most vulnerable populations, balancing access to digital tools with online safety?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Attendees of this session will gain:
1. Practical Insights from Civic Initiatives. First-hand knowledge of real-world digital inclusion projects, showcasing innovative strategies for expanding internet access, fostering multilingualism online, and enhancing digital literacy.
2. Diverse Perspectives on Digital Inclusion. A deeper understanding of how different communities.
3. Actionable Tools & Strategies – Concrete approaches for integrating digital literacy programs into education, community initiatives, and policy efforts to ensure universal digital access as a fundamental right.
4. Awareness of Digital Sustainability – Insights into how digital inclusion intersects with economic empowerment and environmental sustainability, equipping participants with a holistic view of responsible digital transformation.
5. Opportunities for Collaboration. Networking with like-minded professionals, educators, policymakers, and civic society leaders who are working towards equitable digital access for all.
Description:
Digital inclusion is a fundamental human right that enables everyone to fully participate in modern society, regardless of age, language, social, or economic background. However, digital exclusion remains a pressing issue, particularly for vulnerable groups such as refugees, older adults, youth, and adult learners. This presentation will share practical experiences by showcasing civic society-driven initiatives: TECH-Ed, DI4All, Overcoming Digital Barriers Together, and DISCOVER. These projects provide innovative solutions to: - Expand available and affordable internet access to reduce digital exclusion; - Promote a multilingual internet, ensuring cultural and linguistic inclusion; - Build digital literacy, enhance economic opportunities, and raise awareness of sustainability issues in the digital age. The discussion will explore practical approaches to leveraging digital technologies to transform education, strengthen social inclusion, and foster critical thinking. Participants are invited to contribute to a dialogue on strategies to ensure that digital transformation is accessible to all.
Digital inclusion is a fundamental human right that enables everyone to fully participate in modern society, regardless of age, language, social, or economic background. However, digital exclusion remains a pressing issue, particularly for vulnerable groups such as refugees, older adults, youth, and adult learners. This presentation will share practical experiences by showcasing civic society-driven initiatives: TECH-Ed, DI4All, Overcoming Digital Barriers Together, and DISCOVER. These projects provide innovative solutions to: - Expand available and affordable internet access to reduce digital exclusion; - Promote a multilingual internet, ensuring cultural and linguistic inclusion; - Build digital literacy, enhance economic opportunities, and raise awareness of sustainability issues in the digital age. The discussion will explore practical approaches to leveraging digital technologies to transform education, strengthen social inclusion, and foster critical thinking. Participants are invited to contribute to a dialogue on strategies to ensure that digital transformation is accessible to all.
Expected Outcomes
Expected Outcomes:
1. Enhanced Policy Dialogue & Awarenes. Increased understanding among policymakers, educators, and civil society actors on the urgent need to develop targeted digital literacy and cybersecurity strategies for vulnerable groups.
2. Actionable Recommendations on integrating AI awareness, critical digital literacy, and online safety education.
3. Cross-Sector Collaboration & Networking between civic organizations, policymakers, and educators.
4. Potential Follow-up Initiatives. The session will lay the groundwork for future collaboration opportunities, including joint policy proposals, training programs, or follow-up events focused on enhancing AI literacy, cybersecurity awareness, and digital resilience among the most at-risk populations.
Hybrid Format: Hybrid Engagement & Interaction Plan:
To ensure an inclusive, engaging, and seamlessly interactive experience for both onsite and online participants, the session will integrate real-time engagement tools, structured facilitation, and hybrid-friendly discussion formats.
1. Interaction Between Onsite & Online Participants
Onsite participants will be seated in a roundtable format, with a dedicated moderator ensuring equal participation between online and in-person attendees. Online and onsite speakers will be given equal opportunities to contribute, with a structured queue system for interventions.
2. Tools & Platforms to Enhance Participation
Slido– Live polling and Q&A to ensure real-time audience interaction.
Padlet – A shared digital board where participants can contribute insights and strategies.
3. Discussion Facilitation Strategy
One onsite and one online moderator will work together to balance participation across both formats.
Structured Discussion Rounds.