Session
Organizer 1: Technical Community, African Group
Organizer 2: Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Organizer 3: Civil Society, African Group
Organizer 2: Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Organizer 3: Civil Society, African Group
Speaker 1: Godsway Kubi, Technical Community, African Group
Speaker 2: Amina Ramallan, Government, African Group
Speaker 3: Chilufya Theresa Mulenga, Technical Community, African Group
Speaker 4: Ntokozo Ncube, Technical Community, African Group
Speaker 5: Shah Zahidur Rahman, Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 2: Amina Ramallan, Government, African Group
Speaker 3: Chilufya Theresa Mulenga, Technical Community, African Group
Speaker 4: Ntokozo Ncube, Technical Community, African Group
Speaker 5: Shah Zahidur Rahman, Technical Community, Asia-Pacific Group
Format
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: A roundtable format is best suited for this session as it fosters an interactive and inclusive discussion, ensuring that diverse perspectives on online safety and language diversity are equally represented. This setup encourages open dialogue among participants, allowing policymakers, tech experts, linguists, and community advocates to share insights and collaborate on solutions. A 60-minute duration is optimal for structuring the session into three key parts: Introduction & Context Setting (15 mins) – Framing the issue of linguistic diversity and online safety. Panel Discussion & Interactive Dialogue (30 mins) – Engaging speakers and participants in a dynamic conversation. Q&A & Next Steps (15 mins) – Encouraging audience input and discussing potential actions. This format ensures a balanced exchange of ideas while maximizing engagement from both on-site and online participants, aligning with IGF’s commitment to interactive hybrid sessions.
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: A roundtable format is best suited for this session as it fosters an interactive and inclusive discussion, ensuring that diverse perspectives on online safety and language diversity are equally represented. This setup encourages open dialogue among participants, allowing policymakers, tech experts, linguists, and community advocates to share insights and collaborate on solutions. A 60-minute duration is optimal for structuring the session into three key parts: Introduction & Context Setting (15 mins) – Framing the issue of linguistic diversity and online safety. Panel Discussion & Interactive Dialogue (30 mins) – Engaging speakers and participants in a dynamic conversation. Q&A & Next Steps (15 mins) – Encouraging audience input and discussing potential actions. This format ensures a balanced exchange of ideas while maximizing engagement from both on-site and online participants, aligning with IGF’s commitment to interactive hybrid sessions.
Policy Question(s)
How can linguistic diversity be integrated into global and national cybersecurity policies to ensure equitable online safety for all users, particularly those from marginalized language communities?
What role does Universal Acceptance (UA) play in bridging the digital divide, and how can policymakers and tech companies collaborate to promote multilingual access to secure digital platforms?
How can governments, civil society, and the private sector work together to develop and implement multilingual digital literacy programs that enhance online safety, privacy, and resilience against cyber threats?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants will gain valuable insights into the critical role of language diversity in online safety and digital inclusion. They will explore how linguistic barriers impact cybersecurity, privacy, and access to reliable information, particularly for marginalized communities.
Through discussions with experts, policymakers, and grassroots advocates, attendees will learn about innovative multilingual safety initiatives, policy frameworks, and technological solutions that promote a more inclusive and secure digital ecosystem.
Key takeaways will include:
Understanding the link between language diversity and cybersecurity
Best practices for implementing multilingual digital safety policies
The role of Universal Acceptance (UA) in bridging the digital divide
Strategies for ensuring equitable access to online safety resources
By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with actionable knowledge and tools to advocate for and implement inclusive online safety measures in their communities and organizations.
SDGs
Description:
This session will delve into the intersection of online safety and language diversity, emphasizing the need for inclusive digital spaces where users of all linguistic backgrounds can securely navigate the internet. Despite increasing global connectivity, millions face digital exclusion due to linguistic barriers, limiting their access to cybersecurity resources, privacy tools, and online literacy programs. Through an engaging discussion with experts, policymakers, and grassroots advocates, this session will highlight successful multilingual safety initiatives, explore the role of Universal Acceptance (UA) in bridging the digital divide, and propose policy solutions aligned with UNESCO ROAM-X Indicators on Language Diversity. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how language diversity strengthens digital resilience, fosters equal access to information, and enhances cybersecurity for underrepresented communities. By prioritizing multilingualism in online safety policies, the session aims to shape a more inclusive, accessible, and secure digital future for all.
This session will delve into the intersection of online safety and language diversity, emphasizing the need for inclusive digital spaces where users of all linguistic backgrounds can securely navigate the internet. Despite increasing global connectivity, millions face digital exclusion due to linguistic barriers, limiting their access to cybersecurity resources, privacy tools, and online literacy programs. Through an engaging discussion with experts, policymakers, and grassroots advocates, this session will highlight successful multilingual safety initiatives, explore the role of Universal Acceptance (UA) in bridging the digital divide, and propose policy solutions aligned with UNESCO ROAM-X Indicators on Language Diversity. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how language diversity strengthens digital resilience, fosters equal access to information, and enhances cybersecurity for underrepresented communities. By prioritizing multilingualism in online safety policies, the session aims to shape a more inclusive, accessible, and secure digital future for all.
Expected Outcomes
The session aims to generate actionable insights on integrating linguistic diversity into online safety policies and digital literacy programs. Expected outcomes include:
A set of multilingual online safety policy recommendations that stakeholders, including governments, tech companies, and civil society, can implement to enhance digital inclusion.
Increased awareness of the role of Universal Acceptance (UA) and language diversity in cybersecurity, leading to stronger advocacy for inclusive digital policies.
Strengthened partnerships between policymakers, linguistic experts, and cybersecurity professionals to develop and promote multilingual online safety initiatives.
A commitment to ongoing discussions and capacity-building programs that support multilingual digital literacy, particularly in developing regions.
The session will also contribute to broader IGF discussions on Universal Access, Digital Rights, and Trust & Resilience, feeding into future research, community engagements, and policy frameworks.
Hybrid Format: How will you facilitate interaction between onsite and online speakers and attendees?
A dedicated online moderator will ensure virtual attendees actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and contribute insights.
We will alternate between in-room and online speakers to create a balanced dialogue.
How will you design the session to ensure the best possible experience for online and onsite participants?
We will use live polling to collect real-time input from both audiences.
A Q&A chat function will be monitored to ensure online questions receive equal attention.
Online breakout discussions will be facilitated using Zoom or IGF-provided platforms.
Please note any complementary online tools/platforms you plan to use to increase participation and interaction during the session.
Icebreakers, quick polls, and an interactive roundtable format will keep engagement high.
The rapporteur will capture insights from both online and onsite attendees for follow-up reports.