Mainstreaming ICT accessibility across all sectors and by all stakeholders - a key requirement for building inclusive digital communities, societies, and environments
ITU
Session 469
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us all that in the context of the digital transformation ICTs are critical to building a sustainable and resilient future in which no one is left behind in line with the global commitments including CRPD, the SDGs and 2030 Agenda. We have also seen the importance of ensuring that technology is people-centred and made available, affordable, and accessible to everyone in particular for people in vulnerable situations such as persons with disabilities.
As information and communication move increasingly online, digital technologies present an unprecedented opportunity for the inclusion of persons with disabilities. At the same time, they also present a major risk of leaving persons with disabilities further behind, in cases where these technologies, products, content and services are not created with accessibility requirements, principles and standards in mind. Increasingly, digital inclusion – i.e. the ability of all persons, including persons with disabilities, to access and use ICTs – and ICT accessibility mainstreaming must be seen as a critical element for ensuring inclusion and the achievement of other SDGs for persons with disabilities.
Therefore, as the UN specialized agency for ICTs, ITU works to achieve to the overarching goal of digital inclusion of everyone regardless of gender, age or ability to use the technology by promoting ICT accessibility as a key enabler towards achieving a digitally inclusive world and ensure that no one is left behind. This session aims to present a comprehensive review of ITU's efforts to promote and achieve accessibility. It describes the work of the three sectors and the General Secretariat on this field.
Roxana WIDMER-ILIESCU has been dedicated to the goal of achieving Digital Inclusion through her work with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) over the last 25 years. Her efforts involve providing advice to ITU members on strategies for digital inclusion that consider the needs of all individuals, including women and girls, children and youth, people with disabilities, older individuals, and Indigenous people. As the Senior Coordinator for Digital Inclusion, Ms. Widmer advises ITU members on how to develop and implement policies that promote digital inclusion using an intersectional approach that is all-inclusive. In her role as ITU-D Focal Point for ICT/digital accessibility, she advocates for the universal design of technology, which is critical for ensuring equitable and equal inclusion in digital societies, economies, and environments for everyone, regardless of age, gender, physical ability, education level, or location. Additionally, Ms. Widmer is also designing and overseeing the development of essential tools and resources by ITU-D to assist ITU members and other stakeholders in achieving an inclusive digital transformation that leaves no one behind, thus contributing to the creation of a digitally inclusive world that benefits everyone.
Before joining ITU, Roxana Widmer worked in the International Relations department of the Chamber of Deputies in the Romanian Parliament.
Master in Telecommunications, Physicist and Civil Engineer, CAS on Management of International Organisations. Research at Doctoral level in Particle Physics and Management (degrees not earned). Co-authored more than 100 publications in indexed Journals and Reviews. More than 15 years of experience in Multilateral International Organisations. Strongly involved in the elaboration of three Strategic Plans for a UN Agency and ensured their alignment with the Sustainable Development UN Agenda, as well as the implementation of the corresponding Performance and Risk Mgmt. Frameworks. Currently in charge of M&E
Nick Sinanis graduated with a Master’s degree in physics and earned a Doctorate in Technical Sciences from the Vienna Technical University. He has collaborated with several Universities and Institutes and has published several articles in scientific and engineering journals.
He has extensive expertise in technical and regulatory matters of terrestrial and space radiocommunications. Presently Nick is working in the Study Groups department of the Radiocommunication Bureau, counselling and assisting in the Radiocommunication Sector activities in preparation for WRC-23 and the subsequent study cycle.
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C1. The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development
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C2. Information and communication infrastructure
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C3. Access to information and knowledge
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C4. Capacity building
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C6. Enabling environment
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Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all
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Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
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Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
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Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries
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Goal 11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
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Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
