Bridging the Digital Divide: Inclusive ICT Policies for Sustainable Development
International Standard University/City University Bangladesh
Session 413
This session, titled “Inclusive and Ethical ICT Policies for a Sustainable and Equitable Digital Future,” seeks to foster a critical dialogue on the urgent need to design, implement, and monitor ICT policies that leave no one behind. As we mark 20 years of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), it is essential to reflect on progress made while acknowledging the persistent challenges of the digital divide, ethics in emerging technologies, and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Hakikur Rahman (International Standard University) and Dr. Ranojit Kumar Dutta (City University) will present a comprehensive analysis of current policy gaps, including lack of inclusivity, fragmented regulatory frameworks, and inadequate attention to ethical concerns in digital governance. The session will explore a three-pillared approach: fostering universal connectivity and digital literacy; embedding ethical principles such as transparency, privacy, and human rights in technological development; and promoting sustainability through green ICT practices and equitable access.
Drawing on examples from global initiatives—including India’s Digital India, Kenya’s community networks, the EU AI Act, and Rwanda’s Green ICT strategy—the session will highlight best practices and offer policy recommendations to ensure that digital transformation is inclusive, ethical, and sustainable. Participants will be invited to share local challenges and opportunities for collaborative action.
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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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C5. Building confidence and security in use of ICTs
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C6. Enabling environment
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-government
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-business
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-learning
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-health
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-employment
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-environment
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-agriculture
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-science
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C8. Cultural diversity and identity, linguistic diversity and local content
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C9. Media
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C10. Ethical dimensions of the Information Society
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C11. International and regional cooperation
C1: The role of governments and all stakeholders
Our session emphasizes the need for multi-stakeholder cooperation—governments, academia, industry, and civil society—to craft ICT policies that promote inclusion, ethics, and sustainability.
C2: Information and communication infrastructure
We address the urgent need for universal connectivity and infrastructure that bridge the digital divide, particularly in underserved regions.
C3: Access to information and knowledge
The session advocates for affordable and equitable access to digital tools, local content, and multilingual technologies, ensuring no one is left behind.
C4: Capacity building
We highlight the importance of digital literacy and skills development to empower all communities to participate meaningfully in the digital society.
C5: Building confidence and security in ICTs
Our focus on ethics-centric digital governance promotes trust in technology through data rights, privacy, and transparent AI.
C6: Enabling environment
We discuss policy frameworks that encourage innovation, protect rights, and ensure equitable access to ICTs.
C7: ICT Applications
The session touches on how inclusive and ethical policies foster effective e-government, e-learning, and e-health solutions for sustainable development.
C8: Cultural diversity and identity
By promoting local content and multilingual platforms, we celebrate cultural diversity and digital inclusion.
C9: Media
We recognize the role of media and digital literacy in building awareness of inclusive and ethical ICT practices.
C10: Ethical dimensions of the Information Society
Our session directly addresses ethics in emerging technologies—privacy, accountability, and human rights.
C11: International and regional cooperation
We advocate for regional and global frameworks that support collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and harmonized policies for sustainable ICT development.
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Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere
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Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
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Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
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Goal 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work 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 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
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Goal 16: Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies
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Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
SDG 1: No Poverty
By promoting universal digital access and capacity-building, the session highlights how ICT policies can empower marginalized communities and reduce poverty by creating new economic and educational opportunities.
SDG 4: Quality Education
We emphasize the importance of digital literacy and education as key enablers for inclusive participation in the information society, fostering equitable learning opportunities for all.
SDG 5: Gender Equality
Our session addresses gender disparities in ICT access and participation, calling for inclusive policies that ensure women and girls are fully empowered in the digital transformation.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Ethical ICT governance and inclusive digital innovation drive job creation, support entrepreneurship, and foster sustainable economic growth.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
We explore how ICT infrastructure and innovative policy frameworks can support sustainable industrialization and resilient digital ecosystems.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The session promotes policies that bridge the digital divide and ensure equal opportunities for all, regardless of geography, gender, or socioeconomic status.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
We discuss how ethical and inclusive ICT policies contribute to building safe, inclusive, and sustainable urban communities, with access to digital services for all.
SDG 13: Climate Action
Our focus on green ICT and sustainable technology frameworks aligns with efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of digital transformation and promote climate-resilient development.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
We emphasize transparency, privacy, data rights, and human rights-based approaches in ICT governance to foster trust and accountability in the digital society.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Our call for multi-stakeholder cooperation and global collaboration aligns with this goal, recognizing that sustainable digital transformation requires strong partnerships across sectors and regions.