10 years of ITU “Accessibility” activity
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1.3 billion people have significant disabilities. In fact, this means that one in six people needs special attention when it comes to technology and politics.
Despite the fact that information and communication technologies (ICTs) improve the lives of most people, they are especially important for people with disabilities. For them, ICTs serve as vital lifebuoys, breaking down barriers and allowing them to actively participate in various aspects of life.
Thus, the vision of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for universal and meaningful connectivity goes beyond simple access to technology.
The ultimate goal should be to enable everyone, regardless of age, gender, abilities or geographical location, to participate fully and effectively in the digital world without any obstacles. That is why, 10 years ago, the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau launched a series of Accessibility events to remove barriers and support the efforts of all stakeholders to create a more inclusive digital environment around the world.
Today it is the main platform for discussing the accessibility of ICT and ensuring that everyone is included in the modern digital society so that no one is forgotten.
Building knowledge to ensure inclusivity
As part of the Accessible series, we collaborate and form partnerships to help solve accessibility issues and support the social and economic integration of people with disabilities and people with special needs through digital technologies.
ITU recognizes the diversity of best practices, regulatory requirements and policy environments that shape digital societies and economies in different regions.
For this reason, these conferences, held every year in the Americas, the Arab States and Europe, bring together politicians, industry leaders, civil society representatives and others to discuss the latest achievements, challenges and opportunities, striving to make their countries and regions inclusive for all. They contribute to strengthening regional cooperation and stimulate the development of national policies.
Advocacy for digital accessibility at the regional level in 2023
Over the past 10 years, Accessible America has become a key ITU regional platform for sharing effective approaches to digital inclusion.
We have developed a variety of resources in several languages and continue to offer online and face-to-face capacity building opportunities. In addition, we provide policy and strategy advice, with a particular focus on strengthening a disability-sensitive agenda to empower people of all ages, genders and abilities in all regions.
In the Americas
We recently celebrated a decade of achievements with the 10th anniversary edition of Accessible America in Cuba.
The event highlighted the issues of digital transformation and accessibility, the development of digital skills and constructive communication. He also considered gender issues and the inclusion of youth in digital technologies, accessibility as a requirement in the metaverse, older people in the digital world and remote communities, as well as other relevant topics.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel took part in the celebrations organized in partnership with the Ministry of Communications of the Republic of Cuba, along with other senior ministers and deputy ministers.
In the Arab region
Most recently, on November 30, Morocco concluded the third conference “Accessible Arab Region”, organized in cooperation with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and organized by the Agency for Digital Development of Morocco (Agence de Développement du Digital).
At the event, it was emphasized that the accessibility of digital technologies is one of the fundamental rights, a factor of progress and a cornerstone of inclusivity. We are seeing a significant level of stakeholder engagement across the region.
The Accessible Arab region provided an opportunity for participants to share experiences and knowledge about ICT accessibility projects, as well as initiatives aimed at supporting the social and economic integration of persons with disabilities and persons with special needs through digital technologies.
In Europe
I am now looking forward to the next accessibility event, which will take place in Madrid, Spain, on December 13-14 and will be organized by ITU and the European Union in collaboration with the EU Resource Center on Accessible Issues.
Every year, Accessible Europe also serves as a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and networking on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is celebrated annually on December 3. Find out how to join here.
Building an accessible world
Through these regional events, we aim to pave the way for a more accessible and inclusive future. I invite you to join the discussions!
Realizing the importance of these events, I aim to combine all the events of the Accessible World in one Accessible World meeting next year.
Stay tuned for more information as we work to create a unified platform, which further increases the efficiency of our work so that no one is forgotten.
A source: https://www.itu.int/hub/2023/12/envisaging-inclusive-digital-economies-and-societies/#
