Please mark your calendars for an important online session on Wednesday 26 February at 12:00 – 13:00 UTC, where we will discuss IGF workshop proposals related to digital accessibility for persons with disabilities. (Zoom link)
This session is specially being organized for DCAD members and we are pleased to have representatives from the IGF Secretariat, MAG members, and digital accessibility rights experts joining us to provide insights and answer any questions you may have regarding the proposal process and session planning. This is a great opportunity to ensure strong and impactful submissions that highlight accessibility and inclusion at IGF 2025.
About IGF 2025 & Call for Session Proposals
The 20th United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) will be hosted by Norway from 23 to 27 June 2025 in Lillestrøm, near Oslo, under the main theme “Building Digital Governance Together.” The program will be structured around the following four sub-themes:
- Building Digital Trust and Resilience
- Building Sustainable and Responsible Innovation
- Building Universal Access and Digital Rights
- Building Digital Cooperation
From 12 February until 16 March, 23:59 UTC, session proposals can be submitted under one of the above themes in formats such as:
- Workshops
- Lightning Talks
- Networking Sessions
- Open Forums
A diverse range of speakers and presenters in terms of gender, region, and stakeholder group is a key requirement for successful proposals. Additionally, submissions must specify whether moderators and speakers will participate on-site or online and how session engagement will be structured.
Local hubs can also be set up for group digital participation in IGF discussions. Applications for hubs are open until 16 March, 23:59 UTC.
Ensuring Digital Accessibility at IGF 2025
As a Dynamic Coalition on Accessibility and Disability (DCAD), we encourage the active inclusion of accessibility-related topics in the IGF 2025 programme to advance the participation of persons with disabilities in digital governance discussions. This session will help our members shape their proposals in alignment with IGF requirements and ensure that accessibility remains a priority.
To ensure an inclusive discussion, human captioning will be available, and we can provide International Sign interpretation upon request. Please let us know before 23:59 UTC on 18 February by sending an email at: info@igf-dcad.org if you require it so that we can arrange interpreters.
Further details and the meeting link will be shared soon. If you have any specific topics or questions you’d like to discuss, feel free to reach out.
Looking forward to your participation!
Best regards,
Dr. Muhammad Shabbir
Coordinator, IGF-DCAD