Towards Internet Universality: The updated and revised ROAM-X Framework – Pre 13 2024
17 June 2024 | 10:00 - 11:00 EEST | Building 4, Event Hall
Consolidated programme 2024
In the last five years, the digital landscape has experienced profound transformations. As stakeholders strive to adapt their national strategies to this evolving environment, UNESCO is committed to supporting these efforts by addressing the multifaceted challenges of Internet governance at the national level.
The revision process of UNESCO’s Internet Universality ROAM-X Indicators aims to ensure their continued relevance and effectiveness in assessing and guiding policy on critical issues such as digital inclusion, human rights, and sustainable development in the digital age.
Session description
UNESCO developed the Internet Universality ROAM-X Indicators (IUI) framework through a global and multi-stakeholder process spanning three years. In 2015, the General Conference, UNESCO’s governing body endorsed the Internet Universality concept with its four cross-cutting R.O.A.M principles: Human Rights, Openness, Accessibility, and a Multi-stakeholder approach. Today, the ROAM-X framework comprises 303 indicators, encompassing Cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, security, and sustainable development, and has been implemented in 40 countries. Its primary role is to facilitate the assessment of Internet development at a national level and formulate policy recommendations. As the ROAM-X Indicators reach the five-year milestone, UNESCO has undertaken a revision process to ensure their continued relevance, efficient application, and usefulness in assessing a diverse array of issues related to Internet governance.
This session aims to provide participants with insights into the ongoing revision process of the IUI, highlighting key areas of focus and soliciting feedback on the new draft. Discussions will center on the changing dynamics of the digital world and how the revised indicators can effectively address contemporary issues such as digital inclusion, data privacy, cybersecurity, and the impact of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
Drawing on the expertise of stakeholders from government, academia, civil society, and the private sector, the session will foster dialogue on the evolving nature of internet governance and the role of the IUI in promoting a free, open, and accessible internet for all. Participants will have the opportunity to contribute their perspectives and recommendations to ensure that the revised indicators accurately reflect the complexities of the digital age.
Through collaborative efforts and shared insights, the session aims to lay the groundwork for a robust set of IUI that can serve as a valuable tool in promoting Internet Universality and fostering Internet development.
Format
This session will be structured as a 60-minute hybrid discussion among various stakeholders involved in the revision process of the ROAM-X Framework. The session will ensure an interactive format, where panelists will first share their insights and experiences from the revision process. This will be followed by an engaging discussion with audience members to gather their insights and feedback on the draft proposal of the revised IUI.
Further reading
https://www.unesco.org/en/internet-universality-indicators
People
Key participants:
- Tatevik Grigoryan, Associate Programme Specialist, UNESCO
- Anriette Esterhuysen, Senior Advisor Internet Governance, Policy Advocacy and Strategy, APC
- Andreas Salz, Programme Specialist Communication and Information, German Commission for UNESCO
- Everton Rodrigues, Expert Advisor, NIC.br
- Chengetai Masango, Head of Office IGF Secretariat