UNESCO will host a high-level launch of the Second-Generation Internet Universality Indicators (IUIs) ROAM-X Framework at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) taking place from 15 to 19 December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This event aligns with global efforts to harness digital transformation for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in light of the recent Pact for the Future and the upcoming 20-year review of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). Responding to the rapidly evolving digital landscape, UNESCO initiated a comprehensive revision of the IUI ROAM-X Framework in late 2023. The ROAM-X framework is built on the principles of an Internet grounded in human Rights, Openness, Accessibility to all, and Multistakeholder participation, with 'X' representing cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, environment, sustainable development, trust, and security. The year-long collaborative effort of the revision with global experts and stakeholders aimed to: - Ensure the IUIs remain relevant, adaptive, and future-ready. - Integrate key insights and lessons from five years of global assessments and local applications. - Enhance accessibility and ease of use to accelerate stakeholder adoption and implementation. Through this extensive consultation, UNESCO and its partners are now poised to introduce the Advanced Internet Universality Indicators. This next generation of indicators directly and indirectly reflects the outcomes of NETmundial +10, the Sao Paulo Multistakeholder Guidelines, the Future Summit, and the principles of the Global Digital Compact. Objectives of the Session UNESCO’s commitment to multi-stakeholder Internet governance is fundamental to the implementation of the Internet Universality Indicators, as these tools support a digital ecosystem that is inclusive, rights-focused, and sustainable. In this session, UNESCO aims to bring together representatives from diverse sectors whose active engagement is critical to shaping a collaborative, human-centered digital future. The session will focus on the following objectives: - Facilitate a dynamic global multistakeholder dialogue to engage in critical discussions about emerging digital challenges and collaborative solutions. - Explore how the IUIs contribute to the implementation of broader international frameworks, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and illustrate their vital role in advancing global development objectives. - Provide clear pathways for countries to integrate the new IUIs into their digital development strategies. Demonstrate how the revised IUIs can transform and advance national internet development and governance, supporting evidence-based policy-making and tailored policy recommendations. - Emphasize how the new indicators specifically address the needs of marginalized communities, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age. - Outline specific roles and opportunities for different sectors (government, civil society, private sector, academia) in leveraging the IUIs for positive change. - Facilitate discussions on how the IUIs can strengthen regional internet governance initiatives and cross-border collaboration. The launch of the Advanced IUIs at IGF represents a bold step toward a more inclusive, rights-respecting Internet. Through this platform, UNESCO aims to mobilize global support and commitment to these transformative tools, propelling a shared vision for a resilient, equitable digital future. To ensure hybrid participation, the session will have an online moderator, and will be receiving questions and insights from online participants.
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