Session
Norwegian Ministry of Digitalisation and Publich Governance, Norwegian Communications Authority, Norwegian Digitalisation Agency
- Åsmund Grøver Aukrust, Minister of International Development, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Malin Rygg, Head of the Norwegian Authority for Universal Design of ICT, Norwegian Digitalisation Agency
- Maja Brynteson, Research Fellow, Nordregio, Research institute
- Irene Mbari-Kirika, Founder, inABLE.org
- Inmaculada Porrero, Senior Expert on Disability, European Commision
- Dan Sjöblom, Director General, Swedish Post and Telecom Authority
- Yu Ping Chan, Head of Digital Partnerships and Engagement, UNDP's Digital, AI and Innovation Hub
1. No Poverty
3. Good Health and Well-Being
4. Quality Education
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Targets: This conversation belongs at the heart of the conference. If we are to meet the SDGs—on poverty, health, education, innovation, decent work, and reduced inequality—then digital inclusion must be front and centre. Without it, development will be neither inclusive nor sustainable.
Theater
Keynote presentations followed by panelist discussion on stage
In an increasingly digital world, ensuring universal access and inclusion is no longer a technical ambition—it is a matter of fundamental human rights. Access to digital services and platforms is now directly linked to the right to education, freedom of expression, access to healthcare, employment, and democratic participation. As societies move online, those left behind are also left out -excluded not only from information, but from opportunity, dignity, and autonomy. To participate equally in digital society, individuals must have affordable connectivity, access to suitable devices, digital skills to navigate the online world, trust and confidence in digital systems, but also universally designed and accessible solutions that enable full participation regardless of ability or background. This session invites participants to: - Recognise digital inclusion as a human rights imperative - Explore tested strategies for regulation and enforcement - Share innovative, community-driven solutions - Commit to international cooperation that ensures everyone - not just the digitally privileged - can fully participate in digital life The world is transforming. If we want to build societies where everyone can take part, we must design and govern our digital futures with inclusion at the core. Now is the time to act - so that no one is left behind.
Report
This international session brought together a diverse panel of representatives from government, academia, international organizations, and civil society to explore the global challenge of digital exclusion. The discussion began by acknowledging that although global internet coverage has expanded significantly, approximately one-third of the world’s population still remains offline. However, coverage alone is no longer the main issue — the focus has shifted to achieving “meaningful connectivity,” which encompasses affordability, accessibility, trust, local relevance, and digital literacy.
Keynote speakers included Norway’s Minister of International Development, Irene Mbari-Kirika from Kenya’s inABLE, senior representatives from regulatory authorities in Europe and the UN, as well as a Nordic researcher.
The conversation highlighted the systemic nature of digital exclusion, showing how factors such as disability, income, geography, age, education, and language intersect to limit access and participation. For example, from a geographical perspective, the global community must consider the digital divide between countries. Artificial intelligence was cited as a concrete example of a technology that may exacerbate existing digital inequalities, particularly affecting the Global South, since leading research in this field is heavily concentrated in the United States and China.
The Nordic-Baltic paradox was also discussed: highly digitalized societies still face persistent digital exclusion among specific population groups. These include the elderly, immigrants, rural communities, people with disabilities, and those with low education or income. Even with advanced infrastructure, these groups often lack the necessary support and digital competence to fully engage.
Speakers stressed that digital inclusion is not merely a technical challenge — it is a question of equity, dignity, and human rights. Regulatory frameworks, universal design, accessible public infrastructure, and open-source digital identity systems were presented as critical tools to close the digital divide.
From a regulatory perspective, it is essential to set clear objectives that guarantee equal access to services and products for people with disabilities. Regulations should include concrete deadlines and ensure the implementation of effective enforcement mechanisms, while also taking into account the use of recognized standards. European standards were cited as an example, as they have gained increasing global traction.
From a human rights perspective, it was emphasized that digital services are deeply intertwined with i.e. education, employment, and freedom of expression. As such, those who are digitally excluded are also denied access to education – an equal right for all – and are prevented from fully participating in society.
It was also suggested that greater cross-sector cooperation is needed at the local, national, and international levels, given that digital policies are significantly more complex than those in the telecommunications sector, whose primary objective has been to establish connectivity.
The conference concluded with a call for universal digital accessibility standards, a stronger role for companies and civil society in supporting users, and the need to embed accessibility into education and technology development processes. Inclusivity must be intentional and global in both design and enforcement, ensuring that those who comply with accessibility goals can compete on equal terms with companies operating from countries without such requirements. All participants were also encouraged to read the UNDP Digital Inclusion Playbook 2.0 from cover to cover.
Key Takeaways
- Digital inclusion is a human right — it is essential for access to education, employment, health, and democratic participation.
- Meaningful digital access requires more than infrastructure — it must address skills, affordability, trust, and accessible design.
- Low- and middle-income countries, especially in Africa, are uniquely positioned to lead with inclusive digital development from the outset.
Call-to-Action Points
- Embed accessibility and universal design principles in policy, law, and education to create long-term structural change.
- Support local innovators and inclusive technology startups with funding, training, and international visibility.
- Maintain analog alternatives and equip libraries, NGOs, and municipalities to provide digital support and training for underserved groups.
