IFLA’s IGF Dynamic Coalition for Public Access in Libraries continues to partner with UNESCO IFAP’s Dynamic Coalition on Digital Inclusion and Gender Equality. The session aims to explore frontier digital technologies’ impact on advancing digital inclusion and knowledge societies by launching the IFAP Issue Brief “Human Rights Centered Global Governance of Quantum technology and also the draft Issue Brief “Empowering Libraries for Digital Inclusion”. The session also triggers discussion on how to apply evidence-based approaches and digital measurements frameworks to shape inclusive AI governance, regulation, and policies through the Dynamic Coalition.

The session serves a follow up the DC event convened EuroDIG 2024, when DC-Digital Inclusion facilitated discussions on inclusive digital policies and the need for improved measurement indicators. Speakers addressed challenges such as unequal access to technology, digital literacy gaps, language barriers and youth participation in digital policy design.

The session has three objectives:

  1. Present the DC members’ ongoing exploration and outcomes in exploring the multiple implications of frontier digital technologies ranging from AI including generative AI, quantum technology, etc, on building digital inclusion and knowledge societies.
  2. Trigger strategic discussion among the members and stakeholders of the Dynamic Coalition on the strategy, actions and work plans of the coalition.
  3. Call upon European and international stakeholders to join the Coalition in promoting gender-transformative policies, digital participation, and inclusive governance. Promote visibility of the coalition to engage further with Eurodig stakeholders for synergies and collaboration.

Via the session IFLA will highlight its upcoming brief on libraries and digital inclusion as an effort to sensitize and support Member States and stakeholders in formulating information policies and sharing experiences and lessons learned, aimed at building inclusive, equitable and sustainable knowledge societies, including harnessing the opportunities offered by the frontier technologies and mitigating risk.