On 22 November 2021, the Internet Universality ROAM-X Indicators framework was presented at the Namibia Internet Governance Forum 2021, organized by Internet Society Chapter in Namibia.
Entitled “Advancing Internet Universality ROAM principles and Indicators”, the presentation highlighted the relevance of the human-rights based framework in shaping Internet governance and fostering the development of the digital landscape at national level. In order to further support the assessment in Namibia, the unique strength of ROAM-X and the multi-stakeholder methodology behind the national assessment of Internet Universality ROAM-X indicators were presented to Namibian stakeholders.
Participants acknowledged that it was a common task and challenge for all countries to digitalize their society and foster meaningful access and digital inclusion for their citizens. The Namibia Internet Governance Forum community underlined synergies with UNESCO in their work for an Internet that is universal not only in connecting people, but in being grounded in universal values and human rights as embedded in the ROAM principles.
The session also aimed to encourage national stakeholders in conducting the assessment of Internet Universality ROAM-X Indicators and reaffirmed UNESCO’s support in building close collaboration with regional and national actors to evaluate the current digital landscape.
The ROAM indicators framework was recognized as a unique and powerful resource which is relevant to all countries to gain a holistic diagnosis of their Internet policies, digital environment and thereby the structural causes of digital inequalities. The ROAM-X indicators assessments are currently progressing in 33 countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Republic of Cabo Verde and Senegal in Africa.
UNESCO invites all stakeholders to attend UNESCO' sessions at the Internet Governance Forum 2021 to advocate and promote the ROAM principles in Africa and beyond during a session focused on the Dynamic Coalition on IUIs, set to be held on 9 December 2021.