Session
Organizer 1: Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Organizer 2: Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Organizer 3: Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Organizer 2: Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Organizer 3: Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 1: Edan Ring, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Asaf Wiener, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Abu-Kishk Hama, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 4: Dima Assad Nikola, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Asaf Wiener, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Abu-Kishk Hama, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 4: Dima Assad Nikola, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Format
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: Optimal for a 4-people panel (moderator + 3 speakers)
Duration (minutes): 60
Format description: Optimal for a 4-people panel (moderator + 3 speakers)
Policy Question(s)
A. What innovative policy frameworks can effectively address digital inequalities within multicultural and multilingual societies?
B. How can policymakers and practitioners develop culturally sensitive digital literacy initiatives that bridge digital divides in diverse communities?
C. In what ways can comparative, cross-cultural research enhance the effectiveness and inclusivity of policies aimed at reducing digital inequalities?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants will deepen their understanding of how digital divides manifest uniquely in multicultural societies, examining intersecting factors such as geography, language, and socioeconomic status. They will gain access to innovative and proven methodologies for digital literacy and inclusion from Israel's diverse community contexts. The session will empower stakeholders with concrete insights and actionable strategies for implementing culturally sensitive and human rights-based digital inclusion initiatives. Participants will leave equipped to foster inclusive digital environments through data-driven policy solutions adaptable to multicultural contexts globally.
Description:
Digital gaps in multicultural societies significantly impede socioeconomic development, limit human rights, and deepen existing inequalities. Effective strategies to bridge these divides require comprehensive recognition of the intersecting barriers—geographic, linguistic, and socioeconomic—that contribute to digital exclusion. This workshop will provide comparative insights drawn from extensive research conducted by Civil society and Academia in Israel, focusing specifically on digital gaps within diverse Israeli communities, including Arab, Bedouin, ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities, senior citizens, and economically disadvantaged groups. Panelists will present both quantitative data and qualitative research addressing patterns of internet access, digital literacy disparities, and online safety challenges. Additionally, the workshop will highlight proven community-based digital literacy programs, demonstrating how practical, culturally sensitive, and rights-oriented approaches can effectively enhance meaningful digital engagement. Participants will leave equipped with actionable strategies to address digital divides, foster universal access, and enhance online safety across multicultural populations, benefiting global policymakers, educators, and digital inclusion practitioners.
Digital gaps in multicultural societies significantly impede socioeconomic development, limit human rights, and deepen existing inequalities. Effective strategies to bridge these divides require comprehensive recognition of the intersecting barriers—geographic, linguistic, and socioeconomic—that contribute to digital exclusion. This workshop will provide comparative insights drawn from extensive research conducted by Civil society and Academia in Israel, focusing specifically on digital gaps within diverse Israeli communities, including Arab, Bedouin, ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities, senior citizens, and economically disadvantaged groups. Panelists will present both quantitative data and qualitative research addressing patterns of internet access, digital literacy disparities, and online safety challenges. Additionally, the workshop will highlight proven community-based digital literacy programs, demonstrating how practical, culturally sensitive, and rights-oriented approaches can effectively enhance meaningful digital engagement. Participants will leave equipped with actionable strategies to address digital divides, foster universal access, and enhance online safety across multicultural populations, benefiting global policymakers, educators, and digital inclusion practitioners.
Expected Outcomes
The workshop aims to generate actionable insights and recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners on addressing digital divides in multicultural contexts. Expected outcomes include: Identification of best practices and innovative solutions in digital literacy and connectivity, Formation of collaborative networks among stakeholders for continued dialogue and research, and a summary report documenting key insights, recommendations, and comparative methodologies discussed during the workshop, which will feed into subsequent research publications and policy briefs.
Potential initiation of follow-up events or webinars to sustain engagement and further disseminate workshop findings.
Hybrid Format: The session will feature a hybrid format designed to maximize interactive dialogue and equal participation between onsite and online speakers and attendees. Moderators and most speakers will participate onsite, while two additional speakers will join remotely via Zoom or another reliable video-conferencing platform. Flexibility and seamless integration will be prioritized, utilizing clear audiovisual communication and real-time chat functions to address online questions and comments promptly. Interactive design elements, such as dedicated Q&A intervals, polls, and structured discussion segments, will actively engage remote participants and ensure balanced representation of perspectives. Moderators will explicitly alternate between onsite and online interventions, maintaining audience involvement through consistent moderation practices. Technical support will be available to promptly resolve connectivity issues.