Video: https://youtu.be/1JoRi9AOKIM?t=7983
The Regional Forum for Europe “Accessible Europe: ICT 4 ALL” took place in Madrid, Spain on 13-14 December 2023. The Forum was organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the European Commission (EC) and was co-organized by the AccessibleEU Resource Centre. It was hosted by Fundación ONCE, supported by the Government of Spain and conducted as part of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Each year, Accessible Europe serves as a valuable knowledge and networking platform to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is celebrated annually on December 3rd.
The Forum was organized in response to the ITU Regional Initiative for Europe “EUR 3: Digital inclusion and skills development” and its objectives, defined and adopted by member states during the 2022 World Telecommunication Development Conference, jointly with the Resolution WTDC 58 (Rev. Kigali, 2022) “Telecommunication/information and communication technology accessibility for persons with disabilities and persons with specific needs”.
The 2023 edition of the Forum, which span across two days, served as a convergence point, bringing together policymakers, members of civil society, academia representatives and key players from industry. The first day focused on strengthening knowledge on the ICT accessibility topic as a fundamental requirement to build an inclusive digital society, economy and environment. The day further delved into the European regulatory landscape, and UN approaches to digital accessibility. It concluded with a pitching session featuring innovative solutions. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in a public vote to recognize the most impactful solutions presented. The second day begin with a session on the current state and good practices in web accessibility, followed by sessions on universal design, Artificial Intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, and the Metaverse.
The forum provided an unparalleled opportunity for all involved stakeholders to strengthen knowledge, identify partnership opportunities, join forces, share good practices, and established a strong foundation for future cooperation in advancing digital accessibility. The exchange of ideas and insights at the Forum was an inspiring step towards an inclusive digital future for ALL, aligning with global commitments and regional priorities.
Accessible Europe 2023 was an inclusive platform that welcomes a diverse range of participants, including policymakers, academia representatives, members of civil society, and the general public to engage in meaningful discussions about digital inclusion and accessibility.
