91Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ·×ÔÅÄ

On May 25, 2025, which marked the 21st China E-Charity Day, the "Joint Action to Promote High-Quality Development of Internet Accessibility and Inclusive Environment for the Elderly and People with Disabilities" (hereinafter referred to as the "Joint Action") was officially launched at the National Accessible Environment Exhibition Hall in Beijing. The event was jointly organized by the Internet Society of China, the China Association of Volunteers for Persons with Disabilities, and the China Silver Industry Association, with support from UNESCO. 

In a video message delivered at the opening, Prof. Shahbaz Khan, Director and Representative of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, underscored the urgency of addressing the digital divide. He stated, "In today's rapidly evolving digital era, the digital divide, if left unaddressed, can exacerbate existing inequalities and marginalize disadvantaged groups, including the elderly and persons with disabilities." Prof. Khan highlighted that 2025 marks the second year of the implementation of China's "Law on the Construction of Barrier-Free Environment, signifying a new phase in China's efforts to promote social equity and inclusiveness. He emphasized the need for collaboration across governments, the private sector, and civil society, affirming UNESCO¡¯s commitment to facilitating dialogue, sharing global experiences, and strengthening capacity-building worldwide.

Huang Chengqing, Vice Chairman of the Internet Society of China, noted in his welcome speech that while China has achieved significant results in building a digital society, the digital divide faced by the elderly and people with disabilities remains a critical issue. He emphasized that the Joint Action is an important measure to implement national strategies, and called for the integration of resources from all parties to form a collaborative and effective situation, ensuring that the achievements of digital development benefit all people. 

Zhao Xing, Director of the Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall, highlighted that the hall, as an important window to showcase the development of the capital, has always prioritized the promotion of barrier-free environment construction. The National Accessible Environment Exhibition Hall, jointly established with the China Association of Volunteers for Persons with Disabilities, has strengthened the leading role of planning. Zhao pointed out that barrier-free environment construction needs to cover diverse groups and involve various industries, with internet accessibility being an essential part of it. 

Lv Shiming, Member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and President of the China Association of Volunteers for Persons with Disabilities, delivered a keynote speech on the theme of "Digital Technology for the Elderly and People with Disabilities." He emphasized that the establishment of the Accessible Information Science and Innovation Committee of the China Association of Volunteers for Persons with Disabilities marks a new phase in multi-industry collaboration to advance related construction. 

The conference announced the phased goals of the Joint Action: by the end of 2026, all internet websites and service platforms built with local government funds will have completed aging-friendly and barrier-free technology upgrades, with a compliance rate of no less than 90%; Efforts will also be made to upgrade key internet websites and service platforms for public services in various regions, with a compliance rate of no less than 80%; By the end of 2028, all government and public service-related internet websites and service platforms nationwide will have achieved full coverage of aging-friendly and barrier-free technology upgrades, with the compliance rate increased to 90%. The action plan also includes specific implementation paths such as establishing a regular census mechanism and innovating law enforcement models. 

The "Report on the Construction of Internet Accessibility and Barrier-Free Environment in Party and Government Organs (2024)" and the "Research Plan on the Progress and Implementation of Internet Accessibility and Barrier-Free Environment Construction" were also released at the event. 

The event concluded with the launch of several new platforms including the "Platform for Suggestions and Opinions on Internet Accessibility and Barrier-Free Environment Construction" and the "Special Topic on Joint Action to Promote High-Quality Development of Internet Accessibility and Barrier-Free Environment Construction."