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Hosted by the Qatar Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MICT), UNESCO organized a Masterclass during the 1^st edition of the Qatar Web Summit, on February 28, 2024, on the importance of Internet Universality and how to measure and achieve it through the use of the ROAM-X indicators. The event was attended by more than 80 participants from different backgrounds: Ministry of Communication, Academics, Museums, Media, Private sector, Start-ups, etc. 

In his opening remarks, Mr. Salah Khaled, UNESCO Representative to Gulf States and Yemen and Director of the UNESCO Office in Doha, underscored the importance of evidence-based policies in navigating the rapidly evolving digital landscape. He stated, " While most of the countries in the world are developing their own digital strategies, stakeholders need policies and evidence-based approach to confront the challenges of a rapidly changing digital environment." He added, "That is why UNESCO started conceptualizing in 2013, ‘Internet Universality’, based on four principles, following the evolution of the Internet and framed in such a way that it would be supportive of the Sustainable Development Goals." The concept of ‘Internet Universality’ promotes an Internet that should be Rights-based, Open, Accessible to all and nurtured by Multi-stakeholder participation, which compose the fundamental R.O.A.M principles.

The session featured presentations from UNESCO experts, Ms. Tatevik Grigoryan, Associate Programme Specialist, and Mr. Simon Ellis, expert on Internet accessibility. They elaborated on the Internet Universality ROAM-X Indicators framework, emphasizing its ability to provide a comprehensive assessment of Internet development at the national level and offer actionable policy recommendations to support a more inclusive Internet environment. In her presentation Ms. Grigoryan explained “UNESCO’s Internet Universality Indicators are a set of 303 indicators that aim to assess the state of Internet development at the national level according to the ROAM principles. 34 countries from around the world are currently conducting the assessment process.”

The presentations were followed by substantive discussions on the role of evidence-based policymaking in identifying and addressing the primary barriers to fostering inclusive digital transformation. This workshop provided UNESCO with an opportunity to encourage its Member States and stakeholders to support national assessments of Internet development, utilizing ROAM-X as a tool to inform their digital policies. 

Preceding this event, UNESCO hosted a consultation meeting with MICT and other UN agencies in Qatar to present the effort made by the country to increase Internet Accessibility and discuss ways forward on digital inclusion. Building on the insights gained from this initial consultation and the discussions held at the Masterclass, UNESCO and MICT will continue exploring the best approaches to advancing together digital inclusion and Internet Universality in the State of Qatar.