IFAP Bureau advances global cooperation for inclusive digital futures at 35th meeting in Paris

UNESCO meeting sets new digital inclusion targets

The 35th meeting of the Bureau of the Intergovernmental Information for All Programme (IFAP) convened at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on 17 June 2026, marking a significant step forward in global efforts to build inclusive, accessible, and secure digital spaces for all communities worldwide.

The high-level gathering brought together member states, international organizations, and digital policy experts to accelerate cooperation on bridging the digital divide, with particular emphasis on multilingualism, indigenous languages, and equitable access to information and communication technologies across developing nations.

Xianhong Hu, a prominent figure in UNESCO's information and communication sector, highlighted the urgency of advancing inclusive digital spaces during the extraordinary session of the IFAP Council, emphasizing that accessible technology remains a fundamental pillar of democratic participation and sustainable development.

Key outcomes and strategic priorities

The Bureau meeting produced several concrete outcomes that will shape UNESCO's digital inclusion agenda through the coming years. Delegates reviewed progress on the IFAP Issue Brief Series, which provides actionable guidance for member states on implementing inclusive digital policies at the national level.

The meeting also addressed the intersection of the Information for All Programme with the Indigenous Languages Decade (2022–2032), reinforcing UNESCO's commitment to preserving linguistic diversity in the digital age. This alignment ensures that indigenous communities are not left behind as global digital transformation accelerates.

Participants discussed the role of IFAP's global network of libraries in driving local impact, particularly in regions where internet penetration remains low and traditional information channels continue to serve as primary sources of knowledge for millions of people.

Main facts and figures

  • The 35th IFAP Bureau Meeting took place on 17 June 2026 at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France
  • The Information for All Programme operates as an intergovernmental council under UNESCO's mandate for information and communication
  • The meeting aligned digital inclusion efforts with the Indigenous Languages Decade (2022–2032) framework
  • IFAP Issue Brief Series provides policy guidance to member states on building inclusive digital ecosystems
  • The Bureau reviewed cooperation mechanisms with the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Dynamic Coalition on digital accessibility
  • Member states discussed strategies for expanding library-based digital access in underserved communities globally

Expert perspectives on digital inclusion

Xianhong Hu, speaking at the extraordinary session of the IFAP Council, stated: "At the extraordinary session of the IFAP Council, I highlighted the urgency of advancing inclusive, accessible and secure digital spaces, IFAP achievements in this area demonstrate that multilingual digital content is not optional — it is essential for equitable participation in the modern world."

UNESCO officials emphasized that the Bureau's work directly supports the broader United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 9 (infrastructure and innovation) and SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), by ensuring that digital transformation benefits all populations regardless of language, geography, or economic status.

Why this matters for Libya and North Africa

For Libya and the broader North Africa region, the outcomes of the IFAP Bureau meeting carry significant implications. Libya's ongoing efforts to rebuild its digital infrastructure and expand internet access across the country align directly with the inclusive digital cooperation framework advanced by UNESCO.

Libya's multilingual landscape, which includes Arabic, Amazigh, and other indigenous languages, stands to benefit from the IFAP's emphasis on multilingualism and the Indigenous Languages Decade. As Libya works to modernize its information and communication technology sector, the policy guidance and international cooperation mechanisms discussed in Paris provide valuable frameworks for national digital strategy development.

The IFAP's focus on library-based digital access also resonates with Libya's need to rebuild public information institutions following years of conflict, offering models for community-driven digital literacy programs that could accelerate recovery efforts.

Looking ahead: next steps for global digital cooperation

The outcomes of the 35th IFAP Bureau Meeting will feed into upcoming UNESCO policy frameworks and inform the organization's approach to digital inclusion at the next Internet Governance Forum. Member states are expected to implement the Bureau's recommendations through national digital strategies over the coming months.

For nations like Libya that are actively rebuilding and modernizing their digital ecosystems, the cooperative frameworks established at this meeting represent an opportunity to access international expertise, funding mechanisms, and proven models for inclusive digital development that can be adapted to local contexts and needs.

The global push for inclusive digital futures continues to gain momentum, and the IFAP Bureau's latest meeting ensures that no community — regardless of language, location, or resources — will be excluded from the digital transformation shaping the 21st century.

— LibyaPress / Tech Desk