Opening Ceremony
|
| Dr. Cosmas Luckyson ZAVAZAVA, Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU ) Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava took office as Director BDT at ITU on 1 January 2023.
With more than 30 years in telecommunications, including over 20 years in ITU's Development Sector, Dr Zavazava has promoted and implemented impactful information and communication technology projects around the world. Prior to his election as BDT Director, he served as ITU's Chief of Partnerships for Digital Development, overseeing development-related projects, strategic partnerships, and resource mobilization between 2019 and 2022, while launching new initiatives that have boosted the engagement of industry, private-sector, and academia members in ITU's work. From 2010 until 2019, he was Chief of the Projects and Knowledge Management, responsible for ITU's project portfolio, statistics, capacity building, and emergency telecommunications activities, as well as coordinating special assistance to least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), and small island developing states (SIDS). Previously, as ITU's Chief of Projects and Initiatives, he oversaw development projects focused on gender, youth, and people with special needs, along with capacity building, emergency telecommunications, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and e-waste management. Earlier, Dr. Zavazava headed the Republic of Zimbabwe's Government Telecommunications Agency and served as a senior diplomat. He also taught MBA classes at the UK's Nottingham Trent University. Throughout his career, he has focused on closing the digital and skills divide and accelerating digital transformation to achieve socio-economic development for all. Dr. Zavazava holds a PhD in Multilateral Trade from Business School Lausanne (Switzerland), and a Master of Laws degree in Telecommunications and Information Technology from the University of Strathclyde (UK), as well as a Master's in International Relations from Webster University (US), and an MBA from the University of Zimbabwe. He also holds a Bachelor's in Business Administration and diplomas in Telecommunications and Systems Engineering. |
| Ms. Helena DALLI, Commissioner for Equality, European Commission Helena Dalli became the first commissioner for equality on December 1, 2019. In her role, Dalli is responsible for strengthening Europe's commitment to inclusion and equality in all of it senses, irrespective of sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation as well as tackling discrimination on multiple grounds. Previously, she held several political positions in Malta including minister for European affairs and equality from 2017 to 2019, and minister for social dialogue, consumer affairs and civil liberties from 2013 to 2017. She was also the opposition shadow minister for public administration, equality, public broadcasting and national investments from 1998 to 2013 and parliamentary secretary for women's rights in the prime minister's office from 1996 to 1998. She was a member of Parliament from 2017 to 2019. Commissioner Dalli holds a PhD in Political Sociology from the University of Nottingham, and lectured in Economic and Political Sociology, Public Policy, and Sociology of Law at the University of Malta.
|
| H.E. Ms. María González Veracruz, Secretary of State for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure, Spain
Degree in Biochemistry from the University of Murcia. After four years of research in Molecular Genetics at the University of Murcia and at the Institute of Biochemistry in Leipzig (Germany), she obtained the Degree in Research with the Bachelor's thesis, several publications and the Diploma of Advanced Studies in Molecular Genetics of fungi.
From 2011 to 2019 she was a Member of the Congress of Deputies, serving as technology spokesperson of the Socialist Parliamentary Group and spokesperson for science and innovation during in two legislatures. Previously, she was a deputy in the Regional Assembly of Murcia, serving as spokesperson for technology, information society, science, university, youth and housing.
Among other responsibilities, she was a member of the PSOE leadership from 2008 to 2016, being federal responsible for technology, science and innovation of the various executive committees.
Her political career has endowed her with experience in political communication and networking, she led projects of transparency, public exemplarity and open government. Before assuming the responsibility of Secretary of State, she was a secondary school teacher, specializing in Physics and Chemistry, in the Region of Murcia after passing the civil service examinations in 2019.
|
| H.E. María Rosa Martínez Rodríguez, Secretary of State for Social Rights and Agenda 2030
Academic training She has a degree in Political Science from the Complutense University of Madrid and continued her training with a postgraduate degree in History.
Professional experience She has worked as an independent expert for the European Commission and, to date, carried out her professional work at the European Climate Foundation, where she managed projects linked to the fight against the climate crisis. She also served as a deputy for Vizcaya in the Congress of Deputies during the 11th and 12th legislatures after running in the elections as a member of the Equo party, first in coalition with Podemos and, later, with Unidas Podemos. During her period as a deputy, she served as spokesperson for the confederal parliamentary group Unidos Podemos - En Comú Podem - En Marea in the Science, Innovation and Universities commission and as deputy spokesperson in the Energy Commission.
|
| Mr. Miguel Carballeda Piñeiro, President, ONCE Social Group
He was born in Pontevedra in 1959. He began his working relationship with ONCE in the Balearic Islands in March 1978, as a sales agent, where he remained for nine years. Subsequently, he has been administrative director of the Organization in Alicante; territorial delegate of the ONCE in the Communities of Valencia and Catalonia; and general director of the Institution. In July 2003 he was elected president of the ONCE General Council, a position he currently holds. Since July of the same year he has been vice-president of the Spanish Committee of Representatives of People with Disabilities (CERMI) and, since 2007, he has been president of the ONCE Foundation and of the Spanish Paralympic Committee.
|
| Mr. Jaroslaw PONDER, Head, ITU Office for Europe
Mr. Jaroslaw K. Ponder, is the Head of the Office for Europe at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), representing ITU in Europe and directing actions, projects, initiatives and experts' groups targeting 46 countries of the Europe Region. His portfolio includes Regional Initiatives for Europe, designed by the European Member States and focusing on the ICT Infrastructure, Digitization, Digital Inclusion, Accessibility, Innovation and Cybersecurity. Mr. Ponder has managed numerous projects, activities and initiatives at national, regional and international levels. He has taken lead roles in many international conferences and summits concerning ICT innovation and development of ICT ecosystem, information society, and advancements of digital economy worldwide, while setting strategies and ensuring their timely implementation. During his professional career, Mr. Ponder has held official positions in the public sector and has been a leading contributor to legislative projects, which influenced public policy. Mr. Ponder has working for ITU since 2004 holding diverse positions in the General Secretariat, Telecommunication Development Bureau, and Regional Presence, addressing the complexity of information society development and digital transformation at national, regional, international level, including United Nations level. Mr. Ponder was appointed Head of ITU Office for Europe in 2017. For several years, Mr. Ponder has managed ITU's work in the United Nations World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) process, establishing the annual WSIS Forum, WSIS Prizes, WSIS Stocktaking, and others. In his current role, Mr. Ponder has established several formal coordination mechanisms facilitating the work of UN agencies in advancing digital transformation at the national and regional level.
|
| Mr. Jesus HERNANDEZ, Accessibility and Innovation Director, Fundación ONCE; Director, AccessibleEU PhD in Engineering with an outstanding Cum Laude qualification. More than 30 years working in innovation and accessibility managing different teams, from 2000 to 2003 as General Manager and CEO of the consultancy firm Vía Libre and from 2003 to the present as Director of Accessibility and Innovation of the ONCE Foundation. His training includes IESE, PDG and Senior Management Programme for Research, Innovation and Technology Transfer Institutions (PADIIT), Stanford University (Professional Certificate on Innovation and Entrepreneurship), London School of Economics (Social Innovation). He is an expert in business management and innovation, Professional Coach, Teacher and Speaker. He is currently Vice-President of the European Network of Accessible Tourism ENAT, President of the Technical Committee for Standardisation 170 Universal Accessibility and Design for All, Trustee of three foundations and member of the Board of Directors of Ilunion Hotels. He has participated as director or member of the examining board in more than 10 doctoral theses and in more than 80 publications and articles. He has given lectures in more than 30 countries. |
| Ms. Ana Peláez NARVÁEZ, Secretary General, European Disability Forum - Secretary General of the European Disability Forum. - CERMI Commissioner for Gender and Equality and Executive Vice-President of CERMI Women's Foundation. - Commissioner for Solidarity and International Co-operation at ONCE Social Group and FOAL Vice-President. - Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW Committee). |
Session 1: Navigating the European Regulatory Landscape for Accessibility: Priorities, Good Practices, and Challenges
|
| Ms. Maria Canal Fontcuberta, European Commission Representation
I work as an economic counsellor at the European Commission Representation in Spain. I have been working for the Commission since 2008. My work has covered several areas (internal market, justice, economic governance and investment). I was country team leader for Spain under the European Semester cycle of coordination of macroeconomic and social policies from 2017 to 2020. Since 2021, I work on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan of Spain. Before joining the Commission, I practiced as an attorney in an international law firm. I graduated in law with honours from the Universidad Francisco de Vitoria. After that, I obtained a master’s degree in legal studies from the College of Europe and a diploma for graduates in economy from the UcL/LSE.
|
| Ms. Ekaterine IMEDADZE, Commissioner, Georgian National Communications Commission
Ms. Ekaterine Imedadze has been a commissioner of the Georgian National Communications Commission (ComCom) since March 2021. Prior to taking up her position, she headed the Telecommunications Market Regulation Department at ComCom. Ms. Imedadze has over 15 years of professional experience in telecommunications with a global perspective. Ekaterine has held several key positions at the international telecommunications group company VEON Ltd., leading the Global Process unit responsible for the group's digital transformation. She also served as the group's internal control and risk management lead for several years. Ms. Imedadze had previously served as the Head of Finance and Operations for a number of large private organisations, as well as a business consultant for leading ICT companies. Ms. Imedadze holds an MBA from the University of Bradford School of Management and completed the Innovation Leadership programme at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Previously, Ekaterine earned a master's degree in physics as well as a postgraduate diploma in artificial intelligence and fuzzy logic from Tbilisi State University, and she is currently pursuing an LL.M. in competition law and economics at the Brussels School of Competition (BSC). She speaks Georgian, English, German and Russian.
|
 .
| Mr. Antonios PERPATIDIS, ICT Expert, General Secretariat of Telecommunications & Post, Ministry of Digital Governance, Greece Born and raised in Thessaloniki, Greece. Studied modern languages, translation and interpretation. Worked for 10 years as an in-house technical translator/interpreter in large scale engineering projects. Moved to management, acquired an MSc and joined the public sector. Worked in international affairs since 2007. International ICT's expert. Greek focal point to ITU. Member of Greek Delegations to international conferences (ITU PP's, Councils, RA's, WRC's, UPU Congresses et al). Currently pursuing a BA in Media Studies. Interested in languages (fluent in some, still struggling with others), psychology/psychotherapy, human rights (also an advocate in the past). Experienced parent and care giver. Dedicated to learning and exploring new boundaries, in the world and within.
|
| Mr. Andreas RICHTER, Head of Unit for Digital Inclusion, Swedish Post and Telecom Authority
Andreas Richter is the head of unit for digital inclusion at the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority. He has a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. His career has been focused on assistive technologies for communication during 2005-2014 and since that has moved towards disability policy and specifically accessibility. Before joining PTS, he worked at the Swedish Institute for Assistive Technology, the Swedish government’s Forum for Usability and Accessibility (“Användningsforum”) and the Agency for Participation. His work has followed and contributed to the implementation av the Accessibility Act and he has been involved in the implementation of the Web Accessibility Directive in Sweden.
|
| Ms. Indre JURGELIONIENĖ, Chief Advisor, Communications Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Lithuania Indrė Jurgelionienė is a Chief Advisor at the Communications Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Lithuania (RRT). She joined RRT in 2013 and has worked in various positions, starting as Chief Specialist in the Legal Department, Head of the Complaints Division, Deputy Director, Director at the Networks Regulation Department, Leader of the Strategic Management Group, and last designation as Chief Advisor at RRT since May 2023. Indrė has been, among other things, resolving out-of-court disputes between end-users and communication service providers, responsible for forecasts and data analysis of trends and developments in the regulated sectors, and international communications. She has also been engaged in various regulatory aspects, including access and ex-ante regulation, universal service provision, numbering and number portability, complaint handling, and consumer protection in electronic communications and postal sectors. Indrė has experience in team management and public policymaking and implementation, including the transposition of European Union legislation into national law and involvement in various national multi-stakeholder projects on both national and international levels. Since January 2023, Indrė has been appointed as a Co-chair of the End-Users Working Group at BEREC (Board of European Regulators for Electronic Communications).
|
| Ms. Tanja Zaninović, Senior Legal Affairs Expert, Croatian Regulatory Agency for Network Industries (HAKOM)
Tanja Zaninović was born in 1983 in Zagreb, where she finished elementary and high school. She graduated in 2008 at the Faculty of Law. From 2008 she works as a Senior Legal Affairs Expert in Croatian Regulatory Agency for Network Industries (HAKOM). She has expertise in public procurement, online child protection, accessibility, property law relations, misdemeanor law and spectrum regulation. In 2012 she passed the bar exam. Currently she is finishing post-graduate studies at the University of Zagreb - civil law science.
|
| Mr. Dusan CAF, Director, Digitas Dušan Caf is Director of the Digitas Institute. He leads digital accessibility policy and research programmes, and a platform for connecting stakeholders from advocacy, academia and industry dedicated to accessibility that collaborate on creating a more inclusive digital society. In 2020, he carried out a Europe-wide ICT accessibility assessment for the International Telecommunication Union. He has in-depth experience in technology and public policy. He served as President of the Council of the Agency for Communications Networks and Services of the Republic of Slovenia and President of the National Electronic Communications Council.
|
Special Message
|
| Mr. Tawfik JELASSI, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, UNESCO Dr. Tawfik Jelassi was appointed UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information on 1st July 2021. In this position, he is responsible for the Organization's programmes on building inclusive knowledge societies, leading digital transformation, strategizing the role of ICT in education, and fostering freedom of expression. Dr. Jelassi holds a Ph.D. doctorate in information systems from New York University (USA) and postgraduate diplomas from the University of Paris Dauphine (France). Dr. Jelassi has extensive experience in higher education, scientific research, and information & communication technologies. He held academic, corporate and government leadership positions in Europe, the USA, and Tunisia. Among others, he was Programme Director and Professor of Strategy and Technology Management at IMD Business School in Lausanne (2015 – June 2021). Prior to that, he served as Minister of Higher education, Scientific Research and Information & Communication Technologies in the democratic transition government of Tunisia (2014 – 2015). Prior appointments included being Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ooredoo Telecom in Tunisia, Dean at Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées (Paris), and Professor & Chairman of the Technology Management Department at INSEAD (Fontainebleau).
|
Session 2: A UN Approach to Digital Accessibility: Principles, Challenges, And Opportunities
|
| Ms. Valentina STADNIC, Digital Services Expert, ITU Office for Europe Valentina Stadnic is currently a Digital Services Expert in the ITU Office for Europe and acts as a GovStack Regional Coordinator for Europe. Previously, she was an ecosystem builder passionate about helping create synergistic impact at the regional and national levels, leading stakeholders in navigating IT competitiveness, and unlocking opportunities for the IT sector in Moldova. Her strong commitment to the sector is reflected in a decade of experience working for organizations in various fields, ranging from leading an IT Park to holding senior government roles. Valentina's efforts are always directed towards developing new approaches that accelerate the transformation towards a digital econom y, streamlining corporate innovation practices, boosting the industry's growth, supporting job-creation partnerships and sustainable investments.
|
| Ms. Roxana WIDMER-ILIESCU, Senior Programme Officer, Digital Inclusion Division, Telecommunication Development Bureau Roxana WIDMER-ILIESCU is Senior Coordinator of Digital Inclusion at the International Telecommunication Union, the United Nations specialised Agency for Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Ms Widmer has an educational background in Law and holds Master's Degrees in International Law and Strategic Management of Telecommunication and brings 6 years of work experience in International Relations within the Romanian Parliament and 25 years in the Development Sector of the ITU. In her capacity as Senior Coordinator for Digital Inclusion, she advises the ITU members on developing inclusive policies and on implementing strategies in ICT/digital accessibility to ensure all people's empowerment through the access to and use of ICTs, regardless of their age, gender, ability to use the technology or, location. She also leads the development of key ITU-D resources contributing to the overarching goal of Digital Inclusion in line with the global commitments and ITU members' and stakeholders' efforts in building a digitally inclusive world and ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age. |
| Mr. Sylvain MERLEN, Resident Representative ad interim, United Nations Development Programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina Mr. Sylvain Merlen is the Resident Representative ad interim of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mr. Merlen has over 20 years of management and experience in international development, in academia and in the private sector in energy and banking. He has a track record of setting up and growing high-performing operations in post-crisis countries and emerging markets. His prior United Nations appointments include Deputy Resident Representative UNDP in the Arab Republic of Egypt from 2019 to 2023, Head of UNDP office in Aden from 2013 to 2018, Field Coordination Officer with the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office in Nepal from 2011 to 2012, Recovery Advisor with UNDP in Haiti in 2010, Strategic Planning Specialist with UNDP in Iraq from 2006 to 2009 and Policy Analyst with the Office of Development Studies in UNDP New York headquarters from 2003 to 2005. Mr. Merlen also worked in academia and in the private sector, including as advisor on NeOn global renewable energy investments, as Financial Analyst at Commerzbank and with the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at Université de Savoie. Mr. Merlen holds a Master Degree in Economics from Princeton University, a Master Degree in Engineering and Applied Mathematics from Ecole Polytechnique in Paris and a Certificate in Language Studies from the American University in Cairo.
|
| Mr. Igor STEFANOVIC, Technical Coordinator of the UNWTO Ethics, Culture and Social Responsibility Department / UNWTO Specialist in Accessible Tourism for All Igor joined UNWTO in 2007, after 7 years in peacekeeping in the Western Balkans. At UNWTO, Igor has developed projects on cultural tourism, social inclusion, and particularly accessible tourism, in collaboration with DPOs, civil society, companies, governments and destinations. Since 2010, Igor has written, with partners, key awareness-raising and technical guidelines, inclusive recovery tips during COVID-19, as well as compilations of best practices across the accessibility value chain. As UNWTO's specialist in accessible tourism, Igor has worked with standardization bodies in the elaboration and dissemination of standards, notably ISO 21902:2021. He has driven the drafting and will serve as the focal point for the implementation of the San Marino Action Agenda 2030 on the Future of Accessible Tourism, launched in November 2023. |
| Ms. Jelena Ružičić, Digital Innovations Portfolio Manager, UNDP CO Serbia
Jelena Ruzicic joined UNDP 5 years ago after 20 years in the IT sector working for the public and private sector as well as for multinational corporations. She worked as the project manager and portfolio analyst in UNDP CO Serbia, developing the large scale projects for eGovernment and digital upskilling. She led some of the award winning activities like Digital Expedition in Serbia to bridge the digital divide and empower every person to use the potential of digitalisation.
|
| Ms. Ana Nedeljkovic Belja, Programme Manager, UNOPS Serbia Multi-Country Office
Ana Nedeljković Belja has 20 years of experience in project and programme management with international organisations and national institutions, out of which 15 with the UN system. She worked as the Project Manager of the Developing Sustainable Development Strategy of the Republic of Serbia Project and later as the Head of Sustainable Development Unit in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration. She has been a member of numerous national and international networks in the field of sustainable development and public administration. Since 2012 she has been working in UNOPS on local development programmes in the fields of good governance, social inclusion, gender equality and environmental governance, and as of 2018, she holds the position of Programme Manager. Ms Belja holds a range of certificates in project/programme management, leadership, sustainable development, digital transformation, good governance and more. Ms Belja holds a Master of Science Degree in Public Policy and Governance, Faculty of Political Sciences, Currently, she is pursuing PhD in Political Science at the same faculty. Ms Belja is a co-author and editor of publications in the field of good governance at the local level in Serbia.
|
Session 3: State of Web Accessibility: Realities and Good Practices
|
| Ms. Ecmel Aysu SÜRMEN, Digital Accessibility Consultant, ITU Office for Europe
Ecmel Aysu Sürmen is a Digital Accessibility Consultant at the ITU Europe Office, with a diverse international background including professional experience and education in Türkiye, France, the Netherlands, Italy, and Belgium. She possesses over two years of experience with various international organizations such as UNDP, OECD, and EEAS, and is fluent in Turkish, French, English, and Italian. She holds a Master's degree in International Relations (EU Studies) from Leiden University, funded by the fully merit-based Jean Monnet Scholarship, a prestigious award granted by the European Union to outstanding students. Ecmel completed her undergraduate studies in International Relations at Galatasaray University in Türkiye, a unique Turkish-French university where the primary language of instruction is French, graduating as the top student of her class. At the ITU Europe Office, Ecmel's work focuses on digital inclusion and accessibility. Previously, Ecmel served as the Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator at the European Commission Trainees' Association. She has also held positions such as Head of Advocacy at the OECD Intern Circle Board, Partnerships Manager at Lean in Network Randstad, and Research Manager at Institut du Genre en Géopolitique.
|
| Mr. Guillermo RODRIGUEZ, Government of Spain - Spanish Observatory on Web Accessibility
Double bachelor degree in Computer Science and Mathematics and Master Degree in Data Science. He is working in the General Secretariat of Digital Administration of the Government of Spain since 2022, leading the area of websites, design and accessibility, where the Web Accessibility Observatory is located.
|
| Ms. Susanna LAURIN, Chief Research and Innovation Officer, Funka; Representative to the EU, G3ict; Chair, ETSI/CEN/CENELEC Joint Working Group on eAccessibility
Susanna has been a thought leader in the field of digitalisation, inclusion and e-government for more than 20 years and she is a frequent international lecturer and debater.
As one of the leading experts in EU policy and legislation on accessibility, Susanna is leading strategic assignments and research projects on EU level, nationally and across the world. Recent assignments for the European Commission include the formal review of the Web Accessibility Directive and a study on cognitive accessibility.
|
| Dr. Eric M. VELLEMAN, Professor, Inclusive Digital Design & Engineering, HAN University of Applied Sciences
Eric Velleman is Professor of Inclusive Digital Design & Engineering. He is also founder of Accessibility Foundation in the Netherlands and Innovation Expert at Bartiméus institute for the blind and visually impaired. With his team of researchers at HAN University of Applied Sciences he offers accessibility support to more than 600 Next Generation Internet projects funded by the EU. His research focuses on organizational maturity and monitoring of accessibility.
|
| Mr. Daniel MONTALVO, W3C Web Accessibility Initiative Daniel Montalvo joined the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) in 2019 to edit the Curricula on Web Accessibility. The curricula provides a framework to build your own courses on web accessibility, and to include accessibility in other courses. He is currently the Staff Contact for the Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) Working Group, the WCAG2ICT Task Force, and the Accessibility Conformance Testing (ACT) Task Force. He supports accessibility across W3C, providing guidance and reviews. Daniel liaises with standards organizations, people with disabilities, and other stakeholders to support W3C standardization efforts. Before joining the W3C, Daniel provided accessibility awareness, training, and consultancy to European government institutions and to companies from the service, health-care, insurance, and education sectors. |
| Mr. Stein Erik SKOTKJERRA, Inklusio Stein Erik Skotkjerra, CEO & Co-Founder of Inklusio, helps clients succeed with digital accessibility and inclusive design through inspiration, learning, and organizational change. He has over 20 years of experience in the ICT accessibility field, spanning from developing assistive technologies to providing strategic management consulting to boards and C-level executives. Stein Erik is a certified Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS) and a passionate advocate for inclusive design of ICT. He takes a people-centric approach to creating digital experiences that are accessible, usable, and enjoyable for everyone. He is also an active participant in accessibility standards committees and working groups, both in the Nordic region and internationally. Additionally, he is a recognized speaker and guest lecturer, sharing his insights and knowledge on accessibility and digital inclusion.
|
Session 4: Universal Design of Technology and Standardization for Digital Accessibility
|
| Ms. Kaoru MIZUNO, ITU Telecommunication Standardization Bureau
Kaoru Mizuno is a Programme Coordinator of ITU's Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB). She works to support standardization activities and to promote collaboration with other organizations. ITU-T activities on accessibility are guided by WTSA Resolution 70 and she contributes to the programme by acting as secretary to groups: ITU IRG-AVA - inter-sector group on audiovisual media accessibility standardization work; and ITU-T JCA-AHF - coordination group on activities related to accessibility
|
| Mr. Roberto SCANO, ICT accessibility expert, EMEA coordinator for IWA (International Web Association) W3C WCAG and ATAG Working Group Member between 2002-2014, in past member of The European Design for All e-Accessibility Network (EDeAN), actually Expert for ISO/TC 159/SC 4/WG 5 ëSoftware ergonomics and human-computer dialoguesí, Web/Software Subcommittee member of TEITAC (Telecommunications and Electronic and Information Technology Advisory Committee), author of four books about Web and Web applications accessibility. In past years has supported the activities of Italian Parliament and Italian Government about e-inclusion with support in developing laws, technical documentations, guidelines and evaluation tests for the main government web sites about accessibility and web quality issues. Actually he was consultant at Italian Government Agency for Innovation Technology in the ICT accessibility field, representative of Italian Government inside EU Commission - Web Accessiblity Directive Expert Group (WADEX), president of E-Accessibility commission inside the Italian Normative National Body and italian representative (head of delegation) inside Committee CEN/CLC/ETSI/JWG eAcc "eAccessibility" that will develop the harmonized European standard requested by Web Accessibility Directive, where participate to the task force that will update EN 301 549 standard for be aderhent to European Accessibility Act. Can be reached at https://robertoscano.info. |
| Mr. Adil HUSSAIN, Senior Advisor, Norwegian Authority for Universal Design of ICT Adil Hussain is a digital accessibility specialist with a passion for a society without accessibility barriers. He has more than five years' experience in universal design of ICT, and currently, he is working as a Senior Advisor for digital accessibility at the Norwegian Authority for Universal Design of ICT, where he enables the community with guidance and develop new resources to help both private and public sector to create more inclusive digital solutions. He has also contributed to the development of harmonized test rules i.e., ACT-Rules in WAI-Tools project co-funded by the European Commission and conducted pilot monitoring for simplified and in-depth monitoring to help member states with the implementation of the EU Web Accessibility Directive (Directive (EU) 2016/2102). He has in-depth knowledge and experience in WCAG standards. At the Norwegian Authority for Universal Design of ICT, he works with the interpretation of success criteria in WCAG standards and develops test procedures to test web solutions and mobile applications. The ultimate goal of Mr. Adil Hussain's work is to contribute to building a society without accessibility barriers.
|
| Ms. Lidia BEST, President, European Federation of Hard of Hearing People Lidia Best is the President of the European Federation of Hard of Hearing People (EFHOH), and co-vice Chair of International Telecommunication Union Joint Coordination Activities on Accessibility and Human Factors (ITU JCA-AHF) Lidia brings unique knowledge as an expert with lived experience, as a person who is hard of hearing and a cochlear implant user. Her work has specific focus on accessibility, raising standards, policy development, innovation, and training for deaf and hard of hearing people. Lidia contributed to work on standards as a member of Global Initiative For Inclusive ICTs (G3ict) delegation to ITU in telecoms relay services, captioning and assistive listening devices , she is an editor of the ITU FSTP-RCSO “Overview of remote captioning services" and H.871“Safety requirements for wearable audio augmenting devices" the recommendation on personal sound amplifiers. Most recently, she was involved in the development of the WHO-ITU Global Standard on Accessibility of Telehealth. Lidia is a member of the Smart Cities For All Committee for G3ict.
|
| Ms. Ricardo GARCÍA BAHAMONDE, Head of Accessibility & Digital Inclusion, ATOS Iberia Ricardo García Bahamonde is the Head of Accessibility & Digital Inclusion for Iberia at Atos. Since joining the Accessibility & Disability Inclusion field in 2004, Ricardo has worked for leading organizations like ONCE Foundation (Spain), the Center for Inclusive Design & Innovation - CIDI (former AMAC Accessibility) at Georgia Tech (Atlanta, GA, USA), AccessibilityOZ, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), G3ict (USA) and the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) in consulting, project management, and research assignments with a global outreach. Ricardo holds a MA in Economics from the Universidad Complutense of Madrid, Spain, and is an IAAP Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC). Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardogarciab/?locale=en_US
|
| Ms. Catherine BOHILL, Director ESG Development and Impact, Telefónica Catherine leads the ESG Development and Impact team at Telefónica. Her remit includes Responsible business, Diversity & Inclusion and Stakeholder Engagement. Her priority is to attract ESG oriented capital – understanding investor demands, stretching commitments and raising awareness of Telefónica’s credentials.
Catherine has worked for Telefónica for over 20 years. Before joining the sustainability team, Catherine worked in M&A, B2B and Corporate Strategy, where she managed the Group’s spectrum auctions. Previously to Telefonica, Catherine worked for Daimler Chrysler in Germany and Holland and with the World Bank in Washington DC.
Catherine has a BA in European Business, a Diplom Betriebswirt (ESB Reutlingen FH) and a Masters in Finance from the Instituto de Empresa in Madrid. She speaks English, German and Spanish - all with an Irish accent!
|
Session 5: AI and Emerging Technologies in Improving Digital Accessibility
|
| Mr. Guillem MARTINEZ ROURA, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Programme Officer, ITU Office for Europe Guillem is the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics Programme Officer at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-UN), the United Nations specialized agency for ICTs. His mission centers on connecting AI and robotics innovators with problem owners to collectively advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He has more than 10 years of experience in robotics. He has participated in major international robotics tournaments in North America, Asia and Europe, and he is the CEO and Co-Founder of ROBOCAT, a leading non-profit educational robotics competition that promotes learning robotics and coding among young people, regardless of gender, socio-economic background or academic ability. Previously he served as the EU Policy Assistant at the Delegation of the Government of Catalonia to the European Union, and the International Relations Assistant at the Delegation of the Government of Catalonia to Switzerland. He also worked as a legal trainee at Montesinos Abogados. He is an expert of the European Commission, a DIPLOCAT scholar, a Sigma Squared Society fellow, and a Nova member. He has been an ambassador for EU Careers (European Personnel Selection Office), EUTOPIA European University, POLITICO's EU Studies and Career Fair (POLITICO Europe), and UNICAT (Ministry of Research and Universities), and a member of the 1st EUSALP Youth Council. Guillem is currently pursuing a master's degree in International Law at the Graduate Institute for International and Development Studies in Geneva. He holds a double bachelor's degree in Law and Business Management and Administration from Universitat Pompeu Fabra, and spent one year as a Swiss-European mobility program student at the University of Geneva, where he obtained the Certificate in Transnational Law. He has also successfully completed the 59th Graduate Study Program of the United Nations Office in Geneva.
|
| Ms. Almudena ALCAIDE, Director of Research, Development & Innovation, Fundación ONCE Almudena holds a degree in Mathematical Sciences from Universidad Complutense of Madrid. She completed her studies with an MSc in Advanced Computing at University King's College of London and a PhD in Computer Engineering at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. Almudena started her professional career as a Software Programmer at ACI Worldwide in London and very soon, she felt interested in the world of cybersecurity and cyberdefense. In this field, she held Research and Lecturing positions in Cybersecurity at the following institutions: South Bank University of London, Carlos III University of Madrid, IMF Institute and European University of Madrid. Currently, she is responsible for the Research and Development Department of the Universal Accessibility Direction at ONCE Foundation.
|
| Mr. Daniel CASAS, Accessibility Policy Officer, European Disability Forum Daniel Casas is Accessibility Policy Officer at the European Disability Forum (EDF), the umbrella organisation that defends the interests of over 100 million persons with disabilities in the EU. His work at EDF focuses on accessibility and freedom of movement, covering areas and policies such as transport, the built environment, accessibility of goods and services, ICT and new technologies and standardisation. Before that, he worked for three years as Policy Officer at the Delegation of the Government of Catalonia to the EU. Daniel holds a bachelor's degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (Spain) and a master's degree in European Integration (Belgium).
|
| Mr. Djordje DIMITRIJEVIC, Founder, SignAvatar Djordje Dimitrijevic is one of the founders of SignAvatar. He graduated from "Matematicka gimnazija" in Belgrade, and the School of Electrical Engineering in Belgrade. He is proud that he started a business with a social purpose at a young age, together with best friends from high school. He believes that motivation and sincere relations with colleagues are key to achieving success, and that no business should be done without an impact on society. His wish is to strenghten Deaf communities all around the world through his work.
|
| Ms. María Ignacia Rodriguez Espinoza, Head of Public and International Affairs, Fundación Descúbreme; Partner, Zero Project
Ms. Maria Ignacia Rodriguez is the Head of Public Affairs and International Cooperation at Fundación Descúbreme, a Chilean-born NGO that promotes the rights of persons with disabilities in Ibero-America. Ms. Rodriguez holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Political Science, and prior to her work on disability inclusion, she worked as a researcher on topics such as corporate sustainability programs and their relationship with territorial-based conflicts in the extractivist industry.
At Descúbreme, Ms. Rodriguez has led the internationalization strategy with a focus on Spanish-speaking countries in Ibero-America, and since 2019 has led the regionalization of the global Zero Project platform to Latin America, holding in May 2024 its 5th regional conference. Currently, she is interested in developing collaborative models based on good practices with a potential to be replicated in Ibero-American countries that further the rights of the population with disabilities in the region.
|
| Mr. Carlos DUARTE, Associate Professor, University of Lisbon Carlos Duarte is an Associate Professor at the Faculdade de Ciências of the University of Lisboa and a senior researcher at LASIGE, where he leads the Accessibility and Ageing Research Line. His primary research focus revolves around digital accessibility, encompassing a range of topics such as automated accessibility evaluation mechanisms, the accessibility of conversational agents, the transformative role of AI in enhancing accessibility, and the development of effective digital accessibility curricula in higher education. His research contributions include the development of QualWeb, a free, open-source, automated web accessibility evaluation engine. He co-chairs the W3C Accessibility Conformance Testing Rules Community Group where he contributes to establishing a harmonised interpretation of accessibility conformance testing. He was part of the W3C Education and Outreach Working Group Task Force that redesigned the curriculum for teaching Web Accessibility.
|
| Dr. Miguel Ángel VALERO DUBOY, Professor, Polytechnic University of Madrid
Miguel A. Valero, PhD is an Associate Professor on Telematics Engineering at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) since 2003. His R&D activity started in 1995 and is focused on digital accessibility, information and telecommunication technologies applied to health and education for persons with disability and elderly population at the smart home and mobility scenarios. He has been the head of Ceapat, the State Reference Centre of Personal Autonomy and Assistive Technologies of the Spanish Government and the director of the Accessibility Office at Madrid city council. He was Visiting Professor at Mälardalen University, Sweden, and Deputy Director of Research and Doctorate at EUIT Telecomunicación, UPM. He is now the delegate of the director at ETSIS Telecomunicación at UPM for Accessibility and Social Responsibility. He is the author of 3 books, 12 book chapters, 14 journal papers and over 130 conference publications about telematics, telemedicine, e-accessibility, telecare, e-health and human factors. His R&D work as manager of the Accessible Digital Home at ETSIST (2005/14) for people with disabilities received the awards: CERMI PRODIS 2008, Fundación Konecta 2009 and Manos Solidarias 2011 by the Red Cross Society. He led AcceMovil, awarded in 2011 with the V Vodafone Prize for Innovation in Telecommunications.
|
| Ms. Paulina LEWANDOWSKA*, Secretary, International Federation of Hard Hearing Young People
Paulina Lewandowska is a hard of hearing and uses hearing aids. She benefits from accessible ICT on a daily basis: in educational, professional and social life. She is a Secretary of the International Federation of Hard of Hearing Young People (IFHOHYP) and a Vice-President of the Association of Hard of Hearing People and CI users - SUITA. She has Master degrees in 'journalism and social communication' and in 'special education', currently she is a PhD student with a specialisation in Pedagogy of the D/deaf and hard of hearing (surdopedagogy, surdoglottodidactic). Her scientific interests are: social inclusion and accessibility (also digital) for people with disabilities, rights of persons with disabilities, accessible distance learning, and non-formal education. Paulina has been a consultant on, among others, the project of the Ministry of National Education and the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education and the project of the Forum for NGOs of People with Disabilities in Lublin Voivodeship and currently co-cordinating a multi-year international project: Language skills and learning preferences of deaf and hard of hearing students (Langskills II). For the past few years Paulina has been involved in activities for and about people with hearing loss (the organizer of several editions of scientific conferences, the coordinator of national and international projects, speaker during the conferences, the facilitator of workshops, trainings, study sessions, moderator of debates).
|
Session 6: Accessibility in the metaverse: Crafting Inclusive Virtual Worlds
|
| Dr. Pilar ORERO, Professor, University of Barcelona, Co-rapporteur ITU-T Metaverse Working Group PhD (UMIST, UK) works at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Spain) in the TransMedia Catalonia Lab. She has written and edited many books, near 100 academic papers and almost the same number of book chapters --all on Media Accessibility. Leader and participant on numerous EU funded research projects focusing on media accessibility. She works in standardisation and participates in the UN ITU IRG-AVA - Intersector Rapporteur Group Audiovisual Media Accessibility, ISO, SAGA, and ANEC. She has been working on Immersive Accessibility for the past 4 years first in a project called ImAc, which results are now further developed in TRACTION, MEDIAVERSE, MILE, and has just started to work on green accessibility in GREENSCENT. She led until December 2022 the EU network LEADME on Media Accessibility. She is the Co-Chair of Study Group on Accessibility and Inclusion in the ITU Metaverse Focus Group.
For more info please go to: https://webs.uab.cat/pilarorero/
|
| Dr. Anna MATAMALA, Director, AccessCat Network; Full Professor- Catedràtica, University of Barcelona Anna Matamala, BA in Translation (UAB) and PhD in Applied Linguistics (UPF, Barcelona), is a Full Professor at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Leader of Transmedia Catalonia research group and director of AccessCat Network. Anna Matamala has participated (DTV4ALL, ADLAB, HBB4ALL, ACT, ADLAB PRO, IMAC, TRACTION, Mediaverse) and led (AVT-LP, ALST, VIW, NEA, EASIT, RAD) funded projects on media accessibility. She has taken an active role in the organisation of scientific events such as the Media for All conference or the Advanced Research Audio Description Seminar ARSAD and has published extensively in international journals such as Meta, The Translator, Perspectives, Babel, Translation Studies, among others. Dr. Margaret R. Pfanstiehl Memorial Achievement Award in Audio Description Research and Development 2021. Her research interests are audiovisual translation and accessibility. She is also actively involved in standardisation work at UNE, ISO and ITU.
|
| Dr. Christopher HUGHES, Director of Computer Science, Salford University Chris Hughes is a Director of Computer Science at Salford University, UK. His research is focused heavily on developing computer science solutions to promote inclusivity and diversity throughout the broadcast industry. This aims to ensure that broadcast experiences are inclusive across different languages, addressing the needs of those with hearing and low vision problems, learning difficulties, and the aged. He was a partner in the H2020 Immersive Accessibility (ImAc) Project. Previously he worked for the UX group within BBC R&D, where he was responsible for developing the concept of responsive subtitles and demonstrated several methods for automatically recovering and phonetically realigning subtitles. He has a particular interest in accessible services and is currently focused on developing new methods for providing accessibility services within an immersive context, such as Virtual Reality and 360° video.
|
| Mr. Renaud DI FRANCESCO, Director, Europe Technology Standards Office, Sony Europe BV Renaud Di Francesco is the Director of the Europe Technology Standards Office of Sony, serving Sony from Content (Sony Pictures, Sony Music, Sony PlayStation) to Electronics (home and personal entertainment) and Semi-conductors, expanding into Sports. The standards areas covered for Sony include multimedia and MV, accessibility, autonomous driving, and AI. Sony experts participate in ITU related activities on spectrum and radio (WRC), safe listening (WHO), and lead in TV production (WP6). At his first ITU meeting in Geneva in 1990, Head of delegation for France in Speech Coding, he then went through Research, Satellite Service Development, the coordination for Telecoms Councils of Ministers at the European Commission. Joining Sony, he built a portfolio of cooperative R&D projects, then managed the digital transition for cinema projection. Back to standards he is head of the Europe Technology Standards Office. His direct involvement in Accessibility standards started with the e-inclusion Policy launched by Commissioner Reding under the Portuguese Presidency, in 2007. His elected roles in standards are: head of the Italian delegation for the European Standardisation of AI, and at the European committee CENELEC-JTC21-AI (EU AI Act standards) convenor of the Task Group on AI risk.
|
| Mr. Ivan REJON, Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Affairs, Ericsson As Head of Strategy, Government & Policy Advocacy I'm responsible for: Articulating Ericsson's positions and the company's view on public policy, regulatory or business-related matters. GPA advocacy activities encompass insight, access and influence on public policy affecting Ericsson's business environment and that of our customers. Securing the future direction of Ericsson, serving as the strategic planning partner to the regional and global organization, driving and facilitating the development of the regional growth plan, in alignment with Customer Units, Key Account Managers, Business Areas, Operations, and Supporting Functions (e.g., Finance, People, and Marketing & Communication).
|
| Mr. Morgan FRIEDRIKSSON, CEO, Nagoon
Morgan Fredriksson has 20+ yrs of experience as a founder, developer and a researcher. With a background in the computer game industry, developing games and middleware for the game industry, 3D game engines, AI middleware and dialog system tools, and later in R&D where he has overseen the technical development in 6 EU funded projects and dozens of nationally funded projects. The research has mainly focused on human facing AI, Spatial intelligence, and innovative interaction technologies for accessibility. Morgan is now the CEO at Nagoon that is developing a platform for spatial interaction in real time that manages digital information and interaction in physical environments with uses in collaborative driving, Assistive systems and situated dialog systems.
|
| Mr. Ignacio POSE, Business Development Manager, Pangeanic
Ignacio holds the position of International Business Manager at Pangeanic, a leading AI and NLP services provider. With a background in finance and technology, his focus lies on financial strategy aimed towards contributing to business success and fostering innovation.
His personal focus is defined by a practical blend of strategic vision and hands-on involvement, and empowering human expertise towards meeting and exceeding commercial goals.
The company represented by Ignacio, Pangeanic, is a leading language and technology company at the forefront of translation and AI. Main specialization lies on the provision of multilingual solutions, leveraging cutting-edge technology to the deliver accurate, efficient, scalable, and most importantly, private language services.
Their approach combines linguistic expertise with an ongoing research and development of AI solutions, to ensure that their clients navigate the complexities of multilingual communication seamlessly.
|
