NGI ultimately addresses the need for a more fair, safe, resilient, sustainable, human-centred and decentralised internet. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are the backbones of this envisioned future. NGI fosters and commits to a condition of fair, just, and respectful treatment for all through reducing disparities in opportunities and outcomes for diverse communities and individuals involved in the overall ecosystem.
As a result, this will foster dimensions of diversity, including, but not limited to, culture, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, language, physical and intellectual ability, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. Diversity is achieved through inclusiveness, underpinned by strategies for creating an environment where everyone can participate fully and be welcome, respected, and valued. The goal is to recognise the needs of each individual and group, having the right conditions across NGI resources, events and programs so that each person can contribute their ideas, experiences and talents to the fullest.
Significant efforts are undertaken to ensure Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion of NGI across several axes are acting upon the actual knowledge on these crucial and complex topics. Firstly, NGI’s resources and tools are being assessed to increase accessibility to all. This will decrease barriers to accessibility, understandability, and usability mainly related to different physical and intellectual abilities.
Secondly, new actions are being designed to identify and engage new groups, cohorts, and individuals by systematically exploring underrepresented groups in the NGI Community, NGI Innovators, and the overall ecosystem. These actions will diversify participation in NGI across all levels.
Thirdly, a specific focus stands on increasing women’s participation and involvement in the NGI ecosystem. Fourth, the perspectives, concerns, visions and desires of end-users and grassroots communities will be co-created, structured and finally integrated into the NGI agenda, thus extending existing topics. Therefore, the future EU agenda will be more aligned with the societal demand for a more inclusive, trustable, and safe future internet ecosystem.
The complex and multifaceted work on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion will foster the principle of celebrating diversity. Additionally, we see NGI as a more accessible, inclusive, and societally relevant program and ecosystem.
Author: Giovanni Maccani, Anna Higueras and Daniela Salvitti, Ideas for Change