Programme - ICT for an Inclusive Society -
Riga 11-13 June 2006

Although disadvantaged and socially excluded people are often the biggest users of public services, access, service design, personal capacity and awareness can present barriers when those services are delivered electronically.  Nevertheless, examples are emerging where innovative use of ICT by public administrations is providing a key part of the solution to social exclusion, rather than increasing the problem. This session highlights the key role public authorities can play and shows how public services can be designed to ensure 'no-one is left behind'.

The richness of Europe's cultural diversity is one of its many strengths.  Yet this very diversity can mean individuals and communities of people are confronted with barriers in the use of ICT.  By focusing on two of these groups, migrants and minorities (ethnic or cultural), this session will consider how to ensure that these groups are not overlooked, and how ICT can help contribute to greater social inclusion and generate new opportunities for these groups. 

Today, good practice in policy-making demands taking decisions informed by sound evidence and analysis, with the consultation and involvement of stakeholders.  Gathering and analysing data is essential for assessing and understanding the impact of ICT on inclusion.  This session considers what evidence we have today and where we should be moving towards.

In developing countries, 'e-Inclusion' is about the need to mobilise technologies to fight poverty, disease and exclusion and support basic services such as health and education.  Early steps in exploiting ICTs to enable such services include providing access, by putting the necessary infrastructure in place, including basic electronic communication services.  In countries where the information society is well established, “e-Inclusion” means all citizens having access to services, and benefiting from ICTs.   The 'e-Inclusion' agenda is addressing issues such as ensuring services and products are designed to be accessible to as many people as possible, facilitating accessibility and empowering people.

How can we learn from very different exploitations of ICTs to foster inclusion?  This session reflects on the twofold approach and brings together political vision and practical experiences.