G3ict’s Quadrennial Report to the UN Global Compact
G3ict has submitted its 2022–2026 quadrennial Communication on Progress to the UN Global Compact, reflecting four years of sustained leadership in advancing digital inclusion worldwide. The report showcases how G3ict continues to strengthen global policy frameworks, expand capacity‑building initiatives, and deepen multi‑stakeholder collaboration to accelerate accessible technology adoption across regions.
This milestone document highlights not only the breadth of our programs but also the measurable impact of our collective work — demonstrating how commitments to the UN Global Compact principles translate into tangible progress for persons with disabilities in the digital age.
Read the full report
Representation of Persons with Disabilities in the Digital Age
In his blog “Representation of Persons with Disabilities in the Digital Age,” Dr. Mohammed A. Loutfy, G3ict Director of Advocacy and Capacity Building, examines how meaningful participation of persons with disabilities remains central to advancing CRPD Article 4.3 in both policy and digital innovation. He traces the evolution of representation from the civil‑rights foundations of the independent living movement to today’s digital ecosystem, where accessibility specialists, users with disabilities, and engineers increasingly shape inclusive technology design. Drawing on findings from the G3ict DARE Index, Dr. Loutfy highlights persistent gaps in formal decision‑making, particularly in developing countries, despite rapid growth in accessible technologies.
The blog outlines strategies to strengthen Organizations of Person with Disabilities (OPD) engagement, expand professional training through IAAP, and deepen global cooperation to ensure that digital transformation embeds the voices of persons with disabilities at every stage. Dr. Loutfy underscores that representation is both a human rights obligation and an economic imperative, essential for ensuring that technology becomes a driver of empowerment rather than exclusion.
Read Mohammed A. Loutfy's blog
|
|
G3ict at COSP19: Zero Project Engagements
G3ict participated in several COSP19 engagements focused on disability inclusion and global collaboration. Together with Enable India, G3ict co‑hosted the Side Event “From Rights to Resilience: Advancing the Purple Economy and Inclusive Civic Participation to Empower Persons with Disabilities,” featuring Ambassador Luis Gallegos, Axel Leblois, Dr. Mohammed Ali Loutfy, Sara Basson, Gopal Mitra, Marcie Roth, and Frances West, with closing remarks from Dr. Sonja Tarczay and moderation by Sayomdeb Mukherjee.
G3ict also joined the Fireside Chat on “Disability, Equality, and Artificial Intelligence” hosted by Microsoft and the Zero Project, featuring Rylin Rodgers and Michael Fembek, with participation from Axel Leblois, Francesca Cesa Bianchi, and Dr. Mohammed Ali Loutfy.
In addition, G3ict attended the reception hosted by the Permanent Mission of Austria to the United Nations, featuring remarks from Mr. Stefan Pretterhofer, Michael Fembek, and Professor Michael Stein. G3ict was represented by Dr. Christopher M. Lee, Axel Leblois, Francesca Cesa Bianchi, and Dr. Mohammed Ali Loutfy across these engagements.
G3ict at COSP19: Christopher Lee on Disability-Led Innovation
Dr. Christopher M. Lee, G3ict President and CEO, delivered an invited intervention at the COSP19 Side Event “Disability‑Led Innovation as a Human Rights Imperative: Building Entrepreneurship Ecosystems Under the CRPD.” In his remarks, he discussed G3ict’s SmartJobs initiative and highlighted the role of IAAP in strengthening professional pathways and supporting disability‑led innovation within global entrepreneurship ecosystems.
G3ict Engagement at ITU Meetings in Geneva
Axel Leblois and Francesca Cesa Bianchi are attending the ITU meetings in Geneva from 6–7 July 2026, participating in a series of high‑level convenings focused on digital cooperation and emerging technologies. Their program includes the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, WSIS, AI for Good Global Summit, offering key opportunities to advance accessibility priorities within global discussions on AI, innovation, and inclusive digital development.
|
|
|
Advisory – Strengthening Partnerships & Services
|
|
|
G3ict continues to expand its advisory services through strategic partnerships and initiatives that advance inclusive innovation, accessible smart cities, and digital inclusion globally.
Advancing Digital Accessibility Skills at the Inclusive Africa Conference
Inclusive Africa Conference, held June 2–4 in Nairobi and hosted by inABLE, Monica Duhem, G3ict Advisory Services Director, led a workshop supporting the Mastercard Foundation and the Center for Innovation Teaching and Learning (CTL) to introduce EdTech fellows and partner hubs to the fundamentals of digital accessibility. Delivered in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University, the session highlighted why inclusive design is essential for Africa’s rapidly growing EdTech ecosystem. Monica emphasized both the scale of digital exclusion and the significant market opportunity for startups that embed accessibility from the outset. As Africa’s EdTech sector continues to expand, the workshop underscored how accessibility can broaden reach, strengthen user engagement, and support more equitable digital learning across the continent.
Inclusive Africa Conference Session on Accessible Digital Finance
At the Inclusive Africa Conference, Monica Duhem, G3ict Advisory Services Director, moderated the session “Closing the Digital Finance Gap: Accessibility, AI, and the Future of Inclusive Banking in Africa.” The discussion underscored the importance of accessible digital financial services for economic participation and highlighted practical strategies for reducing barriers in high‑impact systems. Speakers emphasized prioritizing high‑traffic and high‑risk transactional services, strengthening ownership and accountability, adopting recognized accessibility standards, and addressing common reusable components to maximize progress. The session reinforced the value of collaboration and shared learning as stakeholders work to advance inclusive digital finance across the continent.
|
|
|
IAAP – Expanding the Accessibility Profession
|
|
|
IAAP Expands with New Canada Chapter
The IAAP Canada Chapter has officially launched, adding a new and meaningful connection point within the global accessibility ecosystem. This chapter expands opportunities for accessibility professionals across Canada to engage in certification, professional development, and community building while aligning local practice with international standards. The launch, officiated by Giuseppina D’Intino, PMP, MDes, CPACC, during the A11YVERSE Inc in partnership with IAAP Canada Summit, reflects the continued growth of accessibility as a global profession and reinforces IAAP’s commitment to strengthening regional networks that support knowledge exchange and practical implementation across sectors.
IAAP Role-Based Courses and Knowledge Badges
IAAP's Role-Based courses offer practical, job-specific trainig to help preofessionals understand their accessibility responsibilities and applu best practices in their daily work. Curreect topics include Accessible Social Media, Fundamentals of Digital Accessibility, Accessible Design, Accessible Development, and Accessibility Testing. After completing a course, particiapnts may take an optional knowledge test to earn an IAAP Knowledge Badge, providing a clear way to validate accessibility understanding and demonstrate competency across key areas of practice.
New Course: Mobile Accessibility Training (Now Free for IAAP Members)
IAAP has released its new Mobile Accessibility Training Course, now available free of charge to IAAP members through the Education Portal. This introductory, role‑based course offers practical guidance for creating more accessible mobile applications for users with visual, hearing, mobility, speech, and cognitive disabilities. Participants will learn mobile accessibility fundamentals, explore assistive technologies, understand testing strategies, and gain actionable best practices for design and development. The course provides a strong foundation for anyone looking to expand their accessibility skills beyond the web and build more inclusive mobile experiences.
IAAP at the AHEAD Conference
IAAP will participate in the AHEAD Conference July 20–24, 2026, in Providence, Rhode Island, where the team will share updates on advancing digital accessibility in higher education. The sessions will highlight how IAAP certifications, educational courses, and knowledge badges support institutions in strengthening accessibility expertise and aligning with ADA Title II requirements. IAAP will also showcase how the Business Accessibility Criteria (BAC) Program can help campuses measure and improve accessibility maturity. Attendees can connect with the IAAP team at the exhibit booth to learn more about available resources and pick up IAAP materials during the conference.
Stay Connected
IAAP continues to expand its digital footprint through the IAAPorg Linktree, connecting members to Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X, TikTok, Bluesky, and LinkedIn showcase pages.
|
|
Keynote Speaker Announced for the 2026 M‑Enabling Summit
We are pleased to announce that Léonie Watson, Chair of the Board of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), will deliver a keynote address at the 2026 M‑Enabling Summit. Her keynote will outline W3C’s forward‑looking vision for accessibility and standardization in an era shaped by AI‑driven interfaces, personalization, and emerging web technologies, setting the stage for this year’s discussions on inclusive digital innovation.
Check out Registration & Pricing
Explore participation options, discounts, and pricing tiers for the 14th Annual M‑Enabling Summit. Early‑bird rates are available through July 15, with multiple pass types designed to support professionals, teams, and organizations advancing digital accessibility.
|
|
[Podcast] Leadership, Practice, and Global Impact with Christopher Michael Lee, PhD (Transcript Included): This episode of the G3ict/IAAP United in Accessibility podcast features Dr. Christopher Michael Lee, CEO and President of G3ict and IAAP, whose lived experience and professional leadership have shaped the global accessibility landscape for more than two decades. The conversation explores his personal journey into accessibility, the evolution of G3ict and IAAP as disability‑led organizations, and the growing recognition of accessibility as a profession. Dr. Lee discusses the global momentum behind digital inclusion—from policy developments such as the CRPD and the European Accessibility Act to emerging technologies transforming access—and reflects on what it takes to build a skilled, confident accessibility workforce worldwide. The episode highlights the intersection of leadership, practice, and systems‑level change as the accessibility field continues to expand globally.
|
|
|
Global Accessibility & Inclusion News
|
|
|
|
|
|
