Welcome Messages

Description:

Welcome and opening remarks by the NASIG 2023 Chair and American University host. 

Speakers: 

• Eduardo Díaz, NASIG 2023 Chair 

• Diana Burley, Vice Provost for Research, American University, Professor, School of Public Affairs and Kogod School of Business

Keynote: A Global Perspective on Inclusion and Accessibility

Description:

Inclusion and accessibility are vital concerns worldwide, affecting individuals across all demographics and regions. The World Health Organization estimates that over one billion people worldwide have some form of disability, and many of these individuals face significant obstacles to full participation in society due to inaccessible infrastructure, policies, and attitudes. Therefore, it is crucial to address these challenges and work towards a more inclusive society. In this context, a regional perspective will be discussed.

Speaker: 

• Derrick L.  Cogburn, Professor American University;  Executive Director, AU Institute on Disability and Public Policy and Faculty Director,  AU Internet Governance Lab, School of International Service and Kogod School of Business

Break and Networking

Sponsored by: Puerto Rico Top Level Domain (DotPR)

Digital Inclusivity through Universal Acceptance of Domain Names and Email Addresses

Description: 

This session will explore digital inclusivity issues through the lens of Universal Acceptance (UA). UA ensures that all valid domain names and email addresses - regardless of language, script, or character length - are accepted equally by all Internet-enabled applications, devices, and systems. This is a fundamental requirement for a truly multilingual and digitally inclusive Internet. Foremost experts in the field will discuss how UA ensures everyone can navigate and communicate on the Internet using the domain name and email address that best aligns with their interests, business, culture, language, and script. The panel will also highlight how we can all contribute to UA by updating our own systems to be UA-ready. An introduction to the ICANN role will be delivered.

Moderator: Kathleen Scoggin, Program Coordinator at the Tech, Law, and Security and Inclusive Tech Policy Programs at American University

ICANN Fundamentals: 

• Joe Catapano, North America Stakeholder Engagement Sr Manager, ICANN

Panelists: 

• Susan Chalmers, NTIA

• Sarmad Hussain, ICANN, Sr. Director Internationalized Domain Names (IDN) & Universal Acceptance (UA) Programs

Lunch and Networking

Sponsored by: Public Interest Registry (PIR)

Importance of Private-Public Partnerships to Building Bridges

Description: 

To solve the challenges of connecting all Canadians and American citizens we need a collaborative effort of all the vested interest sectors to provide access to the last mile clients and be more inclusive to marginal groups The partnerships need to include corporations, government, and communities organizations working in collaboration with a common cause. These complex and competing groups working in unison have produced great results in the United States to provide high-speed Internet to equity groups.  

Moderator: Jonathan Zuck

Panelist:

• Dino Thompson, Founder/CEO WWDD - (remote)

• Doug Dawson, President of CCG Consulting - (remote)

• Andrew Mack, Founder/CEO AGROMOVIL

State of the Nation for People with Disabilities 

Description: 

This session will provide an overview of the current state of the nation for people with disabilities. It will cover topics such as accessibility, inclusion, employment, and healthcare, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities facing the disability community. 

Attendees will gain a better understanding of the progress made in advancing disability rights and the work that still needs to be done to ensure equal opportunities and access for all. The presentation will include insights from experts in the disability field and provide actionable steps for individuals and organizations to help create a more inclusive society for people with disabilities.

Moderator: 

• Filippo Trevisan, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Associate Professor of Public Communication at American University's School of Communication

Panelists: 

• Greg Shatan, North America Regional At-Large Organization (NARALO) Chair

• José Manolo Álvarez, Professor of courses in assistive technology and special education at the University of Puerto Rico (UPR), Manolo.net Foundation Founder

Break and Networking

Sponsored by: Public Interest Registry (PIR)

Broadband Strategies in United States and Canada

Description:

Broadband connectivity is a critical factor for economic growth and social inclusion in North America and Canada. This session will explore the strategies that both countries are implementing to improve access and adoption rates.

The session will cover a range of topics, including the role of public-private partnerships in expanding connectivity, and the impact of emerging technologies on broadband infrastructure. Panelists will share their experiences and insights on new broadband initiatives, including community-led broadband projects, policy interventions, and innovative technologies that are helping to bridge the digital divide.

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the state of broadband connectivity in the United States and Canada, and the strategies that are being put into action in expanding access and adoption. The session will provide valuable insights for policymakers, community leaders, and anyone interested in advancing digital equity and economic growth in the United States and Canada.

Moderator: 

• Jane Coffin, Connect Humanity, Senior Advisor

Panelists: 

• Grace Abuhamad, NTIA

• Marita Moll, Telecommunity Canada

• Ron da Silva, Network Technologies Global

Women pioneers and Inclusion 

Description: 

Join us for an insightful discussion on the critical role of women in internet inclusion and their contributions to the field of internet governance. This session will provide a unique opportunity to explore a woman's perspective on working in the IT department, including how she got there and what she has learned. We will delve into the challenges that hold many women back from pursuing careers in technology and the importance of closing the gender gap in this industry.

Our esteemed panelists will share their experiences and insights on the role of women in internet governance and the impact of their contributions. We will discuss how greater diversity and inclusion can enhance decision-making processes and drive innovation in the tech industry. Additionally, we will explore strategies to promote equal opportunities for women in this field, including mentorship, training, and networking.

By attending this session, you will gain a deeper understanding of the value of women's perspectives in internet governance and the role of inclusion in creating a more equitable and diverse tech industry. You will also learn about practical strategies for promoting gender diversity and empowering women in this field. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with experts in the field and gain valuable insights into the critical role of women in internet inclusion.

Moderator: 

• Naela Sarras, ICANN Vice President of Stakeholder Engagement in North America

Speakers: 

• Marita Moll, Telecommunity Canada

• Kathy Kleiman, author, lawyer, professor, and storyteller 

• Tripti Sinha, ICANN Board Chair

Wrap up

Description:

Closing remarks of the days conversations.

Speakers: 

• Eduardo Díaz, NASIG 2023 Chair 

Social Reception 

Description: 

Join us for an opportunity to connect with fellow attendees and share experiences following a day of informative conversations. Meet some of the speakers and gain further insights into their perspectives and expertise. 

This informal gathering will provide a chance to network, ask questions, and deepen your understanding of the topics discussed throughout the day. Don't miss this valuable opportunity to build meaningful connections and expand your knowledge in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Location: American University

Sponsored by: Internet Corporation for Assign Names and Numbers (ICANN) North American Regional At-Large Organization (NARALO)

Welcome Message

Description:

Welcome and opening remarks by the NASIG 2023 Chair

Speaker: 

• Eduardo Díaz, NASIG 2023 Chair 

Break and Networking

Sponsored by: Puerto Rico Top Level Domain (DotPR)

People-Centered Approaches to Community Resiliency

Description:  

In this session, we will explore the concept of resilient communities building their own connectivity. We will examine examples of communities around the world that have taken matters into their own hands to build and maintain their own internet connections, often in the face of significant challenges such as limited resources, government regulations, and lack of infrastructure. Through case studies and real-world examples, we will highlight the benefits and potential of community-led initiatives in expanding access to connectivity and bridging the digital divide. 

We will also discuss the role of public-private partnerships and government support in empowering communities to build their own networks, as well as the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in advancing the resilience and sustainability of community-led connectivity efforts. 

By the end of this session, attendees will have a deeper understanding of the power of community-led initiatives in building resilient and inclusive connectivity, and the potential for collaboration and innovation in advancing access to the internet for all.

Moderator: 

• Lorena Molina Irizarry, Senior Advisor for Puerto Rico Strategy and Implementation, Office of the Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce & U.S. Census Bureau, White House Puerto Rico Working Group Liaison

Speakers::

• David Hartshorn, CEO, Geeks Without Frontiers

• Richard Boyd, CEO, Tanjo Inc. 

• Dan York, Director of Internet Technology, Internet Society

Lunch and Networking

Sponsored by: Public Interest Registry (PIR)

American University Research Space

Description:  

Present an overview of the American University (AU) collaboration with the DNS Research Federation (DNSRF) with some of the initial research papers to be submitted the following week to the Journal of Cyber Policy.  An overview of the Data Analytics Platform (DAPLive) Designed to Facilitate Collaborative Internet Governance Research, then present individual research projects: Derrick L.  Cogburn, Big Data Analytics and Text Mining the UDRP Decisions; Divja Ramjee & Eireann Leverett will present their group research (pre-recorded video)

Moderators: Overview of AU and DNSRF Collaboration and Introduction of Presenters - Professor Derrick Cogburn and Emily Taylor 

Topics and Speakers:

• Introduction to the Data Analytics Platform (DAP.Live) - Mark Robertshaw and Georgia Osborn 

• Text Analytics of UDRP Decisions - Derrick Cogburn and Team 

• Cybercrime and Cyber-Enabled Crime  - Divya Ramjee (pre-recorded video)

• DNS Abuse and Misinformation - Mark Datysgeld

Break and Networking

Sponsored by: DNS Research Foundation

Seniors and Visually Impaired

Description: 

Seniors and other disabled groups, such as blind individuals, are taking proactive steps to address the digital divide in various ways. As technology becomes more ubiquitous and essential to everyday life, it is critical to ensure that all individuals have access to the digital tools and resources necessary to participate fully in society. This is particularly true for seniors and individuals with disabilities, who may face additional barriers to accessing technology and information.

However, many seniors and disabled individuals are taking matters into their own hands, working to bridge the digital divide and ensure that they can participate fully in the digital world. This includes initiatives such as community-based technology classes, assistive technology programs, and digital literacy training specifically designed for seniors and disabled individuals. By empowering these groups with the skills and tools they need to navigate the digital landscape, we can help create a more inclusive and accessible society for all.

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by seniors and disabled individuals in accessing digital technology and the inspiring ways in which these groups are working to overcome these barriers.

Moderator: 

• Lorena Molina Irizarry, Senior Advisor for Puerto Rico Strategy and Implementation, Office of the Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce & U.S. Census Bureau, White House Puerto Rico Working Group Liaison

Speakers:

• Luis Gallegos

• Shivali Haribhakti, Director of the Senior Planet Program in Montgomery County, Maryland.

• Lou August, Executive Director of WildTech

• José Manolo Álvarez, Professor of courses in assistive technology and special education at the University of Puerto Rico (UPR), Manolo.net Foundation Founder

Wrap up

Description:

Closing remarks of the days conversations.

Speakers: 

• Derrick L.  Cogburn, Professor; Executive Director, AU Institute on Disability and Public Policy and Faculty Director,  AU Internet Governance Lab, School of International Service and Kogod School of Business

• Eduardo Díaz, NASIG 2023 Chair 

Social Reception 

Description: 

Join us again for an opportunity to connect with fellow attendees and share experiences following a day of informative conversations. Meet some speakers and gain further insights into their perspectives and expertise. 

This informal gathering will give you a chance to network, ask questions, and deepen your understanding of the topics discussed throughout the day. Take advantage of this valuable opportunity to build meaningful connections and expand your knowledge in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Location: American University

Sponsored by: Internet Corporation for Assign Names and Numbers (ICANN) North American Regional At-Large Organization (NARALO)