The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), in cooperation with the UNESCO Office in Doha and Microsoft, hosted two specialized sessions today, as part of the activities of the Qatar Web Summit 2024, the largest event in the world of technology that the State of Qatar is hosting for the first time in the Middle East.

The first masterclass, "Towards an Inclusive Digital Future: Bridging the Digital Divide", was presented by Mrs. Duha Al Buhendi, Director of Digital Society and Digital Competencies at MCIT Qatar, and Mr. Salah Khalid, UNESCO Director of Doha Office for Gulf States Region and Yemen. The session provided an overview of digital inclusion in Qatar and introduced the UNESCO ROAM X framework along with its deployment plan in the Middle East. It delved into the prominent barriers to internet accessibility that surpass technical limitations, including misconceptions, skill deficiencies, and perceptions regarding the importance of the Internet.

Participants gained insights into the primary challenges concerning accessibility and the promotion of digital inclusion, alongside addressing the digital divide. Their discussions revolved around the significance of tools like the UNESCO ROAM-X assessment in mitigating the digital divide, as well as strategies for fostering an inclusive digital future. Furthermore, they explored how assessment tools can efficiently support the attempts to improve internet accessibility and enhance digital inclusion.

The second masterclass, "M365 Copilot: Your Everyday AI Companion," was presented by Mr. Michel Sangakis, Senior Director of Cybersecurity and Modern Workplace at Microsoft. This session provided insights into the Microsoft 365 Copilot program, the latest addition to the Microsoft 365 platform, aimed at improving work experience and increasing productivity in digital work environments. The masterclass included interactive discussions and a Q&A session with industry experts.

It is worth noting that Qatar Web Summit 2024 is being held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) from February 26 to 29, and is expected to attract more than 12,000 participants, 400 investors, and more than 1,000 startups from 80 countries around the world.