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  • Tuesday, May 20, 2025  |  9:00 AM - 1:00 PM ET  |  ICANN Washington, DC Engagement Center

    During a dynamic half-day hybrid event on Tuesday, May 20, the i2Coalition and Identity Digital will gather leading experts in language, Internet infrastructure and AI to discuss how digital access is the key to unlocking the Internet's full potential for all users.

  • Fill out the form below to attend in person, or click here to register to attend virtually.

  • Agenda
    (Note: all times are ET*)
    *Additional schedule updates are forthcoming

    9:00-9:10am
    Welcome Remarks

    • Christian Dawson, Executive Director of i2C and Co-Founder of the Coalition on Digital Impact

    9:10-9:30am
    Fireside Chat: The Importance of Language in Digital Access

    • Rebecca MacKinnon, Vice President of Global Advocacy, Wikimedia Foundation
    • Ram Mohan, CSO, Identity Digital and Chairman of the Coalition on Digital Impact

    9:30-9:40am
    Lightning Talk with Steve Crocker: Meaningful Connection in a Multilingual World

    9:40-10:30am
    Universal Acceptance: The Cornerstone of Meaningful Connection
    In a digital world where billions seek to connect in their own languages and scripts, Universal Acceptance ensures all domain names and email addresses work seamlessly regardless of language or writing system. This panel explores how Universal Acceptance can dismantle technical barriers that have historically marginalized non-Latin script users and language communities. Join technical experts, policy advocates, and community leaders as they discuss how implementing Universal Acceptance creates the foundation for a truly multilingual Internet where everyone can participate fully in their own language and cultural context.

    • Jennifer Chung, Vice President, Policy, DotAsia 
    • Steve Crocker, CEO and co-founder of Shinkuro, Inc.
    • George Sadowsky, Information Technology consultant and ICANN Director (2009-2018)
    • Moderator: Christian Dawson, i2C

    10:30-11:00am
    Break

    11:00-11:10am
    Lightning Talk with Vint Cerf: Bridging Digital Divides: The Evolution and Future of A Multilingual Internet

    11:10-12:00pm
    Will AI Break or Build Barriers? Linguistic and Cultural Divides on
    the Internet
    As AI translation tools rapidly advance, we stand at a crossroads between unprecedented global connection and potential cultural homogenization. This panel examines how to leverage AI technologies to preserve and enhance the rich variety of languages on the Internet today. Join experts from technology, linguistics, and cultural studies as they explore how we might harness AI to create a multilingual digital landscape while preserving cultural nuance and diversity.

    • Chaula Gupta, Vice President & Chief Program Officer at Digital Promise
    • Vint Cerf, Internet Pioneer
    • AJ Bhadelia, North America Government Affairs and Public Policy, Cohere
    • Moderator: Aliya Bhatia, Senior Policy Analyst, CDT

    12:00-12:15pm
    Lightning Talk: Digital Divides: Indigenous Languages in an Unequal Online World

    12:15-12:25pm
    Closing Keynote: One Internet, Many Languages. A Common Future

    • Theresa Swinehart, Senior Vice President, Global Domains & Strategy, ICANN

    12:25-12:30pm
    Wrap-up Remarks

    • Ram Mohan, CSO, Identity Digital and Chairman of the Coalition on Digital Impact
    • Christian Dawson, Executive Director of i2C and Co-Founder of the Coalition on Digital Impact

    12:30-1:00pm
    Networking 


    As part of the day’s programming, stay tuned for an exciting announcement about the organizations working to bridge linguistic and cultural divides in our interconnected world.

     

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