Scaling digital Inclusion: ST Foundation at the Global DTC Workshop 2026
During the 2026 Global DTC Workshop at the ITU in Geneva, a dedicated session brought together partners of the initiative to exchange perspectives and align on next steps.
In this context, our Chief Operating Officer, Giovanna Bottani, shared how ST Foundation contributes concretely to Digital Transformation Centers, supporting participating countries with scalable, field-proven solutions.
The focus was not on theory, but on what works in practice. Over the years, we have developed an approach designed to be deployed, adapted, and replicated across diverse contexts. It combines ready-to-use training programs, a train-the-trainer model that builds and retains local expertise, and a structured framework to monitor impact and continuously improve.
The objective is clear: create solutions that become self-sustaining and capable of growing independently within local communities.
Courtesy of ITU
This course marks an important step forward. It moves beyond enabling access to digital tools toward fostering real professional independence. Highly practical in its design, it leverages Artificial Intelligence as a working tool—supporting users in writing structured content, interpreting visual information, and transforming complex data into actionable insights.
What was once a barrier becomes manageable. Learners move from assisted use to true autonomy.
From there, the conversation moved to what is evolving today. Among the key elements presented was the new advanced “Introduction to Computer Basics for Visually Impaired people” (ICB4VI) course, with the official kickoff planned for early July. The course marks a clear shift in ambition. It is no longer just about enabling access to digital tools but about building real professional independence. The approach is highly practical. Artificial Intelligence is used as a working tool to support writing structured and professional content, to interpret and describe visual information, and to translate complex data into clear, usable insights. What used to be a barrier becomes something that can be directly managed. This changes the position of the learner, moving from assisted use to autonomous action.
As Giovanna noted during the workshop: “Access is where inclusion begins, but it is not where it ends. Real inclusion happens when a person can use technology to think, to work, and to create without depending on someone else. When that happens, you are not just delivering knowledge; you are creating independence. And when independence can be replicated, it becomes something much bigger than impact. It becomes a shift.”
Also present were Mohamed Dumbuya, Country Manager for Sierra Leone, and Sada Kane, Master Trainer and ITU Project focal point for Senegal, whose ongoing work continues to translate this approach into tangible opportunities on the ground.
Together, these contributions reflect a shared commitment to making digital inclusion not only accessible, but truly sustainable and scalable..