Highlights of the 7th Interdisciplinary Forum on Digital Inclusion

Under the auspices of the Luxembourg Presidency of the Benelux Union, the Ministry for Digitalisation organised the 7^th edition of the Interdisciplinary Forum on Digital Inclusion on 18 November at the Hemicycle of the European Convention Center Luxembourg.

This event brought together nearly 100 representatives of associations and organisations committed to digital inclusion, as well as experts and delegates from the three Benelux member countries. Discussions focused on two strategic issues for the Benelux region: combating disinformation and achieving the objectives of the European Union’s Digital Decade by 2030.

The Forum opened with an academic keynote by Professor Dr. Gabriele Lenzini, researcher at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg, who provided an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms behind the spread of false information and strategies to counter it.

Following this keynote, a roundtable brought together representatives from the three Benelux countries: Dr. Debora Plein (BEE SECURE, Luxembourg), Claire Gersen (Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, Netherlands), and Alexander Hoefmans (Federal Public Service Economy, Belgium) to exchange views on national policies aimed at curbing disinformation.

The meeting continued with presentations on the objectives of the Digital Decade. Representatives of the three states: Stéphanie Silvestri (Department of Media, Connectivity and Digital Policy, Luxembourg), Wessel van Twist (Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations,  Netherlands), and Alexander Hoefmans (Federal Public Service Economy, Belgium) outlined their respective roadmaps for achieving the ambitions set by the European Commission by 2030.

Jean-Claude Meyer, Deputy Secretary-General of the Benelux Union, stressed the crucial importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing digital and societal challenges, recalling that Benelux serves as a laboratory for regional integration and a driver of innovation.

For her part, Stéphanie Obertin, Minister for Digitalisation, reaffirmed Luxembourg’s commitment to building a secure, inclusive and innovative digital future. She also announced the imminent publication of the second National Action Plan for digital inclusion.

These contributions concluded a day rich in exchanges, confirming the determination of the three countries to work together to achieve common goals and further strengthen Benelux’s position as a key player in cross-border cooperation.