International Seminar on Digital Inclusion Will Feature Panels with National and International Experts

The Brazilian Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) is hosting the International Seminar on Digital Inclusion on September 23 and 24 at the Serzedello Corrêa Institute (Instituto Serzedello Corrêa/ISC) for Capacity Building in Brasilia. Under the theme "Meaningful Connectivity and Social Transformation," the event will foster discussions on meaningful and universal connectivity, bringing together national and international experts to debate the challenges and solutions for digital inclusion in Brazil. Registration is open for both in-person and online participation.

The event is being held in compliance with Recommendation 1699/2025 Plenary Session, authored by Minister Aroldo Cedraz. This recommendation, among other decisions, mandated the creation of the National Digital Inclusion Plan (Plano Nacional de Inclusão Digital/PNID). Minister Aroldo Cedraz will open the seminar with the keynote lecture Connectivity and Citizenship in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.

The seminar's organizers explained that the seven thematic panels were structured to reflect the topic's complexity and cross-cutting nature. The themes and panelists were selected through a process inspired by public policy development for digital inclusion. This process was based on concrete data and in-depth analysis. One input for this selection was the audit report, which revealed that 12 million Brazilian households lack internet access. This amounts to 20 million people who do not use digital services. The main reasons for this are high costs (5%), lack of familiarity with or skills in using technology (50%), and lack of interest (49%). These findings underscore the need for meaningful and universal connectivity, which requires access to quality internet, adequate devices, and the skills necessary to navigate the digital environment.

The lack of internet access directly affects essential services in areas such as health and education, underscoring the need for immediate action. The event will also display initiatives to expand connectivity, such as producing more affordable mobile phones and creating connectivity plans for underserved populations.

The panel topics reflect this comprehensive and strategic approach. Check out the subjects that will be discussed:

• Artificial Intelligence and Digital Inclusion: exploring how technology can serve as an ally in democratizing digital access;

• Governance and National Digital Inclusion Strategies: discussing public policies and national plans to expand connectivity;

• The Challenges of the Digitally Excluded: giving voice to the difficulties faced by those still on the margins of the digital world;

• International Success Stories: showcasing inspiring cases from other countries that have advanced digital inclusion;

• Federal Government Actions and Programs: detailing governmental initiatives aimed at reducing digital exclusion in Brazil;

• Success Stories in States and Municipalities: demonstrating how local governments have innovated to connect their populations; and

• Initiatives by the Private Sector, NGOs, and Communities: highlighting the role of companies, non-governmental organizations, and communities in promoting digital inclusion.

The International Seminar on Digital Inclusion offers a unique opportunity to discuss solutions and share experiences that could transform the lives of millions of Brazilians. Registration is open and can be completed using the links below. This event promises to be a space for learning and exchanging ideas for anyone interested in the topic.

Postgraduate Program

The event is organized with the support of Prof. Dr. Rafael Silveira e Silva and is part of the Postgraduate Program and Research at ISC's Research Group GP003 Public Policy Control. Students enrolled in the specializations and master's programs who participate in the event will have the hours attended counted as Complementary Activities on their academic record.