Internet Society Rwanda Chapter celebrates Universal Acceptance Day 2025 with a workshop on email administration

Elias Hakizimana Mar 23, 2025 0 Comments

By Elias Hakizimana

Kigali, March 21, 2025, the Internet Society Rwanda Chapter (ISOC Rwanda) joined the global community in celebrating Universal Acceptance (UA) Day 2025. The celebration was marked by a day-long workshop focused on email administration for Universal Acceptance, aimed at enhancing inclusivity in internet communication and fostering digital transformation.

Abdalmonem Galila, an expert facilitator of the training workshop, highlighted the challenges facing Universal Acceptance adoption in Africa.

He pointed out that the lack of awareness remains a primary obstacle. “Mainly, it is related to awareness about why Universal Acceptance matters, the business opportunities it presents, and its broader implications,” he stated.

Among the attendees was Elisha Claver RuKundo, Founder and CEO of the Digital Heritage Preservation Platform, who emphasized the importance of contextualizing global digital trends within the African setting.

Elisha Claver Rukundo, Founder and CEO of the Digital Heritage Preservation Platform, shares insights on the significance of Universal Acceptance in preserving African languages and fostering digital inclusion during the UA Day 2025 workshop in Rwanda.

RuKundo expressed his commitment to utilizing the newly acquired skills to generate income for his venture and engage the community in digital transformation.

“This training has opened my eyes to the fact that email administration goes beyond just sending and receiving messages. It has a broader impact on our communities, including supporting local languages like Kinyarwanda,” he remarked.

Another participant, Dushime Aline Denyse, a Software Engineering student at AUCA University, shared her enthusiasm about the training.

“I am new to these concepts, but this workshop has helped me understand the role of software, networking, and web design in the digital transformation of Rwanda. The skills gained today will be vital for my career and for Rwanda’s technological advancement,” she noted.

Participants of the Universal Acceptance Day 2025 workshop in Rwanda engage in hands-on training on email administration and UA compliance, aiming to enhance digital inclusivity and multilingual internet access.

The purpose and impact of Universal Acceptance

Emmanuel Mfitumukiza, Chairperson of ISOC Rwanda, explained that Universal Acceptance is an initiative organized in collaboration with ICANN’s Universal Acceptance Steering Group. The goal is to ensure that all email addresses, domain names, and applications worldwide can communicate seamlessly, regardless of language or script.

“UA enables global communication without language barriers. Whether someone is using Arabic, Chinese, or any other local language, they should be able to interact online without restrictions. This is key for fostering global trade, business, and seamless digital transactions,” Mfitumukiza explained.

ISOC Rwanda has been at the forefront of raising awareness and promoting Universal Acceptance adoption in Rwanda.

According to Mfitumukiza, past initiatives have led to increased awareness and implementation efforts. However, achieving full adoption remains a gradual process.

Emmanuel Mfitumukiza, Chairperson of the Internet Society Rwanda Chapter, emphasizes the importance of Universal Acceptance in fostering digital transformation and seamless global communication during the UA Day 2025 workshop.

“Our country is undergoing digital transformation, and we are ensuring that all online services are Universal Acceptance compliant. This workshop was a step forward, and we are now moving towards practical adoption. Universal Acceptance is not a one-time event—it requires continuous collaboration and implementation,” he emphasized.

Call to action for stakeholders

Mfitumukiza urged stakeholders, including organizations and policymakers, to take an active role in implementing Universal Acceptance.

“Every organization that operates a domain name needs Universal Acceptance. By working together, we can make Rwanda UA-ready, ensuring social and economic transformation,” he added.

He recommended that participants engage their colleagues and organizations in Universal Acceptance discussions and explore further resources from the Universal Acceptance Steering Group. Additionally, he suggested future co-creation sessions to develop concrete plans for widespread UA adoption in Rwanda.

The Universal Acceptance Day 2025 workshop was a significant milestone in Rwanda’s journey toward digital inclusivity.

By equipping professionals, students, and organizations with essential skills in email administration and Universal Acceptance, ISOC Rwanda is fostering an internet environment where everyone can communicate, transact, and innovate without barriers. The momentum generated by this initiative is expected to drive further progress in Rwanda’s digital transformation agenda.