Chair of GITC Organizing Committee
Na Woonhwan
The GITC began in 1992 in the Republic of Korea with a simple but powerful goal: to reduce the digital divide and expand opportunities for persons with disabilities through information technology.
Since becoming an international competition in 2011,
the GITC has grown into a global platform where youth with disabilities from many countries,
particularly across the Asia-Pacific region,
gather to develop their digital skills and build pathways
toward education, employment, and leadership.
Today, as the world enters an era of rapid digital transformation driven by artificial intelligence
and emerging technologies, the importance of digital inclusion has never been greater.
The GITC continues to evolve by incorporating new technologies into its competition categories
and encouraging participants to explore creative applications of ICT and AI.
Through this process, youth with disabilities strengthen their creativity,
problem-solving abilities, and digital innovation skills
while preparing for future careers in the digital economy.
The continued growth of the GITC has been made possible through the dedication
of participating governments, civil society organizations, and partner institutions around the world.
Many countries now organize national IT challenges to train and select their youth participants,
contributing to the development of digital talent and inclusive opportunities within their own societies.
With the support of our partners, the GITC has expanded beyond the Asia-Pacific region
and is steadily becoming a globally recognized platform for digital inclusion,
bringing together youth from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and disabilities.
Yet our mission goes beyond a single competition.
The GITC seeks to create a global community where youth with disabilities can exchange ideas,
build friendships, and gain confidence to pursue their dreams in a rapidly changing digital world.
Moving forward, we will continue to expand the GITC as a global festival of digital innovation for youth with disabilities
—one that reflects technological progress, respects diversity, and guarantees equal access to every opportunity.
Together, we will build a world where technology knows no boundaries and leaves no one behind.
Na Woonhwan
Chair of GITC Organizing Committee
(President of Rehabilitation International Korea)
