Digital Transformation Kit initiative

In the United Nations Secretary General's roadmap for digital cooperation, the recommendations of the high-level panel on digital cooperation aim to definitively close the connectivity gap. The Panel concluded its deliberations and presented its final report, entitled “The era of digital interdependence”, where it included the five blocks of recommendations a) Build an inclusive digital economy and society; b) Create human and institutional capacity; c) Protect human rights and the capacity for human action; d) Promote digital trust, security, and stability; e) Promote global digital cooperation. The document focuses on the main themes of the digital transformation of society: global connectivity, digital public goods, digital inclusion, digital capacity building, digital human rights, data protection and privacy, identity surveillance technologies including facial recognition, online harassment and violence, and the need for content governance, artificial intelligence, digital trust and security, and global digital cooperation.

To maximize its impact on society and the economy, digital connectivity must be universal and meaningful (for readability, from here on we omit the word “digital” when referring to connectivity). The figure on the right illustrates the two dimensions: use – ranging from none to universal; and quality – ranging from no connectivity to meaningful connectivity. “Universal connectivity” means connectivity for all. “Meaningful connectivity” is a level of connectivity that allows users to have a safe, satisfying, enriching and productive online experience at an affordable cost. The two dimensions are complementary: neither universal connectivity with poor quality nor meaningful connectivity for the few will yield significant, society-wide benefits.