The world is currently not on track to achieve many of the Sustainable Development Goals. The COVID-19 has further deepen the inequalities and magnified the impact of digital divide.
School closures, inability to access healthcare and loss of income are leading to psychological stress, discrimination as well as domestic violence amongst vulnerable communities.
As of July, the pandemic has shut down schools in some 160 countries, affecting more than 1 billion students, while at least 40 million children have missed out on pre-school”.
With 10 years remaining to connect the 3.9 billion of the world’s population, Digital Inclusion efforts is crucial in building back better. An inclusive development requires giving due consideration to people from all communities and backgrounds.
The session would be a platform for ITU members and partners exchange of ideas on how to bridge the digital divide through multi-stakeholder partnerships, collaborations and initiatives, to implement scalable roadmaps, actions, activities, and projects, and provide a more inclusive, equal access and use of ICTs for all.
Outlines of topic:
- The strategies and solutions to build back better to accelerate digital inclusion to achieve the SDG;
- Commitment to promote greater partnership at the global, regional and national level to accelerate digital inclusion;
| Prof Kawamori Masahito Vice-chair, WP 2, ITU-T SG 16 (Multimedia)
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