​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Time and place: Thursday, 1 June 2023, 09:30 – 12:30 (Room C2) This workshop on adoption of ICTs and digital skills development will take place at ITU Headquarters (ITU Tower building, Room C2) in Geneva, Switzerland on Thursday, 1 June 2023, from 09:30 to 12:30 preceded (on Wednesday, 1 June 2023) by the ITU-D Study Group 2 Question 5/2 meeting dedicated to “Adoption of telecommunications/ICTs and improving digital skills​”.

Background information

Broadband technologies are transforming the way we live, offering opportunities for economic growth, improved communication, energy efficiency, and better quality of life. Broadband access and adoption play a critical role in bridging the digital divide and have a significant impact on the global economy. However, the latest ITU data reveals that nearly half of the world's population is not online, with 85% of them remaining offline due to the "adoption" gap. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of internet connectivity, with millions of people relying on remote work, distance learning, e-commerce, and e-health services. Despite this, disparities exist across countries, particularly in terms of gender and Indigenous communities, which exacerbate economic, educational, and social disparities.
Scope:
This workshop will focus on the adoption of telecommunications and ICTs and the importance of digital skills and digital literacy in promoting broadband technologies, services, and devices. The workshop sessions will cover the following topics, including (but not limited to):

• Broadband mapping and data collection: exploring methods to increase adoption in areas with sparse populations and challenges in broadband mapping and data collection.
• Strategies for adoption: discussing strategies that enable citizens to adopt and effectively use broadband technologies, services, and devices supported by adequate digital skills, including the use of local languages and iconography to increase computer and overall literacy.
• Disparities and inclusion: addressing disparities in broadband adoption with a focus on gender, Indigenous communities, and other vulnerable populations.
• ICT skills development: sharing best practices and approaches that promote ICT skills development to enable citizens to participate fully in the digital economy.
• Broadband network resilience and recovery: discussing measures to enhance broadband network resilience and recovery in times of disasters or disruptions.

The expected outcome of the workshop is to share best practices and approaches that promote broadband adoption and ICT skills development to enable citizens to participate fully in the digital economy. Moreover, the workshop aims to identify gaps and challenges that need to be addressed by stakeholders.

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