During the 14th Seoul ODA International Conference, BDT Director Doreen Bogdan-Martin participated in a session on “Creating a More Inclusive Digital Future". She shared her views on how digital transformation can help developing countries promote sustainable social and economic development.
The COVID pandemic has demonstrated the central role of connectivity; yet, 3.7 billion people remain out of reach of accessible and affordable internet. Ms Bogdan-Martin explained how digital access could break down chronic development barriers and dramatically improve the lives of ordinary people, and future prospects for their children.
While digital remains out of reach in some of the poorest parts of the world, this is where it could have its most transformational effect. To achieve this, she explained the importance of progress in the interlocking areas of partnerships, regulatory reforms and capacity-building.
The 3rd session of the conference brought together other distinguished speakers, who shared their expertise and provided concrete recommendations including; Mr. ChiUng Song, Vice President & Senior Research Fellow at Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI) and Mr. Christopher Burns, Director for Technology Division of Innovation, Technology and Research Division Hub, USAID, and the session was moderated by Mr. Kiyoung Ko, Head of UN-APCICT/ESCAP.
