During the World Telecommunication Development Conference, the Partner2Connect Digital Development Roundtable took place from 7-9 June 2022, in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition is a multistakeholder, action-oriented alliance to foster meaningful connectivity and digital transformation globally, in the hardest-to-connect communities, with a focus on LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS.
The Roundtable showcased and celebrated existing and new P2C pledges over ten High-Level Panels. It also brought attention to key digital development topics through five Spotlight sessions.
BDT Director Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin congratulated pledge-makers who came forward with concrete commitments to connecting the unconnected.
As the Roundtable opened, P2C had already received around 250 pledges from entities in 80 countries, which represented an estimated financial value of US$ 15.8 billion. As the Roundtable progressed, the number of pledges grew by 44%, and it closed with 360 pledges worth US$ 18.55 billion.
''The more than 360 pledges we've mobilized will be instrumental in transforming the lives of billions of around the world – people who, right now, are shut out of opportunities to learn, to earn, and to build a better future for themselves, their families and their communities,'' said Ms Bogdan-Martin.
At the close of the World Telecommunication Development Conference on 16 June, P2C had received 418 pledges with an estimated financial value of over US$ 25 billion.
The BDT Director affirmed that ITU is committed to expanding on the P2C vision, and that the Partner2Connect online pledging platform will remain open for the submission of new pledges. She also noted that ITU will also continue to track and monitor the fulfillment of pledges made, to ensure accountability and progress.
Explore pledges made through the pledge dashboard!
Watch highlights from the inspiring Roundtable.
