| Leave no one behind: a people-centered approach to achieve meaningful connectivity - 26/04/2021 |
| GSOA |
| Technical Community and Civil Society | International |
| In order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, we need to accelerate concerted action at all levels to close the digital divide, especially the gender digital gap. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the deep disparities in access to affordable and meaningful connectivity. At the 2021 High-Level Digital Debate of the General Assembly on Connectivity and Digital Cooperation, we encourage the international community to put people at the center of our approach to ensure no one is left behind without affordable access, skilling, and basic public services. Governments, industry, multilateral institutions, civil society and international financial institutions must work together and lead the way for concerted action to: 1- Close the digital divide by 2030. We must overcome the disparities between those who can enjoy the benefits of the digital age and those who cannot. It is critical to measure progress of internet access and usage across regions and population groups, e.g., by gender, age, race, abilities. 2- Invest in affordable technology solutions. We must enable affordable and meaningful connectivity for everyone, everywhere by deploying a range of innovative technologies and investing in targeted approaches to deliver broadband internet. 3- Empower people everywhere. We must ensure all people have access to affordable internet-enabled devices, the necessary digital skills, literacy, and tools needed to access a safe, secure and empowering internet, one which provides access to information, basic public services (e.g., education, health), economic development opportunities and the ability to participate in civic life without disruptions. 4- Mobilize new financing models to reach the unconnected. We must foster innovative and sustainable financing including blended finance models and multistakeholder partnerships. Financing efforts must address all aspects of human connectivity including skills, utility, affordability and target key groups including women and Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs). 5- Protect the most vulnerable online. We must keep human rights at the forefront of our efforts to close the digital divide. The international community must come together to ensure human rights online—and offline—apply equally for everyone in the digital age. |
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