WSIS UN Regional Commissions Meeting Round Table
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Session 367
While COVID-19 lockdowns have turned our physical lives into a virtual reality almost overnight, digital connectivity has taken on a compelling new meaning in the region. For one, countries that have managed to put digital technologies to effective use have shown signs of better combating cluster outbreaks and gaining the public’s trust by sharing credible information in a timely way. Digital platforms have also helped maintain livelihoods and enabled the effective delivery of high value-added professional services, while new products such as 3D printing of masks, disinfecting robots and software applications have boomed. However, this is only possible with universal access to affordable and reliable broadband internet all the time. Even those that have access, quality (speed and delays) and affordability keep the Internet out of reach. This entails tackling the digital divide from both the supply and demand side. Failing to do so, the digital divide threatens to become the new face of inequality, exacerbating not only income inequality but in opportunity as well.
On the supply side, it requires building digital infrastructure that can provide safe, inclusive, affordable, and reliable internet access for all. On the demand side, there is the need to invest in digital literacy for all children, paying special attention to the education sector to avoid non-connected children from falling behind their connected peers in irreversible ways. There is also the need to embed digital skills formation as a part of lifelong learning among communities. An expanding multi-generational consumer base coupled with rising per capita income increases the business case for investing in infrastructure and expands purchasing power parity options.
In future, we can expect that multiple crises, especially climate related extreme events, will converge. We need to prepare today by building more resilient infrastructure, we need digital networks that can absorb sudden surges in internet demand and withstand destructive disasters.
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C11. International and regional cooperation
This roundtable session facilitates reporting by UN Regional Commissions on their respective programs and activities in each major region on promoting the implementation of the WSIS action lines. It also promotes the sharing of regional experiences and perspectives on the role of digital technology in a COVID-19 world. As a result, it harness closer international and regional cooperation (C11) and information sharing between UN Regional Commissions on promoting digital connectivity and use of emerging technologies for sustainable development.
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Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
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Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
The activities and work of each UN Regional Commission support UN member States and other stakeholders on closer cooperation for bridging the digital divide through ICT infrastructure development which contributes to Goal 9 and 17 respectively.
