{"id":506,"date":"2025-03-20T12:54:34","date_gmt":"2025-03-20T12:54:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/partner2connect\/?page_id=506"},"modified":"2025-07-01T14:29:28","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T14:29:28","slug":"p2c-flash-edition-02","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/partner2connect\/p2c-flash-edition-02\/","title":{"rendered":"P2C Flash Edition 02"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Welcome to P2C Flash!<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Welcome to the second edition of P2C Flash<\/em><\/strong>, designed to amplify the voices of pledgers and spotlight their impactful commitments to advancing global connectivity and digital transformation. With over 1000 pledges from over 470 entities across 148 countries, the Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition continues to drive meaningful change in the digital landscape. It\u2019s essential for us to highlight the ongoing efforts of our pledge makers. P2C Flash will serve as a monthly edition focused exclusively on showcasing these contributions, from inspiring impact stories, through government initiatives, P2C Champions, local innovative actions to new pledges, with the aim of fostering a global community united by the mission of universal connectivity. Join us as we bring these efforts to the forefront, showcasing the diverse initiatives that are shaping the future of sustainable digital transformation worldwide.

Click here<\/a> to learn more about how to get featured in our upcoming editions.<\/em>
Click\u00a0here<\/a>\u00a0to read the email version of this edition.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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P2C at the Mobile World Congress<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Mobile World Congress (MWC)<\/a> took place in Barcelona, Spain, between 3 and 6 March 2025. The event served as a pivotal platform for announcing new P2C infrastructure pledges and amplifying global efforts to achieve universal and meaningful connectivity.  Two impactful new pledges were announced during the meeting.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Globalstar<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Marking its 30th anniversary, Globalstar pledges a commitment of USD 2 billion over the next three years to expand its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network and ground infrastructure.

This enhanced LEO network will deliver seamless global coverage, keeping users connected in remote and disaster-affected areas. It will also reduce latency for real-time communication, optimize battery efficiency to extend device life in energy-limited regions, and provide cost-effective solutions without compromising reliability.

For three decades, Globalstar has championed the mission of making satellite connectivity an accessible tool for businesses, governments, and individuals alike. The robust and scalable solutions Globalstar provided have enabled critical communication across industries, from disaster response and public safety to enterprise and industrial applications. 

By aligning with the Partner2Connect initiative, Globalstar reaffirms their dedication to empowering communities to participate in the digital economy and improve their quality of life, ensuring no community is left behind in the journey toward a fully connected world. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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MTN<\/strong><\/strong> Group<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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MTN Group reaffirms its commitment to Africa\u2019s digital transformation with a pledge to invest USD 2 billion annually in capital expenditure over the next five years (2025\u20132030). Building on its pivotal role in expanding and strengthening data networks across the continent over the past decade, this investment will further enhance coverage and connectivity, supporting Africa\u2019s long-term growth and prosperity.

Beyond network expansion, MTN is actively shaping Africa\u2019s digital landscape through strategic initiatives, including the development of high-speed fiber networks and subsea cable projects to enhance cross-border connectivity. The company is also driving financial inclusion by expanding its fintech services, unlocking new economic opportunities for millions.

Through these investments, MTN is not only improving network coverage but also driving technological innovation, economic empowerment, and inclusive growth, reinforcing its role as a key enabler of Africa\u2019s digital and economic future.

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Pledge Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The Pledge Highlights section shines a spotlight on specific pledges made by pledge makers that align with key international days celebrated each month. These pledges reflect the ongoing efforts of the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition (P2C) to advance digital inclusion and connectivity, particularly in alignment with global observances that raise awareness on crucial issues. By showcasing these pledges, we demonstrate how the collective action of P2C partners is contributing to global goals and driving impactful change around the world.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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World Meteorological Organization (WMO): Implementation of the UN Early Warnings for All (EW4All) Initiative<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Launched in 2022 on World Meteorological Day (23 March) by the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, the UN\u2019s Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative<\/a> is a global effort to ensure that everyone on Earth is protected from hazardous weather, water, climate, and other environmental events through life-saving multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWSs) by the end of 2027.

The EW4All Executive Action Plan 2023-2027<\/a> calls for initial investments of USD 3.1 billion over five years to strengthen disaster risk knowledge and management (Pillar 1); detection, observation, monitoring, analysis, and forecasting of hazards and possible consequences (Pillar 2); warning dissemination and communication (Pillar 3); and preparedness and response capabilities (Pillar 4). EW4All is co-led by WMO (also leading on Pillar 2) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR, also leading on Pillar 1), with support from other international organizations including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU, leading on Pillar 3) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC, leading on Pillar 4). According to the latest (November 2024) Global Status of MHEWS report<\/a>, the world is at its highest levels of reported early warning coverage since 2015. But progress remains uneven. Only half of the countries in Africa and only 40% of countries in the Americas and Caribbean have reported the existence of MHEWSs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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VEON:<\/strong> VEON and Kyivstar commit USD 1 billion to Ukraine’s digital infrastructure<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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In 2023, shortly before joining the Partner2Connect initiative for the first time, VEON Group and its Ukrainian subsidiary, Kyivstar, had committed to investing USD 600 million to enhance Ukraine’s digital infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted connectivity. In 2024, VEON and Kyivstar increased their investment commitment to USD 1 billion for the 5-year period between 2023 and 2027. This investment will be utilized to expand 4G coverage to 98% of Ukraine\u2019s population, increasing the energy resilience of Kyivstar network  – which has proven essential to providing uninterrupted connectivity \u2013 and developing digital services that are crucial to rebuilding Ukraine\u2019s future.
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As a member of the Partner2Connect (P2C) initiative, VEON also remains steadfast in its mission to empower through mobile connectivity and digital services.  By fostering resilience and driving economic growth in Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan in addition to Ukraine \u2013 the 5 VEON markets that are a home to half a billion people \u2013, VEON champions digital and financial inclusion, supports bridging of the digital gender divide, and transforms lives through the power of technology.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Millicom International Cellular S.A. (Millicom\/Tigo): Conectadas: women’s digital inclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Conectadas, launched in 2017, promoted mobile internet adoption among women through education and digital inclusion. In April 2022, Millicom\/Tigo introduced a web-based app with four free digital learning modules on social networks, business, and financial literacy. By 30 September 2023, the program surpassed its annual target, training 131,423 women across nine countries: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Bolivia, and Paraguay.

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Conectadas equipped women with essential digital skills, enhancing their access to information and opportunities. Millicom\/Tigo collaborated with international partners to track certified beneficiaries, report publicly on commitments to advance advancing digital education and inclusion. The program fostered community digitalization and a more sustainable, connected future.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Pledges Related to Activities within the ITU<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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This section features pledges made by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) or those aligned with its initiatives. As a UN specialized agency, the ITU drives global connectivity, sets ICT standards, and works to bridge the digital divide. These pledges reflect its mission to foster inclusive and sustainable digital transformation worldwide.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) of Japan<\/strong>: Workshops and activities for promoting the use of green standards in ITU\u2019s Green Digital Action<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) of Japan seeks to support activities on climate change issues in the ITU with a voluntary contribution to Green Digital Action to promote the global green transformation in the ICT sector in cooperation with the Bridging the Standardization Gap (BSG Project) to achieve carbon neutrality. This is in support of  Plenipotentiary Conference Resolution 182 (Rev. Bucharest, 2022), inviting ITU Member States to continue to contribute actively to work within ITU’s sphere of activities on the topic of telecommunications\/ICTs and climate change, to incorporate environmental indicators, conditions, and standards into their national telecommunications\/ICT plans; as well as to adopt and implement ITU standards (also known as ITU recommendations) to tackle environmental challenges.

With MIC\u2019s contribution, ITU will advance its Green Digital Action (GDA) pillar focused on Green Standards, ensuring the development, promotion, and implementation of international standards to enhance ICTs’ contribution to climate and environmental action, supporting the digital tech sector on its path towards net zero.


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The Pan African Youth Ambassadors for Internet Governance (PAYAIG)<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The PAYAIG initiative is committed to empowering 1,000 African youth annually, aged 18 to 30, across all five regions of Africa. Through online fellowships, community engagement, and master classes, the program enhances participants\u2019 understanding of digital governance.

Since its launch in 2023, PAYAIG has trained 2,000 youth from 52 African countries in five languages\u2014Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, and Swahili\u2014and has selected 200 youth ambassadors from its fellows.

This achievement has been made possible through a strong multistakeholder partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) \u2013 PRIDA, ITU Generation Connect, the IGF Secretariat, IGF North Africa and Central Africa, INTIC Mozambique, and ISOC regional organizations (Ghana, Tanzania), with support from the United Nations and the Dutch Government.

Aligned with the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) principles, PAYAIG fosters a people-centered, inclusive information society, enabling African youth to actively contribute to global internet governance and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Welcoming New Pledges<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The Welcoming New Pledges section introduces the latest commitments made by partners to advance sustainable digital transformation through the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition (P2C). This section highlights fresh pledges from a diverse range of stakeholders who are dedicated to bridging the digital divide and promoting universal, meaningful connectivity. Each new pledge brings us a step closer to a more inclusive and digitally connected world.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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AXIAN Telecom<\/strong>: Bridging the rural connectivity gap<\/p>\n

AXIAN Telecom is dedicated to closing the digital divide and ensuring that all communities have access to reliable telecommunications services. Operating in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), they understand the transformative power of connectivity in driving socio-economic development. To address the gap, they are expanding their network coverage to reach underserved and remote areas where access to telecommunications remains limited or nonexistent.

Through their P2C pledge, AXIAN Telecom will invest $82 million from 2025 to 2030 to expand 4G coverage in Madagascar, Comoros, and Tanzania, aiming to connect 6 million currently unconnected people and achieve 97% population coverage by 2030. Their ongoing efforts have already enabled over 120 million people across five countries of operation to access 4G connectivity.

By strengthening digital infrastructure in remote areas, AXIAN Telecom is fostering economic growth, enhancing digital inclusion, and ensuring that more communities have access to reliable telecommunications services.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n

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Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission<\/strong><\/strong>: Access to Fixed Broadband Services (JENDELA)<\/p>\n

Malaysia is on track to fulfill its National Digital Network (JENDELA) pledge, significantly enhancing broadband access. In 2021, the country pledged to connect 9 million premises to high-speed fixed broadband, achieve 100% 4G coverage in populated areas, and reach 80% 5G coverage by 2024, with a target mobile broadband speed of 100 Mbps by 2025.
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By December 2024, Malaysia surpassed the target, reaching 9.03 million fixed broadband premises (100.3%), covering 98.66% of populated areas with mobile broadband, and exceeding its 5G goal at 82.4% coverage. The median mobile broadband speed also outperformed projections, reaching 105.36 Mbps.\u00a0

The progress is driven not only by digital infrastructure development but also by key policy reforms, including the approval of Communications Infrastructure Planning Guidelines, amendments to the Uniform Building By-Law and the ongoing streamlining fees for communications infrastructure. These initiatives, through seamless collaboration between the government, industry players, and state authorities, ensure Malaysia\u2019s digital transformation continues at full speed.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n

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APNIC Foundation<\/strong>: Accelerating Digital Transformation Across the Asia-Pacific<\/p>\n

The APNIC Foundation pledges to accelerate Internet and digital development across 56 economies in East, South-East, and South Asia, and Oceania. Running between 2025 and 2027, this ambitious pledge commits an investment of USD 24 million to strengthen both infrastructure and human capabilities, foster a tech- and vendor-neutral digital landscape, and support a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach to digital transformation.
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At the heart of this pledge lies APNIC Foundation\u2019s commitment to connectivity and meaningful access\u2014particularly in unserved, underserved, and remote areas. The Foundation will focus on Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Asia Pacific.
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Through its grants, technical support, and capability-building programs, APNIC Foundation will channel resources into innovative, community-driven solutions that can be replicated and scaled across the region. It will also invest in training the next generation of Internet and digital leaders, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to drive sustainable development in their respective economies.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n

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P2C Champions<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The P2C Champions section introduces the dedicated leaders and advocates driving the Partner2Connect Coalition\u2019s mission forward. We currently have five P2C Champions: Amazon, Google, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Microsoft, USAID, and ZTE. In close coordination with the Secretariat, these Champions provide strategic guidance, shaping the Coalition\u2019s direction and focus. As strong proponents of universal and meaningful connectivity and sustainable digital transformation, P2C Champions advocate for the Coalition\u2019s growth across local, regional, and global levels. Here is a snapshot from one of our champions, upcoming editions will showcase other P2C Champions.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Microsoft<\/strong><\/p>\n Microsoft is driving significant change through its Skills for Jobs programme, which launched in 2022 with the ambitious goal to train and certify 10 million individuals worldwide by 2025. This programme focused on equipping people with the digital, foundational, or technical skills for six high-demand jobs, offering free access to 350 courses and Career Essentials Certificates. Microsoft has exceeded this goal, certifying 14.1 million people across 197 countries with the support of 430 community partners by July 2024, one year earlier than expected. This milestone was made possible by collaboration with organizations, governments, and nonprofits closest to the people looking to reskill and upskill.

Through this programme, Microsoft has trained over 155,000 trainers to lead computing and AI courses in their communities, fostering inclusive economic growth and expanding opportunities for people around the world. With over 80% of learners coming from groups often furthest from opportunity, this transformative programme exemplifies Microsoft\u2019s dedication to bridging the digital divides and creating a resilient workforce ready to thrive in an AI-enabled future.<\/a> \u00a0

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We celebrate the incredible strides made through collective action and shared commitments to bridging the digital divide. The stories, partnerships, and innovations highlighted here are just the beginning of what we can achieve together. Stay tuned for our next issue, where we will delve even deeper into the transformative power of connectivity, featuring more inspiring initiatives, voices from the field, and bold new commitments driving progress across the globe. The journey to a digitally inclusive world continues \u2013 and we\u2019re just getting started!<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Click here<\/a> to learn more about how to get featured in our upcoming editions.<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Subscribe to our newsletter<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n
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Subscribe to the P2C Newsletter to receive exclusive insights, updates and opportunities to engage with the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition. Join a growing community committed to achieving universal, meaningful connectivity and be the first to know about impactful pledges and stories driving progress worldwide!<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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\n \n Subscribe <\/a>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Welcome to P2C Flash! Welcome to the second edition of P2C Flash, designed to amplify the voices of pledgers and spotlight their impactful commitments to advancing global connectivity and digital transformation. With over 1000 pledges from over 470 entities across 148 countries, the Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition continues to drive meaningful change in the digital […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":911,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-506","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/partner2connect\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/506","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/partner2connect\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/partner2connect\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/partner2connect\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/partner2connect\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=506"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/partner2connect\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/506\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1009,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/partner2connect\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/506\/revisions\/1009"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/partner2connect\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/911"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itu.int\/partner2connect\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=506"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}