Global trends in information and communication technology (ICT) use to achieve sustainable development are the focus of the free, new online course Tech for Good: The Role of ICT in Achieving the SDGs, which is being launched today by the SDG Academy.
The course investigates the role that ICT plays in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Learners will explore the rapid and dynamic growth of the Internet, mobile phone usage, big data, artificial intelligence and other trends that are helping to implement and measure sustainable development around the world. Challenges of inclusivity, the digital divide and security will also be discussed.
“Digital connectivity offers access to a wide breadth of social and economic resources to improve livelihoods," said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. “This free online course provides useful knowledge on how emerging technologies can be leveraged for good, and I encourage everyone to take part to maximize the potential of 'Tech for Good'."
The course introduces learners to ICT governance and infrastructure; covers thematic areas including health, finance and education; dives into data; and asks big questions about how to live sustainably in a digital world. Ultimately, learners will be empowered to think critically about technology and to make informed decisions about how technology can contribute to their lives and work.
ITU directly supported the development of the following chapters of Module 3: ICT infrastructure:
- Enabling ICT: the role of infrastructure
- Promoting digital inclusivity
- Innovations in infrastructure
- Building smart sustainable cities
While ICT Infrastructure is directly related to the achievement of SDG 9 to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation," ICTs are being used to achieve all 17 SDGs. The course will demonstrate this enabling role of ICTs across all SDGs while ITU's contribution focuses on infrastructure (SDG 9), gender equality (SDG 5) and smart cities (SDG 11).
Read more about the course and enrol for free here: www.edx.org/course/tech-for-good-the-role-of-ict-in-achieving-the-sdgs
Learn more about ITU's work to leverage ICTs for the SDGs here: www.itu.int/ict4sdg
