Distinguished Guests and Colleagues
Welcome to this session.
The Digital Economy is real, powerful and about to grow very rapidly. It can accelerate progress towards the SDGs and provide a global, cross-sectoral digital transformation of our society.
But the Digital Economy is underpinned by one indispensable necessity: digital connectivity for everyone. We need connectivity to make the Digital Economy happen.
So where are we in connectivity around the world? We at the Telecommunication Development Bureau, or BDT as we call it, measure global connectivity status every year in our Facts and Figures series.
By prioritizing digital connectivity, we can ensure that the benefits of digital development are shared by all, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Through key reports like Facts and Figures we have a better understanding of where to focus our resources and efforts towards achieving our goal of universal and meaningful connectivity
Our latest estimates show that about one third of the world's population, or 2.6 billion people, remain offline as of 2023.
Overall, our latest estimates show growth, but divides persist.
There are many digital divides, including the ones based on gender, location, demographics—making barriers to better outcomes.
- Connectivity may be unavailable, or unstable and unreliable.
- Connectivity even in terms of a basic data plan for mobile may simply be unaffordable, at a disproportionate share of income.
- Awareness is a real challenge. It is evident that many people do not know that the Internet could substantially improve their lives. Some do not even know about the Internet at all.
Not only we need to work together to bridge existing gaps, but we need to work to ensure that connectivity is universal and meaningful.
Universal and meaningful connectivity is the possibility for everyone to enjoy a safe, satisfying, enriching and productive online experience at an affordable cost.
Universal and meaningful connectivity, UMC in short, is imperative for us to move forward. If we don't meet the UMC imperative, the digital economy will only make the divides of the 'old economy' even worse.
Where are we now?
This is why we are here today. We want to hear from practitioners about their successes and challenges in connecting meaningfully the people, businesses, and communities. We want to share ideas and approaches.
ITU is a partner in this journey. The Telecommunication Development Bureau of ITU is committed to achieving universal and meaningful connectivity. by removing bottlenecks and addressing challenges. Through our on-the-ground activities, technical assistance, research, tools, and initiatives, we strive to make this vision a reality.
In this context, I want to express my deep gratitude to the European Union for their very generous support for the project “Promoting and achieving universal and meaningful connectivity" which represents a EURO 3-million, 3-year commitment to get to the heart of this challenge and understand how to solve it.
I look forward to this session and thank the speakers and to the participants.
