09/21/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/21/2024 14:51
Leading global voices representing diverse sectors of society gathered at SDG Digital: "A Digital Future for All" at United Nations Headquarters today. They showcased digital solutions and announced new commitments to realize a brighter digital future.
Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), SDG Digital is a cornerstone of ongoing efforts to leverage digital innovation for achieving the SDGs.
"We created SDG Digital to show the world the power of digital," said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. "The commitments and solutions on display during the digital track of the UN Summit of the Future Action Days send a powerful message to the world that we will do what's necessary to rescue the SDGs and build a better digital future for all, now and for generations to come."
At SDG Digital, the programme's Advisory Group, with members from government, industry and United Nations agencies, highlighted 17 game-changing digital solutions demonstrating how a more sustainable, inclusive, and responsible future - the vision of a "A Digital Future for All" - can be achieved.
A global survey conducted as part of SDG Digital to expand the conversation beyond the United Nations event reinforced the importance of digital technologies to ensure a sustainable future.
Renewed commitments to build safe and inclusive digital public infrastructure
At SDG Digital, Brazil and Malawi announced commitments to adopt universal digital public infrastructure (DPI) safeguards to build safe and inclusive digital foundations.
The commitments emphasize the importance of embedding safeguards to protect both individuals and the environment as countries design and implement DPI at scale.
"Digital public infrastructure is transforming the delivery of services to people all the way to the last mile," said Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator. "As more countries design and implement these digital foundations, we must commit to the universal adoption of digital safeguards to build safe and inclusive digital public infrastructure that benefits all."
Digital public infrastructure is the backbone of modern digital interactions, encompassing digital identity platforms, payment gateways and data exchange systems. These can empower people, businesses, and governments to connect and thrive in a digital age.
Celebrating innovation: outstanding digital solutions that are advancing the SDGs
To honour organizations that are using digital technologies to accelerate sustainable development, the SDG Digital GameChangers Awards were announced from more than 1,100 submissions from 126 countries, 40 per cent of which were from youth.
New investments to connect hard-to-reach communities as part of Partner2Connect (P2C)
SDG Digital featured announcements of pledges totalling USD 1.05 billion for investments in connectivity, infrastructure and skills. Separate pledges from the global South - coming from Brazil and Nigeria - accounted for USD 1 billion.
Partner2Connect is ITU's online pledging platform to advance universal meaningful connectivity. The pledges announced at SDG Digital bring the total commitments in Partner2Connect to over USD 52 billion, more than half the USD 100 billion goal set for 2026.
SDG Digital was part of the digital track of the UN Summit of the Future Action Days. The digital track was co-convened by the Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology (OSET), ITU and UNDP. It focused on how digital and emerging technologies can lay the groundwork for a more sustainable, inclusive, and responsible future.
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Resources and links:About ITU
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), driving innovation in ICTs together with 194 Member States and a membership of over 1,000 companies, universities, and international and regional organizations. Established in 1865, it is the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world. Learn more: www.itu.int
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.