DCO And UNDP Collaborate To Bridge Global Digital Divide And Advance SDGs

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have formalised a global memorandum of understanding. This agreement, signed during the UN Summit of the Future in New York, aims to enhance digital collaboration worldwide. The focus is on accelerating digital transformation and supporting the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya and UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner signed the memorandum. It seeks to advance digital policy, improve digital skills, and promote women's participation in ICT. The initiative also aims to enhance digital indices and research while advocating for bridging the digital divide globally.

AlYahya expressed DCO's commitment to closing the digital gap. She stated, "DCO is dedicated to working hand-in-hand with stakeholders to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that every nation, business, and individual has equitable access to the opportunities of the digital economy." She emphasised that collaboration with UNDP will help drive meaningful synergies and initiatives for global digital transformation.

In 2023, about one-third of the world's population, or 2.6 billion people, lacked internet access. Urban households had significantly better connectivity than rural ones, with 72% versus 38% access respectively. Regional differences are stark; Sub-Saharan Africa has around 30% internet penetration compared to over 90% in North America.

UNDP has recognised digital transformation as vital for achieving SDGs by 2030. It is part of their 2022-2025 Strategic Plan. Steiner highlighted its impact on economies and societies: "The impact of digital transformation on economies, service delivery, and societies is profound—it enhances information accessibility, increases productivity, and facilitates data-driven decision-making."

Importance of Cross-Border Collaboration

Steiner stressed that successful transformation needs sustained efforts supported by transformative policies. He noted that unlocking digital potential requires cooperation across borders and sectors: "Unlocking the full potential of digital transformation requires collaboration across borders, sectors, and the entire digital society."

This partnership builds on last year's Digital for Sustainable Development (D4SD) initiative by UNDP's Regional Bureau for Arab States at the UN General Assembly. DCO was a founding partner in this initiative aimed at promoting sustainable development through digital means.

The collaboration between DCO and UNDP marks a significant step towards bridging global connectivity gaps. By focusing on policy advancement and skill enhancement, they aim to create equitable access to digital opportunities worldwide.

With inputs from SPA