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Accelerating digital transformation in Asia-Pacific
| Project No | 7RAS23072 |
| Title | Accelerating digital transformation in Asia-Pacific |
| Description |
The member countries in Asia and the Pacific, in particular, Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), face multiple challenges to achieve the expected results of ASP RI 2 and accelerate digital transformation for inclusive sustainable development, as envisaged in the WTDC-22 and PP-22 outcomes. 1. In view of fast-evolving digital technology, including emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (loT) and blockchain, there is an urgent need to review, update or develop digital transformation policies, strategies and national strategic frameworks to harness technology and help achieve the SDGs. In reflection of this urgency and importance, the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) has received an increasing number of requests to assist member countries in undertaking such reviews, updates and development of digital transformation policies and strategic frameworks in the region. In view of the WTDC-22 and PP-22 outcomes, the number of similar requests is expected to increase in the future. 2. While significant progress was made in the expansion of digital infrastructure due partly to COVID recovery efforts across Asia and the Pacific, one of the persistent challenges the region is facing is the lack of digital applications and services which address the needs of people, especially those of vulnerable groups. The role of digital government is particularly important, as vulnerable groups depend more on public information and services than the rest of the population. Supported by faster and expanding digital networks, such digital applications and services form the core of digital transformation. However, many LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS in the region are yet to develop such digital applications and services, which is reflected in their persistent low ranking in the 2022 E-government Survey of the UNDESA. In fact, the majority of developing countries in Asia-Pacific are below the world average E-Government Development Index (EGDI) value. 3. Digital transformation requires a better and updated understanding of digital technology as well as socioeconomic challenges and opportunities, supported by human and institutional capacity to formulate digital transformation policy and str |
| Area of Action |
Digital Inclusion Least Developed Countries & SIDS |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Time Frame | From 1/8/2023 To 31/7/2025 |
| Beneficiary Countries | Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao P.D.R., Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu |
| Implementing Agency | International Telecommunication Union (ITU) |
| Cooperation Agency | Australian Government (Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts - DITRDCA) |
| Financial Scale (CHF) | 100'000 - 500'000 |
| Achievements |
1. Policy and Regulatory Environment Improvement: Review, update, or develop policies, regulations, and strategies to advance digital transformation and inclusive sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. 2. Technical Architecture and Digital Services Enhancement: Design, develop, and implement technical architecture/platforms and digital services to support digital transformation, employing a whole-of-government approach. 3. Capacity Building: Organize regional, sub-regional, and national workshops and trainings on digital transformation to enhance human and institutional capacities. 4. Stakeholder Engagement: Foster stakeholder consultations and partnerships around digital transformation and sustainable development, aiming for inclusive progress based on a comprehensive governmental approach.
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