I am always delighted to discuss the transformative power of meaningful connectivity across the world.
The digital world is, indeed, transformative.
Digital transformation has significant potential to help nations leapfrog in development terms.
Digital technology could catalyze and accelerate progress towards inclusive development in nearly every sector.
What then are the digital trends?
In the last two decades, digital activity has mushroomed globally.
The number of Internet users increased from around 1 billion to more than 5 billion between 2005 and 2022. Over 70 per cent of the world's population own a mobile phone. Active mobile-broadband subscriptions surpassed 87 per 100 inhabitants in 2022.
However, ITU estimates 2.7 billion people—or one-third of the world's population—remained offline in 2022. Offline populations are particularly concentrated in LDCs and LLDCs where only 36 per cent of individuals were online in 2022.
As a result, many people are excluded from opportunities, and SDG achievement is compromised.
But, technology responses are proliferating.
We see LTE, 5G, low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, emerging and are promoting access to affordable and reliable broadband connectivity, digital platforms, and services aimed at stimulating wider economic opportunities.
No one technology meets all requirements. Choices should match population needs. In many cases, hybrid solutions combining several technologies will work sustainably.
We need collaboration.
Exploiting emerging technologies means inclusive, collaborative, and evidence-based policies to build digital platforms and new services.
Recent experience provides a good example. During COVD-19, digital technology kickstarted many new approaches.
Consumers—especially the most marginalized consumers—crave for inclusion, empowerment, and engagement. Affordability, sustainability, digital literacy and trust—in online activities developed through appropriate security measures—are essential here.
Government commitment is critical. A comprehensive, strategic, whole-of-government approach is needed.
This should include: a shared vision and strategy, catalytic investment, stakeholder engagement and partnerships, an enabling legal and regulatory environment, common standards, user-centric design, awareness-raising, as well as promotion of digital literacy and skills.
Strong ecosystems mean governments, private entities, academia, local entrepreneurs, communities, youth, and civil society are genuine partners in this vision.
Transformation benefits every sector.
In Health: Digital health approaches have been associated with more efficient COVID-19 response. Mobile and digital solutions have shown that preventive health interventions could reduce the risk of disease in populations.
In Agriculture: Emerging technologies have underpinned productivity improvements. One low-cost AI-enabled tool enabled some smallholder Cassava producers in Africa to increase their income by more than 50 percent.
In Public services: We have seen digital technologies improve efficiency and accessibility—at scale—of public services.
Solutions are available.
There is little point in reinventing the wheel.
ITU, with its unique network of academic, civil society, and private sector members, supports information sharing, and project development.
I invite you to get involved with us, to see digital transformation make its mark.
Thank you.
