The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will be organizing the 5th annual ITU-UNESCO Regional Digital Inclusion Week for the Arab States during the period 28 November to 2 December 2021, under the theme “Ensuring equity and inclusivity in all that we do: Data, Platforms and Policies”.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced the world to adopt various “new normal” behaviors, one of which is connecting remotely and digitally. This way of connecting has become a daily feature in the lives of millions of workers and students since March 2020, when many countries required citizens to adopt social distancing measures including in some cases strict lockdowns. Globally, peak internet traffic growth rate increased to 47%, significantly higher than the 28% rate predicted for 2020, and the traffic on broadband networks increased by 51%, presumably driven by the pandemic.
Digital connectivity has become crucial in the economy and education during this crisis permitting the continuation of key activities and functions of workplaces and schools. Moreover, digital technologies have also played a critical role to support the public health response to COVID-19, to further strengthened capacity for preparedness and resilience.
