Introduction & Background
The Regional Dialogue for Digital Transformation: Gearing up for Inclusive and Sustainable Development, provides International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Member States, Sector Members, stakeholders and partners with opportunities to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities of digital transformation and to prepare for accelerating efforts towards inclusive and sustainable development in 2022. The Regional Dialogue also serves as a platform to discuss and understand the perspectives of policymakers, regulators, industries, and civil societies in preparation for the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC).
Globally around 3.7 billion people do not have access to the Internet. The lack of access to the Internet means exclusion, marked by the lack of access to the wealth of information available online, fewer resources to learn and to grow, and limited opportunities for the most vulnerable children and youth to fulfil their potential. The current COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of connectivity. ITU data indicate that, of the 1.6 billion who have been out of school during the pandemic, one-third lack access to internet. Reducing the digital divide, particularly concerning school connectivity has become a priority for many Member States governments and it requires global cooperation, leadership, and innovation in finance and technology. As we move closer to the deadline of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, concerted efforts will be required among all relevant stakeholders for achieving the SDGs with the aim of leaving no one behind.
Objective
- Raising awareness about the role and importance of school connectivity during the COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery as well as in the broader context of achieving SDGs in the Asia and the Pacific region
- Presenting the breadth of digital transformation in the education sector
- Stocktaking of the major policies, initiatives, and programmes in this context
- Showcasing ITU’s agenda in the digital transformation in the education sector particularly through the GIGA and its partner FCDO project.
