Introduction – Why Partner2Connect?

Digital connectivity plays a central role in the daily lives of those with ready access to affordable, high-quality Internet. But for one-third of the planet – or some 2.7 billion people – the reality is very different. While digital connectivity can be an enabler for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and an opportunity for countries to leapfrog forward in areas such as education, health, government services and trade, meaningful connectivity remains a major challenge in least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), and small island developing states (SIDS).

The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted how essential it is to be digitally connected. Partner2Connect (P2C) emerged out of this urgent need for a bolder, partnership-driven, and more action-oriented approach to global meaningful connectivity and digital transformation.

In line with the UN Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, in 2021 ITU joined forces with the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology and the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States for the inception and development of this important and much needed Digital Coalition.

Universal connectivity is at the heart of the United Nations' goal to achieve a more open, free and secure digital future for all and a key priority in the UN Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation. If the digital divide persists, the most vulnerable nations are not only at risk of falling further behind but also of becoming mainly data providers and users of technology rather than active agents and thriving forces propelling the global digital economy.

To achieve the Roadmap's goal of ensuring that every person has safe, affordable, and meaningful access to the Internet by 2030, the implementation of its recommendations on global connectivity has focused on ensuring a people-centred approach in leaving no one behind. Partner2Connect and its concrete efforts to accelerate connectivity through an action-oriented approach are hence critical components for the implementation of the Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, the shape of the future Global Digital Compact, and the development agendas for LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS.

Partner2Connect has evolved into a true multistakeholder platform where resources, partnerships and commitments are being mobilized to connect the unconnected. By 18 November 2022, a total of 552 pledges valued at over USD 29 billion for projects around the world had been submitted by 263 entities. Whilst P2C’s pledge-mobilization efforts will continue, the Coalition is ready to give equal importance to the monitoring and reporting of pledge implementation.

This Annual Report not only highlights the key achievements of the Coalition during its first year, but more importantly, it explores the progress made by those pledgers who have provided an update on the implementation status of their commitments. ⁵ The "P2C in focus" section of this report features a series of mini case studies that summarize the implementation journey of selected pledgers. The final chapters of the report are dedicated to the work in P2C partner countries and the outlook for 2023.

The overall goal of this document is to take stock of the implementation status of the pledges made since the launch of the P2C pledging platform in March 2022, as well as to present the key lessons, challenges and opportunities encountered by P2C pledgers when delivering on their commitments.

Pledge implementation status

Over
552 pledges

valued at
USD 29 billion

submitted by
263 entities

As of 18 November, 202 pledges out of 552 have been reported on. This response rate (37%) is commendable considering the short window given to pledgers to submit their progress reports, ⁶ as well as the relatively brief time that had elapsed since the P2C Digital Development Roundtable took place at the WTDC in June 2022.

Of those pledges reported on, 74% were in progress and on track to achieve their goals. By sector, international organizations had the highest response rate (47%) followed closely by the private sector (45%). The analysis by pledge type (financial, policy, advocacy and programmatic pledges) indicates that financial pledges had the highest response rate (42%).

The data indicated that most pledges(87%) demonstrate a commitment to enabling the set of targets established by the Coalition, i.e. the ITU Universal Meaningful Connectivity Targets 2030, the UN Broadband Commission Advocacy Targets, and the ITU Strategic Targets and Results Framework.

Achieving meaningful universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation is an ambitious goal, which can only be achieved through multistakeholder collaboration, partnerships and accountability. We urge all stakeholders not only to pledge through the P2C Digital Coalition but also to report on progress and to include vulnerable countries in their interventions so that together we can truly realize our vision for meaningful connectivity in LDCs, LLDCS and SIDS.

“My Office has been honoured to work closely with ITU on Partner2Connect, which is a seminal effort in ensuring that everyone everywhere can realize the full potential of digital technologies. The challenge now is to turn these pledges into action and reality.”

Amandeep Singh Gill
UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology

“The Partner2Connect initiative is an excellent example of collaborative efforts to bridge the digital divide. Pledges received will help to bring about meaningful connectivity in the vulnerable countries and transform lives in the process.”

Rabab Fatima
UN High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States