The COVID-19 pandemic set the world into a collective state of emergency and forced entire systems and structures into a dramatic test. It also showed our critical dependency on digital technologies, and a newly discovered value for connectivity to learn, to work, to trade, to communicate and to access basic, essential services.

Connecting the half of humanity lacking any form of online access and putting in place more accessible, affordable and meaningful connectivity for the hundreds of millions , is a task that requires the true collaboration of all stakeholders and the creation and implementation of effective partnerships.

  • SDG 17 itself seeks to "strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development”. Partnerships are the “connective tissue” that link the 2030 Development Agenda and their absence would truly impact the attainment of the SDGs.
  • Partnerships must be fit-for-purpose, and they should be designed to really make a difference for individuals, families and organizations.
  • Partnerships for accelerating connectivity must also be action oriented, delivering concrete actions that benefit the communities they are intending to serve.
  • Partnerships for connectivity must be resilient, adaptive, and ready to evolve whilst continuing to deliver on their promises despite rapidly changing environments.
  • And lastly, Partnerships for connectivity must also be inclusive to address the connectivity needs of women, people with disabilities, minorities, indigenous and marginalized communities.
  • Youth must be one of the key stakeholders to include in the design of Partnerships for connectivity. Not only as idea generators, but also as implementation partners.
  • Having an ecosystem of partnerships between telecommunication companies,  other service providers, and freelancers (the gig economy) might enable the development of more affordable Internet packages and better tools that contribute to the creation of new businesses opportunities.
  • Partnerships for connectivity should also look at the demand side of the equation. People need access to technology, but also skills to use it; effective and imaginative partnerships with organizations of all types are critical to success in this area.
  • The pandemic showed us that it is necessary to build partnerships between all financial and technical actors to ensure that every project has a digital component.
  • The private sector also needs to be mobilized. Attaining the SDGs and breaking the digital divide cannot be done without the active participation and involvement of the private sector.

ITU is ready to help the global community forge new partnerships for connectivity by creating links and making the necessary introductions to leaders from government and industry; by providing regulatory advice and expertise; and by showcasing your projects and initiatives on the world stage at WTDC.

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