Put digital technology to work ‘for those who need it most’: UN Secretary-General

While the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of digital technologies and the benefits of connectivity, it has also exacerbated inequalities, including basic online access, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a video message to the closing session of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF).

Due to the digital divide, nearly half the world’s citizens are denied opportunities to study, communicate, shop, work and participate in much of modern life, he said, with close to half a billion students – including at least 11 million girls – affected by school closures.

Meanwhile, disinformation about COVID-19 spread online has put health and lives at risk.

The Secretary-General welcomed the Forum’s focus on digital inclusion, which he described as essential to building strong recovery from the pandemic.

“We urgently need to address the growing digital gender gap and put digital technology to work for those who need it most: the vulnerable, the marginalized, those living in poverty, and people suffering from discrimination of all kinds,” he said.

Mr. Guterres stressed that the pursuit of inclusion must also focus on how to make the best use of digital data for the public good.

“Together, as we seek to build a strong recovery from the pandemic, we can reduce the harmful aspects of digital technology, and unleash its power as a true equalizer and enabler”, he said.

“I urge all governments to make sure that your response and recovery plans include increasing digital connectivity in a way that is affordable, safe, and inclusive.”

The IGF was established in 2006, bringing together representatives from governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, and the technical community.

Many are already working closely with the UN to connect, respect, and protect all people online, in line with the Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, released in June.

More than 6,000 people from 173 countries took part in this year’s virtual Forum, marking a record level of participation.

The Secretary-General praised the IGF for its “vital role in connecting the dots on the global digital map” but stressed the need to reach decision-makers.

He called for decisive and urgent action to strengthen the Forum “so that it can enhance its unique role in the digital cooperation architecture.”

The UN chief pointed to areas for improvement, such as increasing the Forum’s visibility, to a proposal for a high-level body that can translate its discussions into concrete impact.

Original source: UN News