The Role of Digital Technologies in the Sustainable Development Goals

Digital technologies are transforming the world around us. From the way we communicate and work to the way we produce and consume goods, digital technologies are having a profound impact on our lives.

But what role can digital technologies play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

The SDGs are a set of 17 interconnected goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a blueprint to create a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030. They address the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation.

In this newsletter, we are going to explore how digital technologies can be used to accelerate progress towards the SDGs. We will look at specific examples of how digital technologies are being used to reduce poverty, improve education and healthcare, protect the environment and create more inclusive societies.

Stay tuned to learn more about how digital technologies can help us to build a better future for us all.

The SDGs are integrated, meaning that they recognize that action in one area will affect outcomes in others. For example, addressing poverty is impossible without addressing hunger, health, education, and gender equality. Similarly, protecting the environment is impossible without sustainable economic growth and responsible consumption and production.

The SDGs are also universal, meaning that they apply to all countries, regardless of their level of development. This is because the challenges we face are global and require a global response.

The SDGs are ambitious, but they are achievable. By working together, we can create a better future for all.

Here are some examples of how the SDGs are being implemented around the world:

• In India, the government is using digital technologies to provide access to financial services to people in low-income communities. This is helping to reduce poverty and promote economic growth.
• In Kenya, the government is using solar energy to power schools and hospitals in rural areas. This is improving access to education and healthcare, and it is also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• In Costa Rica, the government has protected 25% of its land area and marine territory. This is helping to protect biodiversity and to create sustainable jobs in the tourism and ecotourism sectors.

Here are some of the key reasons why achieving the SDGs is so important for global development:

• Poverty reduction: The SDGs are designed to end extreme poverty and reduce all forms of poverty everywhere. By achieving the SDGs, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to live a decent life.
• Reduced inequality: The SDGs aim to reduce inequality within and between countries. By achieving the SDGs, we can create a more just and equitable world.
• Climate action: The SDGs aim to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. By achieving the SDGs, we can protect our planet and prevent the worst effects of climate change.
• Environmental protection: The SDGs aim to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss. By achieving the SDGs, we can safeguard our planet for future generations.
• Peace and justice: The SDGs aim to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. By achieving the SDGs, we can create a more peaceful and just world for all.

Here are some specific examples of how the SDGs are contributing to global development

• Goal 1: No Poverty: The World Bank estimates that the number of people living in extreme poverty has declined by more than half since 1990. This progress is due in part to the implementation of policies and programs that promote economic growth, reduce inequality, and invest in education and healthcare.
• Goal 2: Zero Hunger: The global hunger rate has fallen by more than 20% since 1990. This progress is due in part to the development of new agricultural technologies, increased investment in rural development, and the expansion of social safety nets.
• Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being: The global child mortality rate has fallen by more than 60% since 1990. This progress is due in part to the expansion of immunization programs, improved access to clean water and sanitation, and better maternal and child health care.
• Goal 4: Quality Education: The global literacy rate has increased to over 80%. This progress is due in part to the expansion of primary education, increased investment in early childhood education, and the development of new educational technologies.
• Goal 5: Gender Equality: The gender gap in primary and secondary education has closed in most countries. This progress is due in part to targeted policies and programs that promote gender equality in education.Digital technologies can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a number of ways:

• Reducing poverty and inequality: Digital technologies can help to reduce poverty and inequality by providing people with access to financial services, education, and employment opportunities. For example, mobile banking can help people in low-income communities to save money and to access credit. Additionally, online education platforms can provide people with the skills they need to find and keep good jobs.
• Improving health and well-being: Digital technologies can help to improve health and well-being by increasing access to high-quality healthcare services and by making it easier for people to manage their own health. For example, telemedicine can provide patients with access to healthcare without having to travel to a doctor's office. Additionally, wearable devices can help people to track their fitness and health data.
• Promoting education and lifelong learning: Digital technologies can help to promote education and lifelong learning by making high-quality educational resources accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. For example, online courses can provide people with access to high-quality education, regardless of their location. Additionally, digital libraries can provide people with access to a vast amount of information and resources.
• Protecting the environment and combating climate change: Digital technologies can help to protect the environment and combat climate change by reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. For example, smart cities can use digital technologies to reduce energy consumption and to promote sustainable transportation. Additionally, digital technologies can be used to develop and implement renewable energy systems.
• Building peaceful and inclusive societies: Digital technologies can help to build peaceful and inclusive societies by promoting communication and understanding between people from different cultures and backgrounds. For example, social media platforms can provide people with a platform to connect with others and to share their ideas. Additionally, digital technologies can be used to promote civic engagement and to hold governments accountable.In Kenya, the government is using solar energy to power schools and hospitals in rural areas. This is improving access to education and healthcare, and it is also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Let's explore on the roles of digital technologies in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

Digital technologies for poverty reduction and economic growth

Mobile money and e-commerce

Digital technologies such as mobile money and e-commerce are having a transformative impact on the lives of people around the world.

Mobile money is providing financial services to millions of people who were previously unbanked. This is helping to reduce poverty and inequality, and is also boosting economic growth.

E-commerce is making it easier and more affordable for people to buy and sell goods and services online. This is creating new jobs and opportunities, and is also expanding access to goods and services for people in remote and underserved areas.

Together, mobile money and e-commerce are helping to create a more inclusive and prosperous global economy.

Here are some specific examples of how digital technologies are impacting people's lives in these areas:

• In Kenya, mobile money has helped to reduce poverty by 2% and increase economic growth by 1.7%.
• In India, e-commerce has created 2 million new jobs and added $50 billion to the economy.
• In China, mobile payments have helped to reduce transaction costs for businesses by 20%.
• In Brazil, e-commerce is helping to expand access to education and healthcare for people in remote areas.

Digital financial services

Digital financial services (DFS) are financial services that are delivered through digital channels, such as mobile phones, computers, and the internet. DFS include a wide range of services, such as mobile money, online banking, and digital lending.

DFS are having a transformative impact on the lives of people around the world, particularly in developing countries. By providing access to financial services to people who were previously unbanked, DFS are helping to reduce poverty, promote economic growth, and create a more inclusive global economy.

• In Kenya, mobile money has helped to reduce poverty by 2% and increase economic growth by 1.7%.
• In China, DFS have helped to reduce the gender gap in financial inclusion from 10% in 2014 to 2% in 2023.
• In Tanzania, Tigo Pesa is a mobile money service that allows users to send and receive money, pay for goods and services, and save money without a bank account. Tigo Pesa is used by over 30% of the Tanzanian population and has helped to reduce poverty and promote economic growth.
• In Ghana, Mobile Money Interoperability (MMI) is a system that allows users to transfer money between different mobile money wallets. MMI has made it easier and more affordable for people to send and receive money in Ghana.

Digital entrepreneurship and job creation

Digital entrepreneurship and job creation are two of the most important ways in which digital technologies can contribute to poverty reduction and economic growth.

Digital entrepreneurs are individuals who use digital technologies to start and grow businesses. They are often at the forefront of innovation and are responsible for creating new products and services that can improve people's lives.

Digital entrepreneurship can create jobs directly and indirectly. For example, a digital entrepreneur might start a software company that hires employees to develop and sell software products. Or, a digital entrepreneur might start an e-commerce business that sells products online and hires employees to manage the website, fulfill orders, and provide customer service.

Indirectly, digital entrepreneurship can also create jobs by boosting the productivity of existing businesses. For example, a digital entrepreneur might develop a new software application that helps businesses to operate more efficiently. Or, a digital entrepreneur might start a digital marketing agency that helps businesses to reach new customers online.

• In China, Alibaba , an e-commerce company, has created millions of new jobs and helped to transform the Chinese economy. Digital technologies are also creating new opportunities for job creation in a wide range of industries, including:

• Education: Technology-enabled education platforms are creating new jobs for teachers, tutors, and other education professionals.
• Healthcare: Digital health technologies are creating new jobs for nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.
• Agriculture: Smart agriculture technologies are creating new jobs for farmers, agronomists, and other agricultural professionals.
• Customer service: Chatbots and other AI-powered customer service tools are creating new jobs for customer service representatives, technical support specialists, and other customer-facing roles.digital entrepreneurship and job creation are two of the most important ways in which digital technologies can contribute to poverty reduction and economic growth. By creating new businesses, developing new products and services, and boosting the productivity of existing businesses, digital entrepreneurs are helping to create a more prosperous and inclusive world.Here are some policies that governments can implement to support digital entrepreneurship and job creation:

• Invest in digital infrastructure, such as broadband internet and mobile networks.
• Provide tax breaks and other financial incentives to digital startups.
• Offer training programs and other resources to help people develop the skills they need to succeed in the digital economy.
• Create a regulatory environment that is conducive to digital innovation.

Digital technologies for education and healthcare

E-learning and telemedicine

E-learning and telemedicine are two of the most important ways in which digital technologies can improve access to education and healthcare around the world.

E-learning is the delivery of education through digital technologies, such as computers and mobile devices. E-learning can take many forms, including online courses, webinars, and video tutorials. E-learning offers a number of benefits, including:

• Flexibility: E-learners can learn at their own pace and on their own schedule.
• Affordability: E-learning is often more affordable than traditional education.
• Accessibility: Telemedicine can be accessed from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.All these apply to Telemedicine too.

• In the United States, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is using telemedicine to provide healthcare services to veterans in rural areas and to veterans who live far from a VHA facility.
• In Brazil, the government's Saúde Digital program is using telemedicine to provide access to healthcare services to people in remote areas and to people who live in underserved communities.

Here are some of the key benefits of e-learning and telemedicine for individuals and society as a whole:

• Reduced healthcare costs: Telemedicine can help to reduce healthcare costs by reducing the need for expensive hospital visits and by improving the efficiency of healthcare delivery.
• Improved educational outcomes: E-learning can help to improve educational outcomes by providing students with access to high-quality educational resources and by allowing them to learn at their own pace.
• Increased economic productivity: E-learning and telemedicine can help to increase economic productivity by making it easier for people to learn and work from anywhere in the world.
• Improved social equity: E-learning and telemedicine can help to improve social equity by providing access to education and healthcare services to people who are marginalized or disadvantaged.

Digital literacy and Online safety

Digital literacy and online safety are essential for people to participate fully in the digital economy and to reap the benefits of digital technologies.

Digital literacy is the ability to use digital technologies effectively and safely. It includes the ability to use computers and smartphones, as well as the ability to use software applications, access and evaluate information online, and communicate and collaborate online.

Online safety is the practice of using digital technologies in a way that minimizes risk and harm. It includes the ability to protect one's privacy and security, to identify and avoid online scams and threats, and to be a responsible and ethical digital citizen.

Digital literacy and online safety are particularly important in the context of education and healthcare. Digital technologies are being used to transform education and healthcare in a number of ways, such as through e-learning, telemedicine, and digital health records. However, in order to benefit from these digital technologies, students, patients, and healthcare professionals need to have the necessary digital literacy and online safety skills.

Here are some specific examples of the impact of digital literacy and online safety on education and healthcare:

Education:

• Digital litereracy is essential for patients to access and use digital health services, such as electronic health records and telemedicine.
• Online safety is essential for patients to protect their privacy and security when sharing their health information online.

Digital technologies are having a transformative impact on education and healthcare around the world. However, in order to reap the benefits of these technologies, people need to have the necessary digital literacy and online safety skills.

Here are some things that governments, educational institutions, and healthcare organizations can do to promote digital literacy and online safety:

• Invest in digital literacy and online safety training: This training can be delivered through a variety of channels, such as online courses, workshops, and embedded training in educational and healthcare programs.
• Develop digital literacy and online safety resources: resources such as websites, toolkits, and guides. These resources can provide people with the information and tools they need to stay safe and informed online.
• Promote digital literacy and online safety awareness: through public education campaigns and other initiatives. This can help to raise awareness of the importance of digital literacy and online safety, and to encourage people to take steps to protect themselves online.

Digital tools for teaching and learning

Digital tools for teaching and learning are having a transformative impact on education around the world. These tools are helping to reduce poverty, improve education and healthcare, protect the environment, and create more inclusive societies in a number of ways:

Reducing poverty: Digital tools can help to reduce poverty by providing people with access to education and training opportunities, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. For example, online courses and learning platforms can help people in developing countries to learn new skills and improve their employment prospects.

Improving education: Digital tools can help to improve education by providing students with access to high-quality educational resources and by allowing them to learn at their own pace and in their own way. For example, interactive learning apps and simulations can help students to learn complex concepts in a fun and engaging way.

Improving healthcare: Digital tools can help to improve healthcare by providing patients with access to telemedicine services and by helping healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat diseases more effectively. For example, wearable devices can track patients' vital signs and other health data, and this data can be used by healthcare professionals to monitor patients' health and to provide them with personalized care.

Protecting the environment: Digital tools can help to protect the environment by reducing the need for paper and other resources. For example, digital textbooks and online learning platforms can help to reduce the amount of paper used in education. Additionally, digital tools can be used to monitor environmental conditions and to develop and implement sustainable solutions.

Creating more inclusive societies: Digital tools can help to create more inclusive societies by providing people with disabilities and people from marginalized groups with access to education and other opportunities. For example, text-to-speech software can help people with visual impairments to access digital content, and translation tools can help people from different language backgrounds to communicate with each other.

• In Africa, the One Laptop per Child initiative is providing affordable laptops to children in developing countries.
• In the United States, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is using digital tools to develop new treatments for diseases and to improve the quality of healthcare.

Digital technologies for environmental sustainability

Climate change monitoring and mitigation

Digital tools are being used to collect and analyze data on climate change, to develop and implement climate change solutions, and to raise awareness of climate change.

Climate change monitoring

Digital technologies such as satellites, drones, and sensors are being used to collect data on climate change, such as greenhouse gas emissions, sea level rise, and temperature changes. This data is essential for understanding the causes and impacts of climate change, and for developing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Climate change mitigation

Digital technologies are also being used to develop and implement climate change solutions. For example, renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind power can be monitored and controlled using digital tools. Additionally, digital technologies can be used to improve the efficiency of energy use and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation and other sectors.

Raising awareness of climate change

Digital technologies are also being used to raise awareness of climate change and to engage the public in climate action. For example, social media platforms can be used to share information about climate change and to mobilize people to take action. Additionally, digital tools can be used to create educational resources and games about climate change.

Impact on lives of people around the world

Digital technologies are having a positive impact on the lives of people around the world in a number of ways:

• Reducing poverty: Digital technologies can help to reduce poverty by providing people with access to education and training opportunities, and by helping them to develop and implement sustainable livelihoods. For example, digital technologies can be used to provide farmers with information about weather patterns and crop prices, and to help them to access financial services.
• Improving education and healthcare: Digital technologies can help to improve education and healthcare by providing people with access to high-quality educational and healthcare resources, and by helping to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of education and healthcare systems. For example, digital technologies can be used to provide students with access to online courses and learning platforms, and to provide patients with access to telemedicine services.
• Protecting the environment: Digital technologies can help to protect the environment by reducing the consumption of natural resources, by reducing pollution, and by developing and implementing sustainable solutions. For example, digital technologies can be used to develop more efficient energy technologies, and to reduce waste and pollution.
• Creating more inclusive societies: Digital technologies can help to create more inclusive societies by providing people with disabilities and people from marginalized groups with access to education, employment, and other opportunities. For example, digital tools can be used to make educational and healthcare resources accessible to people with disabilities, and to provide people from marginalized groups with access to digital financial services.

Here are some specific examples of how digital technologies are being used to monitor and mitigate climate change:

• The NASA Earth Observatory is using satellite data to monitor climate change and to provide information about the impacts of climate change.
• The Climate Prediction Center is using digital tools to develop and predict climate change models.
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is using digital tools to track greenhouse gas emissions and to develop and implement climate change regulations.
• The Carbon Disclosure Project is using digital tools to collect and disclose information about the greenhouse gas emissions of corporations.

Smart cities and sustainable transportation

Smart cities and sustainable transportation are two of the most important ways in which digital technologies can be used to achieve environmental sustainability.

Smart cities are cities that use digital technologies to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and quality of life of their citizens. Smart cities use digital technologies to improve transportation, energy use, waste management, public safety, and other aspects of urban life.

Sustainable transportation is transportation that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable transportation systems are efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly.

Digital technologies are playing an increasingly important role in smart cities and sustainable transportation. Here are some examples:

• Smart traffic lights can use sensors to monitor traffic and adjust the timing of lights to reduce congestion and emissions.
• Public transportation systems can use digital technologies to track real-time vehicle locations and provide passengers with arrival time information.
• Electric vehicles can be plugged into smart grids that can charge them efficiently and distribute excess energy back to the grid.
• Shared transportation services such as car sharing and bike sharing can use digital technologies to make it easy for people to access vehicles without having to own one.Digital technologies are also being used to promote sustainable transportation in developing countries. For example, in Kenya, the M-Pesa mobile money service is being used to pay for bus fares, which is reducing the use of cash and making it easier for people to use public transportation.Impact on lives of people around the worldDigital technologies are having a positive impact on the lives of people around the world by helping to reduce poverty, improve education and healthcare, protect the environment, and create more inclusive societies.Reducing poverty: Smart cities and sustainable transportation can help to reduce poverty by providing people with access to jobs, education, and healthcare. For example, smart traffic lights can reduce travel times and make it easier for people to get to work. Additionally, public transportation systems can provide affordable transportation options for people who cannot afford to own a car.
• Improving education and healthcare: Smart cities can use digital technologies to improve the quality of education and healthcare services. For example, smart schools can use digital technologies to provide students with personalized learning experiences. Additionally, smart hospitals can use digital technologies to improve the efficiency of care delivery and to reduce patient wait times.
• Protecting the environment: Smart cities and sustainable transportation can help to protect the environment by reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. For example, electric vehicles do not produce tailpipe emissions, which can help to improve air quality. Additionally, smart traffic lights can reduce congestion, which can also help to reduce emissions.
• Creating more inclusive societies: Smart cities and sustainable transportation can help to create more inclusive societies by providing people with disabilities and people from marginalized groups with access to jobs, education, and healthcare. For example, smart public transportation systems can be designed to be accessible to people with disabilities. Additionally, smart cities can use digital technologies to provide information and services to people in marginalized communities.

Here are some specific examples of how digital technologies are being used to promote smart cities and sustainable transportation around the world:

• In Copenhagen, Denmark, the city has invested in a network of bike lanes and bike-sharing stations, which has made cycling a popular and convenient way to get around.
• In Singapore, the government has implemented a congestion pricing system, which charges drivers to enter certain areas of the city during peak hours. This has helped to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.
• In Barcelona, Spain, the city has implemented a Smart City Plan, which aims to use digital technologies to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and quality of life of its citizens. The plan includes initiatives to improve public transportation, reduce energy consumption, and promote sustainable transportation.Renewable energy and energy efficiencyRenewable energy is energy from sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass energy. Renewable energy is clean and sustainable, and it can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.Energy efficiency is the practice of using less energy to provide the same level of service. Energy efficiency can be achieved by improving the efficiency of energy-consuming devices and systems, or by reducing the demand for energy.Digital technologies are being used to improve the efficiency and affordability of renewable energy, and to promote energy efficiency in a number of ways. For example:Smart grids can integrate renewable energy sources into the electricity grid and manage energy demand more effectively.
• Digital control systems can optimize the operation of renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind farms.
• Energy-efficient appliances and devices use digital technologies to reduce energy consumption.
• Smart buildings use digital technologies to manage energy consumption and reduce operating costs.Digital technologies are also being used to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency in developing countries. For example, in India, the government is using digital technologies to track and manage the country's renewable energy capacity. Additionally, digital technologies are being used to provide rural communities with access to renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies.In Germany, the government has invested heavily in renewable energy, and the country now generates more electricity from renewable sources than from fossil fuels.
• In Africa, the World Bank is funding a number of projects to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency in developing countries.

Waste management and pollution reduction

Waste management and pollution reduction are two of the most important challenges facing the world today. Digital technologies are playing an increasingly important role in helping us to address these challenges.

Waste management is the process of collecting, transporting, treating, disposing of, or recycling waste materials. Digital technologies can be used to improve waste management in a number of ways, such as:

• Smart waste bins can track the level of waste and send alerts when they need to be emptied.
• Waste routing software can optimize the routes of waste collection trucks.
• Recycling sorting systems can use optical sensors to sort recyclable materials.
• Composting systems can use digital sensors to monitor and optimize the composting process.Pollution reduction is the process of reducing the amount of pollutants released into the environment. Digital technologies can be used to reduce pollution in a number of ways, such as:

• Air quality monitoring systems can track air quality levels and provide alerts when levels exceed safe limits.
• Water quality monitoring systems can track water quality levels and provide alerts when levels exceed safe limits.
• Industrial pollution control systems can use digital sensors to monitor and control industrial emissions.
• Smart transportation systems can reduce traffic congestion and emissions.

• In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is using digital technologies to track and manage the country's waste and pollution data.
• In the European Union, the European Commission is using digital technologies to develop and implement waste management and pollution reduction policies.

Digital technologies for inclusive societies.

Digital accessibility for people with disabilities

Digital accessibility for people with disabilities is the practice of designing and developing digital technologies so that they can be used by everyone, regardless of their abilities. Digital accessibility is essential for creating inclusive societies, as it allows people with disabilities to participate fully in all aspects of life, including education, employment, and social activities.

Here are some specific examples of digital accessibility for people with disabilities:

• Closed captioning on videos allows people who are deaf or hard of hearing to follow the audio content.
• Screen readers read text aloud for people who are blind or have low vision.
• Text-to-speech software converts text to speech for people who have difficulty reading.
• Voice assistants allow people to control devices and interact with applications using their voice.

Digital technologies are having a significant impact on the lives of people with disabilities around the world.

Digital technologies are helping to create more inclusive societies by empowering people with disabilities to participate fully in all aspects of life.

• In Kenya, the Kenya Society for the Blind is working to provide people who are blind with access to digital technologies, such as screen readers and text-to-speech software.
• In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all electronic and information technology be accessible to people with disabilities.
• In the European Union, the Web Accessibility Directive requires that all public sector websites be accessible to people with disabilities.

Digital inclusion for marginalized groups

Digital inclusion for marginalized groups is the practice of ensuring that everyone has access to and can use digital technologies, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, gender, disability, or other factors. Digital inclusion is essential for creating inclusive societies, as it allows marginalized groups to participate fully in all aspects of life, including education, employment, and social activities.

Here are some specific examples of digital inclusion for marginalized groups:

• Providing affordable internet access: People in low-income communities often have difficulty affording internet access. Governments and other organizations can provide affordable internet access to marginalized groups through programs such as subsidized internet plans and community Wi-Fi hotspots.
• Providing digital literacy training: Many people in marginalized groups do not have the digital skills they need to use digital technologies effectively. Governments and other organizations can provide digital literacy training to marginalized groups to help them develop the skills they need to succeed in the digital economy.
• Making digital content and applications accessible: Digital content and applications should be designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities. Governments and other organizations can work with developers to ensure that digital content and applications are accessible to marginalized groups.Here are some specific examples of how digital technologies are being used to promote digital inclusion for marginalized groups around the world:

• In South Africa, the government launched the e-Skills for Life program to provide digital literacy training to South Africans
• In the United States, the Obama administration launched the ConnectHome initiative to provide affordable internet access to low-income families.

Digital governance and ethics

Using digital technologies to improve public services

Digital technologies can be used to make public services more efficient, effective, and accessible to all citizens.

Here are some specific examples of how digital technologies are being used to improve public services around the world:

• Online government services: Governments are using digital technologies to provide a variety of online services, such as tax filing, passport applications, and driver's license renewals. This makes it easier and more convenient for citizens to access government services.
• Electronic health records: Electronic health records (EHRs) are digital versions of medical records. EHRs can improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare by making it easier for healthcare providers to access patient records and to coordinate care.However, it is important to note that there are also some ethical challenges associated with the use of digital technologies to improve public services. For example, it is important to ensure that digital technologies are used in a way that respects privacy and that does not discriminate against certain groups of people.It is also important to ensure that digital technologies are used in a way that is beneficial to all citizens. For example, it is important to ensure that digital technologies are not used to create a surveillance state or to exclude certain groups of people from accessing public services.By addressing these ethical challenges, governments can ensure that digital technologies are used to improve public services in a way that is fair, equitable, and beneficial to all citizens.Responsible digital transformationDigital governance and ethics are concerned with the development and use of digital technologies in a way that is fair, equitable, and beneficial to all citizens. This includes ensuring that digital technologies are used in a way that respects privacy, protects human rights, and promotes social inclusion.Responsible digital transformation is essential for creating a more inclusive and sustainable future. Digital technologies have the potential to improve the lives of people around the world, but they must be used in a responsible and ethical way.In the European Union, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR ) gives citizens control over their personal data and requires companies to be transparent about how they collect and use it.
• In the United States, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA ) gives consumers similar rights to control their personal data.
• In Kenya, the Data Protection Act requires companies to register with the government and to comply with strict data protection standards.

References

• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: https://sdgs.un.org/goals
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the SDGs: https://sdgs.un.org/un-system-sdg-implementation/international-telecommunication-union-itu-24522
• World Economic Forum (WEF) on the role of digital technologies in achieving the SDGs: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/01/digital-technology-sustainability-strategy/
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on digital technologies and the SDGs: https://www.undp.org/press-releases/digital-technologies-directly-benefit-70-percent-sdg-targets-say-itu-undp-and-partners
• World Bank on digital technologies and the SDGs: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/digitaldevelopment/overview