We must prevent the digital divide from becoming a development divide

“[Digital is] transforming our world and will make everything else possible.” I couldn't agree more with our President Ajay Banga . Digitalization is the transformative opportunity of our time – which is why we need to work together to deliver with urgency on its promise.?

At a time of such great challenges, digitalization stands out as a ray of hope, providing powerful new tools to address resilience, sustainability, and inclusion.?

We saw this during COVID-19, where countries that embraced digital public infrastructure reached three times more people with cash transfers. We see it in Ukraine, where through a mobile app, Diia, the government during wartime is able to connect 19 million citizens with over 120 government services.?

Yet the digital divide remains stark. 2.6 billion people are still offline in 2023. Only 1 in 4 people in low-income countries use the internet, and many lack the basic skills to use it effectively.?

In today’s digital age, schools, hospitals, and businesses require digitalization to prosper. Without these tools, the digital divide becomes synonymous with a development divide that holds back the growth of countries and limits the opportunities of people and businesses.???

Around the world, we are working with governments to build digital foundations – digital infrastructure, data platforms, digital services and skills - that can help people, businesses and governments thrive and bridge this gap.?

I am pleased to see so many areas where we, 世界银行 , are working with partners to make transformative change: from the Rogun dam in Tajikistan, through the Central Asia transport corridor, to the electricity interconnector in the Mediterranean, among many others.?

The key to maximizing impact and fostering digital connectivity for all lies in focusing on partnerships and bringing different stakeholders together, based on their respective mandates and expertise.?

Deeper and more meaningful partnerships is a fundamental tenet of the World Bank’s evolution roadmap. That is why we are eager to deepen our partnerships, including with European Commission and EU Member States, to promote digitalization globally. I see many areas of common interest and am convinced we can harness more value by working together.?

Our vision is to accelerate digitalization by empowering millions with access to broadband, a digital ID to access services online, and the digital skills needed for good jobs and better livelihoods by 2030.??

In sum, I see re-invigorating and re-imagining our partnerships as fundamental to support countries, especially low-income countries, bridge the digital divide and maximize the transformative impact of digitalization. We cannot fail in this.?