ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin expressed optimism about achieving universal meaningful connectivity, thanks to new commitments from e&, China Telecom, Ooredoo, and VEON. These investments aim to provide accessible and affordable connectivity to millions of people worldwide. With around 2.6 billion people still offline globally, the ITU sees telecommunications infrastructure as crucial for bridging the digital divide and addressing development challenges in areas like education, health, government services, and trade. To achieve universal, meaningful connectivity, the ITU has called for $100 billion in investments by 2026, with the launch of Partner2Connect in 2021 to facilitate this goal.
The ITU’s Partner2Connect initiative has garnered commitments from over 400 organizations, totaling more than $46 billion in investments. These commitments are expected to make significant progress in expanding network connectivity and digital services in regions like the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Additionally, projects in China aim to provide information and communication services to over 80 million people in remote villages, while infrastructure development in Ukraine will support the country’s reconstruction efforts by providing essential connectivity and digital services. The ITU also announced that it has surpassed 1,000 industry, academia, and organizational members, in addition to its 193 Member States, marking a milestone in its 159-year history.
The ITU’s multistakeholder model of collaboration is seen as a strong force in bridging the digital divide and creating an inclusive, safe, and sustainable digital future for all. By bringing together industry, academia, organizations, and Member States, the ITU aims to address global challenges related to connectivity and digital transformation. The agency emphasizes the importance of these partnerships in achieving universal, meaningful connectivity and ensuring that underserved communities have access to digital services that can improve their quality of life.
The investments from e&, China Telecom, Ooredoo, and VEON signal a commitment to expanding connectivity and digital services in underserved regions. By focusing on providing accessible and affordable network connectivity, these investments have the potential to transform the lives of millions of people around the world. The ITU’s goal of reaching $100 billion in investments by 2026 underscores the importance of mobilizing resources to extend connectivity to every corner of the globe. With the support of industry, academia, organizations, and Member States, the ITU is working towards a future where everyone has access to the benefits of digital technology.
In conclusion, the ITU’s efforts to achieve universal meaningful connectivity are gaining momentum through new commitments and partnerships. By leveraging private-sector investments and multistakeholder collaboration, the ITU is making progress in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all communities have access to essential digital services. With a focus on expanding network connectivity in underserved regions and promoting sustainable digital transformation, the ITU is working towards a more inclusive and connected world.
