Development

Despite the rapid spread of digital technologies, about half of the world’s population remains offline. Closing this gap is essential, given the key role digital technologies play in promoting economic development, social inclusion and environmental protection, all key pillars of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Policies should focus on extending broadband infrastructure into rural and remote areas, upgrading networks to match rising demand, and addressing barriers related to low levels of income and education. Moreover, broader structural challenges, such as a lack of basic electricity and paved roads, also need to be addressed. Explore the Going Digital indicators relevant to development, and dive deeper by reading related publications, browsing policy guidance and discovering more related indicators below.