Developing Regions at Risk of Being Left Behind in Digital World

UN Officials Warn of Digital Divide

UN officials have warned that as the digital world continues to transform, developing regions are at risk of being left behind. Although he hailed the progress made in digital government advances, the UN Assistant Secretary General for Economic Development, Navid Hanif, said there are still disparities between regions.

The Digital Divide

“The development of digital government has seen a significant upward trend. That’s good news, and it’s worldwide, with all regions leveraging technology to enhance government services and improve people’s engagement”, Hanif said. But, he added, ”still, 1.37 billion people remain on the wrong side of the digital divide, with no access.”

Top Digital Performers

UN officials also showed data on the world’s top digital performers, with Denmark topping the list. Vincenzo Aquaro, Chief of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs Digital Government Branch, said that also among the 18 leading countries are Germany, Spain and Saudi Arabia.

Call for Support

The UN is calling for more support to developing nations, especially in Africa, to reduce digital inequalities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while progress has been made in digital government, there is still a significant digital divide that needs to be addressed. The UN’s call for support to developing nations is crucial to reducing this divide and ensuring that all regions can benefit from the digital world.

FAQs

Q: How many people remain on the wrong side of the digital divide?

A: According to Navid Hanif, UN Assistant Secretary General for Economic Development, 1.37 billion people remain on the wrong side of the digital divide.

Q: Which countries are among the top digital performers?

A: According to Vincenzo Aquaro, Chief of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs Digital Government Branch, Denmark, Germany, Spain, and Saudi Arabia are among the top digital performers.

Q: What is the UN’s call for support?

A: The UN is calling for more support to developing nations, especially in Africa, to reduce digital inequalities.