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| Multilateral cooperation is the key to bridging the gap in the digital economy |
Today, the Digital Partnership presented the Bridging the Digital Divide report on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, which highlights the urgent need to strengthen international and multilateral cooperation to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all countries benefit from the opportunities it presents. The digital economy.
The report is based on the results of in-depth global discussions conducted by the General Secretariat of the Digital Partnership with experts from various sectors and fields of activity as part of its mission to enable member states to develop their digital economy and achieve prosperity and growth.
The report examines the challenges faced by stakeholders in trying to equally benefit from the diverse opportunities of the digital economy and highlights some of the current initiatives that can help bridge the digital divide.
Dima Yahya, Secretary General of the Digital Partnership, commented on the report, saying: “Over the past two decades, the digital economy has grown at an unprecedented pace, becoming the backbone of our societies and a prerequisite for sustainable development. The digital economy also presents enormous challenges and rich opportunities, and it is important to realize that not Any country or private entity can face these challenges alone, only through multilateral cooperation, including stakeholders. Only then can we face these challenges and seize the opportunities for a more inclusive and effective digital economy."
Al-Yahya added: The Digital Partnership issued a report on bridging the digital divide to highlight the importance of cooperation between all stakeholders from the public and private sectors, institutions, small and medium-sized companies, civil society and academia, and the challenges of digital engagement. With the global economy, such as b: global data flows, data protection, data sovereignty and regulation, markets, innovation and sustainability and other factors that may hinder future economic growth.
The report is based on a variety of research and talks including: A unique series of five workshops held in five cities around the world: Bangkok, Brussels, Kigali, New York and Santiago. The workshop brought together more than 300 development and technology experts to discuss the digital divide, a new survey of 1,000 businesses and consumers from 12 countries, and 37 experts in the digital economy were interviewed retrospectively. expenses.
The Bridging the Digital Divide report examines barriers to digital transformation around the world and how partner organizations can overcome them to ensure more communities benefit from the booming digital economy and create better jobs. The World Bank estimates that increasing Internet penetration in developing countries by about 75% would increase global GDP by $2 trillion and help create 140 million jobs worldwide. More than half of those surveyed, which included 750 consumers in 12 countries around the world, agreed that better access to digital technology would help them find better-paying jobs or start their own businesses.
The report also highlights the multiple challenges that must be addressed to achieve fair and sustainable development of the digital economy. The current list of challenges to a more inclusive digital economy includes: lack of investment, access to capital, regulation, lack of internet access, and lack of technical skills. Addressing all of these challenges is crucial for countries to develop their digital economy.
Al-Yahya concluded by saying: “Bridging the Digital Divide Report aims to be a valuable source of information related to the digital economy, particularly to support OIC members in developing their digital economy to build a more inclusive digital economy to develop initiatives related to the digital economy. Positive influence and provision of necessary information and advice to member states. We call on all stakeholders to come together to create a digital economy that works for everyone, everywhere.”