The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has announced its Partner2Connect pledging platform and an action framework to advance universal connectivity and digital transformation.
ITU's Partner2Connect (P2C) online pledging platform will help mobilize resources to transform societies, promote sustainable digital technology uptake, and ensure meaningful connectivity for everyone.
Today, an estimated 2.9 billion people – 37% of the world's population – have never used the Internet. An estimated 96% of them live in developing countries – despite a global surge in connectivity the past two years.
“In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, ITU has redoubled its efforts to help countries around the world expand connectivity, to reach communities where connectivity remains too fragmented or unreliable to offer meaningful benefits,” said Houlin Zhao, ITU secretary-general. “The Partner2Connect Coalition reflects these efforts, helping put new and emerging technologies truly at the service of humanity and sustainable development.”
The P2C online pledging platform is set to receive pledges and commitments from across the government, business, civil society, and academic sectors to drive digital transformation all over the world. The platform also serves as a key place for leaders to declare their organizations' commitment to close the digital divide and as a “marketplace" to catalyse new partnerships and collaboration.
