These can be building blocks in a larger global architecture.60. At the broader level, we need determined action to close the digital divide, not only within nations but also between nations.

To put it differently, if we do not close the digital divide, we will not achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. That is why digitalisation poses a global challenge that requires a concerted global response.

The digital divide has prevented access to education, health care, and many other essential services to millions of people around the world.

The digital revolution was well underway before COVID-19. But the pandemic has accelerated the pace and scaleof this revolution. 35. Digital technologies have empowered millions of people. But the gulf of opportunities between digital haves and digital have-nots has also widened.36. Today, 3.8 billion people remain digitally disconnected.

A less negative outcomeof the pandemic has been its effect in turbo-chargingthe digitization of our workplacesand societies. But not all countries –particularly Small Island Developing States -have the infrastructure, capacity and workforce skills to fully benefit from thisrevolution

Addressing thenegative consequences willrequire greater engagement of the public and private sectors in building foundations for long term development. Leaving no one behindtodaymeans leaving no one offline. That is why Jamaica has been working to ensure that the tools neededto adapt and thrive,are provided to our citizens

allowedthe digitally connected to thrive while severely exacerbating the inequalities faced by the digitally disconnected.This is particularly evident in our rural areas, along gender lines and generally among the poorest and most vulnerable

Today, we see some countries receiving a ‘digital dividend’ while others suffer the consequences of a ‘digital divide.’There is need to address urgently the latterin support of COVID-19 adaptationmeasures,response and recovery efforts. Accelerated digitalization, remote work and education, e-commerce and the virtual delivery of essential services, have

we must adopt clear investment strategies which help alleviate poverty, promote job creation, build sustainable infrastructure, and of course bridge the digital divide.

La pandémiea également révélé//l’ampleur de l’écart technologique entre les pays, //et nous a montré l’importance des Nouvelles Technologies de l’Information et de la Communication //et la nécessité d’agir en urgence, //pour réduire cefossé

The increasing importance of cyberspaceto our everyday lives and our economic resilience cannot be overstated these days. Preserving a globally accessible, free, and secure cyberspace is essential. However,the pandemic has also exposed deep digital divides

MonsieurlePrésident,lemondededemainseraunmondetoujoursplusconnecté.LapandémiedelaCOVID-19aprouvéàquelpointlatechnologiepeutserévélerindispensable.Elleamodifiélesstratégiesdesentreprises,leshabitudesdesconsommateursetlesaccèsàcertainsservicespublicscommelasantéoul’enseignementscolaire.Ainsilaréductiondelafracturenumériqueapparaitcommeuneprioritéalorsque3milliardsdepersonnesn’ontpasaccèsàl’internet.MonsieurleSecrétairegénéral,votre«feuillederoutepourlacoopérationnumérique»pointedudoigtlesdéfisessentielsàreleverdanscedomaine.

Por otra parte, no puedo dejar de destacar que lastimosamente la brecha digital persiste y el rápido progreso de las tecnologías digitales y el comercio electrónico se ha convertido en un instrumento que puede ayudar en la recuperación económica. Sin embargo, la brecha digital impide que estos beneficios se compartan equitativamente. Y cuando sucede esto, las tecnologías digitales y el comercio electrónico se convierten en instrumentos para consolidar ese injusto orden mundial.

Pero debemos ver este acontecimiento como un parteaguas en la historia y asumir el reto de enfrentar décadas de rezagos que se ven reflejadas en un alto índice de pobreza, desnutrición, sistema de salud obsoleto y la urgente necesidad de una reforma educativa que disminuya la brecha digital y que asegure la excelencia en la educación pública.

digital connectivity divide the global population

La moitié de l’humanité n’a pas accès à Internet. Nous devons faire en sorte que tout le monde soit connecté d’ici à 2030.