The digital world is changing at breakneck speed. While there is excitement about the rapid progress in digital government, there are growing concerns about the persistent disparities between regions of the world.
According to UN experts, the digital government sector has seen significant growth, universal. All regions of the world are now using technological advances to improve public services and enhance citizen engagement. This is a major step forward. However, despite these advances, around 1.37 billion people still find themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide, without access to the essential tools of our time.
The data presented by the United Nations clearly shows which nations are leading the way in digital performance. Denmark ranks first, followed by countries such as Germany, Spain and Saudi Arabia. These countries are leading the way in using digital technologies to improve the lives of their citizens.
Despite these successes, the UN calls for increased solidarity with developing countries, particularly in Africa, to reduce these growing digital inequalities. It is crucial that access to information and communication technologies is equitable and universal, as this is the only way to ensure sustainable and inclusive development for all people on the planet.
It is therefore imperative that governments around the world invest more in reducing these digital disparities, to ensure that no one is left behind in this frantic race towards digitalization. Only a common and concerted effort can ensure that the revolutionary potential of the digital revolution benefits everyone, and not just an already privileged elite.
In short, it is time for equal access to digital tools to become a top priority for all actors in society, from governments to businesses to civil society. It is by ensuring equitable access to the technologies of tomorrow that we can build a prosperous and harmonious future for all.