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From digital divide to digital dividend: reviving the SDGs
Access to digital technologies is critical to economic growth and sustainable development. Mobile internet provides access to information and services as well as work, boosting national competitiveness and living standards. Digital technologies directly contribute towards more than two-thirds of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets, including climate action, quality education, zero hunger and no poverty. But unequal access to digital technologies inhibits the full potential to improve lives.
Some 2.6bn people, or 33% of the global population, remain offline. Inadequate infrastructure, including not having reliable networks, limited connectivity and high device costs, impedes mobile technology and its benefits. Additionally, many would-be users, particularly in developing nations, lack the digital skills to take advantage of being connected—making them more vulnerable to safety and security concerns.
Every country is at a different stage of digital transformation. But in an interconnected world, public and private sector collaboration is essential to close the digital divide. The UN’s “Summit of the Future” in September calls for digital co-operation and improved digital services to meet international commitments.
How can digital inequalities be overcome to accelerate progress on the SDGs and improve the lives of people around the world? Are governments fully leveraging the contribution of digital transformation for sustainable development? Join Economist Impact for “From digital divide to digital dividend: reviving the SDGs” sponsored by the GSMA. The event will bring together technology leaders, academics and policymakers to discuss the urgent solutions needed to overcome barriers to connectivity, address the usage gap and develop a more inclusive digital future.
Themes include:
- What role does digital connectivity play in achieving the UN SDGs?
- How is the current digital infrastructure landscape creating a two-speed society? How can this be avoided?
- How can policy ensure equitable access to digital technologies for all?
- How can public and private sector collaboration help to bridge usage gaps?
- Will new technologies like artificial intelligence exacerbate or help improve the digital divide?
Evening programming
- 5:00 PM Registration and networking
- 5:30 PM Panel discussion
- 6:15 PM Networking and light refreshments
- 6:45 PM End of event
Speakers and Moderator
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View Profile Mauricio Lizcano
Minister of information technologies and communications, Government of Colombia
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Mauricio Lizcano
Minister of information technologies and communications, Government of Colombia
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Patricia Obo-Nai
Chief executive, Telecel Ghana
An electrical engineer with decades of experience in internet technology and telecommunications, Patricia Obo-Nai was the first Ghanaian chief executive of Vodafone Ghana, which was acquired by Telecel in 2023. Prior to that, she was the technology director for Millicom Ghana and Telcel Ghana and led Telcel’s fixed business and customer operations division. She has a special interest in the future of women and young people in the digital age and took part in panel sessions on that topic at the United Nations General Assembly. Ms Obo-Nai is an advocate of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) educational programs.
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John Giusti
Chief regulatory officer, GSMA
At GSMA, John Giusti is responsible for leading the mobile industry organisation’s public policy and advocacy agenda with governments, regulators and international institutions worldwide. He also oversees its non-profit foundation and several initiatives to harness the power of mobile to achieve social impact. Before joining the GSMA in 2011, Mr Giusti, an attorney, spent 17 years at the US Federal Communications Commission. He was chief of staff and senior policy advisor to the commissioner, providing legal and strategic guidance on major initiatives, including a national broadband plan. Before that, he ran the commission’s international bureau.
Who should attend?
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Regional and economic organization executives
High commissioners, chief economists, executive directors, chief information officers
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UN and international organization leaders
Presidents, head of missions, director-generals, and senior officials
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Senior government officials
Ministers, deputy prime ministers, vice presidents, parliamentarians, governors
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Senior technology leaders and innovators
Chief technology officers (CTOs), directors and senior executives in emerging technologies
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Executive and policy leaders
Executive directors, policy analysts, senior legislative analysts, public policy advisors, economic policy analysts, researchers, professors and social policy experts
Why attend?
Join us in New York during the UN General Assembly High-level Week and Climate Week to explore solutions to overcome barriers to connectivity, address the usage gap and develop a more inclusive digital future.
Limited space is available, apply to attend.
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Exclusive speakers
Engage in a focused dialogue with key thought leaders
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Networking opportunities
Connect with like-minded executives and experts, driving innovation and growth
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Actionable knowledge exchange
Gain actionable takeaways and cultivate key relationships
The Paramount Club
1301 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10019The Paramount Club’s main entrance is located on 52nd Street and 6th Avenue. Upon your arrival, kindly proceed through the atrium towards -1, the event will take place in the auditorium. Click here, for directions.
Sponsored by
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The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry, and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organisations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars: Connectivity for Good, Industry Services and Solutions, and Outreach. This activity includes advancing policy, tackling today’s biggest societal challenges, underpinning the technology and interoperability that make mobile work, and providing the world’s largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events.
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