Blog of Theresa Devasahayam, SI UN Representative in Bangkok.
Following from Resolution 79/10 of 19 May 2023 which focused on implementing the Information Superhighway Initiative, 2022–2026, the 80th Commission Session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) convened a ministerial conference on digital inclusion and transformation in April 2024. The Session focused on digitalisation, recognising its role and solutions in shaping sustainable development and achieving the 2030 Agenda. The Session, which was attended by heads of state, government delegates, international development partners, and civil society organisations (CSOs) included roundtables, side events, country statements, and a Digital Innovations Fair.
On balance, there was unanimous agreement that digital innovations are integral to fostering economic growth and achieving sustainable development, though there are many ramifications to this. As the Asia and Pacific region continues to be a powerhouse for economic growth in the coming decades, a growing number of countries will increasingly transition to online technology such as online services, transactions, and interactions for public services: all seen as a value driver and essential tool for economic empowerment. Increasingly, government services are propelled by technological innovations resulting from investments in the sector, while the private sector has also mobilised digital finance to achieve some of the SDGs. In recognising the importance of digital technologies, there was also discussion around how they should be employed efficiently and safely, especially as cyberattacks pose growing risks. Thus addressing safety and security issues for digital users is of utmost importance to build public trust.
The Asia Pacific, however, is a diverse region with countries at different stages of the digital revolution. The more affluent countries are way ahead of the game in being able to exploit digital technologies to foster economic development, but those less developed continue to face a myriad of challenges in installing their digital infrastructure and engaging in digital policy. In fact, significant attention was paid to the digital divide – a new form of inequality in the region.
It was noted that poorer countries, in contrast to the developed countries, continue to face greater impediments to becoming digitalised nations; although some like Pakistan and Vanuatu are making progress. As much as 96 percent of the rural population in some less developed regions continue to lack access to the internet and not having electricity compounds the problem; hence the latter needs to be remedied. In South Asia, for example, a little less than half the population do not have access to internet; East Asia follows with close to 370 million people facing the same challenge. In these sub-regions, reducing the digital divide means having to tackle poverty, as well as targeting the most vulnerable populations, including women and girls, older persons, and those with disabilities.
Asia Pacific countries are urged to invest in human capital and digital capacity, particularly among their rural communities. In achieving social inclusion for all, governments in the region are committed to establishing digital platforms and lifelong e-portals to foster equity and raise capacity. Since many financial transactions are going digital, financial literacy must now involve digital literacy. Although the trend in the rise of internet users in the region is encouraging, there is so much more to do to close social and economic disparities and to reach the unreached.
Soroptimist International’s statement delivered at the Sessions followed from this point about digital literacy:
Mr. Chair, Excellencies and Distinguished Delegates, thank you, in particular, to the ESCAP Secretariat for this opportunity to make this statement.
The transformative effects of digitalisation permeate our lives. Digitalisation drives economic growth, enables better use of resources, supports access to services, brings people together, and facilitates greater flexibility and openness when providing education.
In the Philippines, the pandemic shut schools and forced teachers to turn to technology. But it was the lack of internet connectivity which made it impossible for many, especially students from the poorer rural households, to attend classes. This was exacerbated by the cost of accessing the internet and the lack of technological devices such as tablets and laptops.
Soroptimist International works at the ground level through hundreds of projects worldwide. Most focus on education with the view of empowering and enabling girls.
In the Philippines, the Access to Education Project or ATE, established in 2022, awarded small grants to eighty-five tertiary-level female TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) students from lower-income families to enable them to access digital platforms and acquire electronic devices without adding a burden on their family coffers.
Beyond tackling affordability issues, the ongoing ATE project is important for another reason: acquiring digital skills through accessing education online means that young female graduates are better positioned to compete with their male counterparts in the changing job market, thereby closing the gender gap in the skilled labour force.
As the world surges forward in this digital age, ensuring an equal playing field for male and female students is paramount. Only then can we speak about a development agenda that is gender inclusive and truly rights-based.
Thank you so much.
Since the years we have left to achieve the SDGs is rapidly shrinking, leveraging digital innovation for economic and social development is ever more important. As countries in the Asia Pacific region become increasingly digitalised, efforts to upskill women and girls so that they are competitive and empowered in the digital economy is critical. Being inclusive of women in the economy means that there will be an added boost to the economy. The contrary is true as well: not including women as the world transitions towards digitalisation suggests a loss of GDP.
For a girl, giving her digital skills means that in adulthood, she is able to participate in jobs traditionally occupied by men. Thus for any country to fully embrace digital innovation is synonymous to not leaving anyone behind, including women and girls. It is here that Soroptimist International plays a crucial role since we work at the grassroots level and our mandate has been committed to educate, enable and empower women and girls.