Following the brutal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, what is the role of government in accelerating the digital transformation of economies, societies, and lives around the world?
This has been a key question at ITU Digital World 2021, opened jointly this month by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Government of Viet Nam.
As the conference opened, five Ministerial Roundtables on 12-14 October brought together ministers, regulators and industry leaders to share experiences and lessons, as well as underscore the collective global commitment to work together to improve lives everywhere through technology.
Here are some key takeaways ahead of the full Outcomes Report:
1. COVID-19 has catalyzed digital transformation.
Better prepared countries, with national broadband plans and digital transformation strategies already in place, fared better – but the deployment of infrastructure, expansion of access, and provision of content and services have accelerated everywhere, progressing faster in one month than in one year pre-pandemic.
The challenge now is to maintain momentum and sustain the pace.
"Although COVID-19 had a great negative effect on humanity, we used the need to develop online services during the pandemic as an opportunity to expand and improve our e government services," said Eisa Zarepour, Minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) from the Islamic Republic of Iran.
2. Every government must step up as the leader, enabler, regulator, investor and provider of critical services and content.
Successful digital transformation demands a whole-of-government approach. Cross-sectoral, cross-departmental initiatives are essential to move beyond traditional siloed approaches and grasp the bigger picture.
The digital transformation mindset has to start from the top – from prime ministers or corporate chief executives, not just from cabinet ministers or chief technical officers.
"A whole of government approach is imperative to transform public services and provide much-needed citizen services online," said Oshada Senanayake, Director General of Sri Lanka's Telecommunications Regulatory Commission and Chairman of the country's ICT Agency.
3. The digital divide threatens to deepen – both within and between societies.
Governments and companies must prioritize closing the gaps – not just in connectivity, but also in usage and opportunity. This means focusing especially on the marginalized, the elderly, and people in rural, remote, and impoverished regions.
Governments must work to create favourable investment conditions, including regulatory stability and new spectrum policies, to enable the private sector to roll out infrastructure and provide affordable access.
"Mobilizing awareness is a critical role of government," noted Paula Ingabire, Rwanda's Minister of ICT and Innovation. "Digital transformation is a paradigm shift, and we need an unprecedented level of coordination for no one to be left behind."
4. People are at the heart of digital transformation.
Digitalizing public services, including government content in the health and education sectors, will transform societies.
But this should be based around open data platforms, transparency, ease of use and citizens' needs.
"Digital transformation must revolve around people as the subject and object for development," said Viet Nam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. "This process will only truly succeed when every citizen can actively participate in digital transformation and reap its benefits."
5. Affordable devices and plans, fast and reliable services, and relevant, compelling content are all critical elements in bringing everyone online.
Today, more than 90 per cent of the world's population is covered by at least third-generation (3G) network infrastructure, yet almost half of people worldwide remain unconnected, with low digital literacy proving a major obstacle.
From the youngest children in kindergartens to government officials in ministries or engineers testing the latest technologies, basic digital literacy is essential. Digital skills are the keystone of digital transformation.
"The digital divide is not about being online or offline, but about meaningful connectivity – everyday use on an appropriate device with fast connection," said Jean Philbert Nsengimana, Honorary Chairperson at the Alliance for Affordable Internet.
Read the summaries of each Ministerial Roundtable and catch up on the session videos in the event highlights.
The ITU Digital World 2021 programme of debates continues online throughout November – see the full event calendar.
