Information and Communication Technology for Prosperity

Information and communication technology (ICT) for prosperity can ensure access to affordable and clean energy; promote decent work and economic growth; advance industry, innovation, and infrastructure; and reduce inequalities.

The challenges of the 21st century are daunting even as the agenda of the Millennium Development Goals remains unfinished. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted on 25-27 September 2015 by the 193-member United Nations General Assembly, aim for change at the level of the planet, a veritable seismic shift.

ICT has transformed the financial services, media, retail, and telecommunications sectors; through the globalization it simultaneously feeds on and accelerates, it is now reshaping societies, economies, and governments worldwide. Properly deployed, directed, and extended, ICT can be a tool for common good and accelerate action on the global goals.

SDGs 7–10 see to prosperity: they mean to ensure access to affordable and clean energy; promote decent work and economic growth; advance industry, innovation, and‑infrastructure; and reduce inequalities. Athwart all related actions, ICT can quicken upscaling; cut deployment costs; augment awareness, inclusiveness, and engagement; stimulate connectivity, productivity, efficiency, and innovation; and raise‑quality.