Major global stakeholders gathered at the United Nations Headquarters for “SDG Digital: A Digital Future for All”, where they showcased innovative digital solutions and announced new commitments to leverage technology for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the event highlighted how digital innovations are essential to building a more sustainable, inclusive, and responsible future.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin emphasized the role of digital technology in transforming global efforts toward achieving the SDGs, stating, “The commitments and solutions on display send a powerful message to the world that we will do what’s necessary to rescue the SDGs and build a better digital future for all.”
The event featured 17 digital solutions that demonstrate how countries can harness technology to drive sustainable development. Brazil and Malawi, for example, pledged to adopt universal digital public infrastructure (DPI) safeguards, aimed at building safe and inclusive digital foundations. Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator, stressed the importance of such infrastructure in delivering essential services, calling for universal adoption of safeguards to ensure these platforms benefit everyone.
Honouring Innovation and Global Pledges
As part of the SDG Digital GameChangers Awards, several organizations were recognized for their groundbreaking contributions toward the SDGs. Among the honorees were UNICEF’s Oky Period Tracker App, which helps educate young girls about menstruation, and Tech4Dev’s Women Techsters program in Nigeria, which has empowered over 155,000 women with digital skills across Africa.
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The event also saw new pledges totaling $1.05 billion for infrastructure, connectivity, and skills development, including significant contributions from Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency and Nigeria’s NIGCOMSAT. These investments aim to improve internet access in schools and local communities across both nations.
As digital technology continues to play a crucial role in global development, SDG Digital reaffirmed the collective commitment to harness digital innovation to accelerate progress toward a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
