- COVID-19 exposed digital inequalities and exacerbated the digital divide; revealed accessibility challenges in wealthier nations and widening the digital divide - almost half the world is not yet online
- The World Economic Forum launches the EDISON Alliance to accelerate digital inclusion, address inequality and connect critical sectors of the economy
Access to digital technologies has enabled many to work, learn and live during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it exposed and exacerbated the existing gaps and inequalities: almost half of the global population, about 3.6 billion people, remains offline and broadband services are very expensive for 50% of the population in developed countries. These “deserts of connectivity” hamper access to health, education and economic inclusion.
To ensure global and equitable access to the digital economy, the World Economic Forum is launching the Essential Digital Services and Infrastructure Network, or EDISON Alliance. The Alliance will work with governments and across all sectors to accelerate digital inclusion. Its goal is to ensure an unprecedented level of intersectoral collaboration between the technology industry and other critical sectors of the economy.
A multisectoral council will lead the Alliance. Hans Vestberg, president and CEO of Verizon, will serve as president of the Alliance and the board. He is accompanied by Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT and Innovation of Rwanda, Ajay Banga, Executive President of Mastercard, Shobana Kamineri Executive Vice President of Apollo Hospitals and Robert F. Smith, founder, President and CEO of Vista Equity Partners. The World Economic Forum will serve as a secretariat and platform for the Alliance. A broader group of champion leaders will advise and support the Alliance. The complete list of champions can be found here.
"This marks the first time that so many leaders from so many sectors are coming together, from the public and private sectors, to end the digital divide," said Derek O'Halloran, head of Digital Economy and New Value Creation Platform at the Economic Forum Worldwide. “Accelerating digital infrastructure and the deployment of broadband is fundamental for economic recovery, facing inequality and achieving the achievements of the Sustainability Development Goals. It is essential to act together and quickly. ”
The EDISON Alliance will prioritize digital inclusion as a partner platform with a common purpose to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. In 2021, the Alliance will focus on increasing digital inclusion in health, education and financial services.
Ajay Banga, Executive President of Mastercard, explains that “there is no Internet of Everything without the inclusion of everyone. But by putting our collective capabilities to work by connecting people and businesses in the right way - with safe access and informed use - we can begin to face other barriers, such as access to capital, and provide other opportunities for growth. Digital inclusion prepares people for many other types of inclusion ”.
Robert F. Smith, founder, president and CEO of Vista Equity Partners: Connectivity is oxygen for opportunities. The global pandemic has revealed the divide between those who are connected and the billions who are not. Just as we are pushing for equitable access to clean air and water, we also need to expand access to broadband, devices and digital literacy, which are paths to education, health, financial services and human empowerment. This will require investment and coordination between countries and sectors, and the EDISON Alliance is an important platform for advancing this mission. ”
The Davos Agenda:
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to increase inequality, with disproportionate repercussions for disadvantaged groups and minorities. What policies, practices and partnerships are needed to incorporate equity and inclusion into our economic systems? THE Davos Agenda is a pioneering mobilization of global leaders to rebuild trust to shape the principles, policies and partnerships needed in 2021. Global programming is dedicated to helping leaders choose innovative and bold solutions to contain the effects of the pandemic and drive a robust recovery next year. Heads of State, executives, civil society leaders and the global media will actively participate in nearly 100 sessions covering five topics.
