ITU Digital Coalition Surpasses $50 Billion for Global Connectivity

The WSIS+20 Forum High-Level Event in Geneva, Switzerland, kicked off with the announcement of new commitments to Partner2Connect, focusing on enhancing digital connectivity through the use of AI. The event aims to reflect on the progress made and challenges faced in the two decades since the inception of the multi-stakeholder WSIS process.

"Closing the digital divide requires a team effort, and today we scored a huge win for global connectivity," stated ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the commitments made at the event.

Government ministers, officials from over 160 countries, and representatives from various sectors such as the private sector, civil society, academia, and the UN System are gathering at the WSIS Forum to discuss key trends shaping the world, including artificial intelligence, sustainable development in space, and other rapidly evolving topics.

The outcomes of the WSIS+20 Forum High-Level Event will play a crucial role in informing the upcoming UN General Assembly WSIS+20 review in September 2025. The review aims to identify ways in which the WSIS processes can contribute to the Global Digital Compact, expected to be finalized as part of the Summit of the Future later this year.

The Partner2Connect Digital Coalition aligns with the WSIS "Action Lines," focusing on 11 priority areas for UN efforts to bridge the gap between technology and development. The coalition aims to address core issues related to access, adoption, value creation, and investments in connectivity, in line with the digital cooperation framework established by WSIS two decades ago.

ITU has called for a total of USD 100 billion in investments by 2026 to facilitate universal, meaningful connectivity and sustainable digital transformation worldwide. Various organizations and entities have already made significant commitments towards this goal:

AT&T has pledged to help 25 million people in underserved areas of the United States to access and maintain connectivity by 2030, committing USD 3 billion towards this initiative. This brings AT&T's total commitment to narrowing the digital divide to USD 5 billion since 2021, with a focus on addressing affordability and adoption barriers.

The Government of Canada has announced investments in computing infrastructure to support AI businesses and researchers through the CAD 2 billion AI Compute Access Fund. Additionally, they will invest CAD 400 million in AI adoption across Canada's economy, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, skills development for workers, and the establishment of a new Canadian AI Safe Institute.

Elle International has made three pledges totaling USD 106 million to enhance the quality of life for 20 million women and girls in South Africa. These pledges involve providing digital platforms, smart solutions, data, and AI models to drive connectivity, digital transformation, and open science in women's health.

Microsoft has committed to supporting projects and partnerships that promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in technology, including AI. This commitment expands Microsoft's total number of P2C commitments to five, reflecting their dedication to ensuring accessibility and representation in technology.

"Thanks to the leadership and vision of P2C's pledgers, millions of individuals will have access to more affordable and accessible digital technologies, enabling socio-economic growth, improved health, and meaningful connectivity," highlighted Bogdan-Martin.

Sources: www.itu.int, www.itu.int/itu-d/sites/partner2connect