Digital technology is profoundly and irreversibly transforming our way of life. According to the “SDG Digital Acceleration Agenda 2023” published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), digital technologies contribute to at least 70% of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), potentially reducing the cost of achieving these goals by up to $55 trillion. However, in many developing countries, such as Burundi, where the internet penetration rate is too low, connectivity remains a significant barrier, underscoring the urgent need to prioritize and support digital initiatives as catalysts for change.
Global Context: International Youth Day
On August 12, 2024, the world celebrated International Youth Day under the theme: “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” This theme perfectly illustrates the crucial role of digital technology in achieving sustainable development goals. However, we cannot overlook that digital technology also presents challenges alongside its benefits.
Advantages and Challenges of Digital Technology
Digital technology offers numerous advantages, including automation of processes, promotion of financial inclusion, and amplification of the voices of the unheard, among many others. Yet, despite these benefits, a significant portion of the global population remains disconnected: in 2022, 2.6 billion people worldwide were still offline. In Burundi, this translates to a significant digital divide, with only 11.3% of the population connected at the beginning of 2024. This situation complicates the achievement of the SDGs, which, established in 2015, serve as a global call to action to ensure a sustainable future for our communities.
In light of these challenges, an urgent call to action is necessary. It is crucial to train individuals and communities in digital skills, invest in digital infrastructure, and establish subsidy policies in the digital realm. The goal is to make digital access available to everyone, not just a privileged minority.
FreeTI’s Commitment to the 2023 Agenda
In alignment with the realization of the UN’s 2030 Agenda, which includes 17 SDGs aimed at promoting prosperity, universal peace, and the preservation of our planet, FreeTI plays an active role at our level. We focus on training and educating populations and communities by providing them with the digital skills necessary to thrive. We are also committed to digital inclusion, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities without discrimination through various projects we undertake.
An Invitation to Contribute
We call upon everyone: the government, which must play a key role; individuals; and the private sector. Together, we can harness the potential of digital technology to ensure a better future for all.