UN authorities have cautioned that as the digital world evolves, underdeveloped areas risk falling behind. Despite hailing advancements in digital government improvements, Navid Hanif, UN Assistant Secretary General for Economic Development, stated that regional discrepancies persist.
“The growth of digital governance has shown a substantial increasing tendency. That’s wonderful news, and it’s happening all across the world, with all areas using technology to better government services and increase public involvement,” Hanif added. However, he continued, ”still, 1.37 billion people remain on the wrong side of the digital divide, with no access.”
UN officials also showed data on the world’s top digital performers, with Denmark topping the list. Vincenzo Aquaro, Chief of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs Digital Government Branch, said that also among the 18 leading countries are Germany, Spain and Saudi Arabia.
The UN is calling for more support to developing nations, especially in Africa, to reduce digital inequalities.
