ITU Report "Fast-forward progress: Leveraging tech to achieve the Global Goals" Showcases Role of ICTs in Accelerating SDG Achievement

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) launched a report titled, ‘Fast-forward progress: Leveraging tech to achieve the Global Goals" that shares perspectives from 20 UN heads on how Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are critical for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The report presents five key findings and recommendations:

1. No one must remain offline
2. ICTs are an accelerator for innovation and change
3. ICTs must support human needs during crises
4. ICT-enabled services must reach the poorest and most marginalized
5. New, innovative and multi-stakeholder partnerships must be created to realize the SDGs and ensure a coordinated approach to leveraging ICTs to achieve the SDGs

Regarding the SDGs, the ITU Report highlights how ICTs can contribute to the SDGs:

• SDG 1 (no poverty) by helping to provide access to financial services
• SDG 2 (zero hunger) by implementing an e-agriculture strategy
• SDG 3 (good health and well-being) by providing better connectivity and e-health initiatives
• SDG 5 (gender equality) by focusing on closing the gender digital divide
• SDG 9 (infrastructure, industrialization and innovation)
• SDG 14 (life below water) by increasing scientific knowledge of oceans and marine life

"As the UN's specialized agency for ICTs, ITU has a crucial and unique role to play in the achievement of SDG9 – and in connecting the world's 3.9 billion unconnected," said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao.

ITU has developed an online platform that outlines the opportunities for ICTs to be leveraged in support of the SDGs at: www.itu.int/ict4sdg

Download the Report here