Regional ICT processes for development
ESCWA plays a leading role in WSIS programmes and projects, particularly in the linkages with implementation of the SDGs. In 2018, ESCWA formulated a comprehensive conceptual framework for digital development that takes into account the strong linkages between the SDGs and the WSIS Action Lines, and underpins national digital development reviews, the Arab Digital Development Report and the Arab Digital Agenda.
ESCWA launched the Arab High-level Forum on WSIS and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Beirut, 8–12 May 2017), which resulted in a reference document entitled “Beirut consensus on transformation and digital economy in the Arab region towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. The Forum serves as a regional platform for exchanging experiences and lessons learned and building partnerships in the field of technology, and aims to harness digital transformations taking place in the region in the service of the SDGs.
In this context, the preparation of the Arab Digital Agenda coincided with a growing global interest in digital technologies and the development opportunities they offer. This process is in line with the United Nations Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, which is based on the following three main pillars:
1. Achieve universal connectivity accessible to all by 2030.
2. Ensure protection from the dangers and threats posed by digital technology to users and persons connected to the network, especially the most vulnerable.
3. Respect human rights in the digital age.