Osama Abu Rab
The "European Development Days 2019" addressed the topic of bridging the digital divide, among the themes of this year's edition: "Fighting inequality ... Building a world that leaves no one behind."
The digital divide is the difference between individuals and groups of society, communities or populations who do not have access to computers or the Internet, and the other category who can access.
Although the digital revolution and the advancement of information and communication technologies in all the economy and society facilities in the developed world, there are still four billion people without Internet access, and are therefore excluded from the digital economy.
People and communities in developing countries face the risk of being cut off from the Internet because of the digital divide between ICT owners and those who do not.
"The 2030 Agenda provides us with an unprecedented potential for change. The #SDGs are tools for addressing all sorts of inequalities." @MimicaEU ends his final # EDD19 as European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development with a rallying call. #ThinkTwice pic.twitter.com/FIovvZ8dAk - EuropeAid (@europeaid) June 19, 2019 |
Categories deprived
The digital divide, digitalization and technology management were discussed to achieve comprehensive growth in several sessions, and how to provide ICT benefits to disadvantaged groups by providing low-cost devices, skills and training in data management and protection.
Modern technologies offer the promise of sustainable development, giving hope to poor and vulnerable societies to be dynamic actors in the digital economy to share the benefits of the digital revolution with every part of the world.
@GabrielMariya on bridging the digital divide: digitalisation and technology for overall growth at # EDD19 pic.twitter.com/hzHxGFItYA - Ana Ukleba (@anaukl) June 18, 2019 |
Africa and the developing world can advance through the use of intelligent digital technologies. Making use of the digital transformation of the economy and society is an effective way to achieve sustainable development goals and address challenges.
"Invest in youth, invest in youth, invest in youth! This is the message." @stefanomanservi at the #ClosingCeremony of # EDD19 |
Equality and empowerment
On 18 and 19 June, the European Commission organized the "European Development Days 2019" in Brussels, Belgium.
This year's edition focused on fighting inequality, while last year's edition devoted to gender equality and women's empowerment.
About to enter the room where I will participate in the EIB Lunch Policy Dialogue "Bridging the Digital Divide to build more inclusive communities" in the European Development Days at 1.30pm. Fllow the hashtag # EDD19. @europeaid @fmbbva #fmbbva pic.twitter.com/Z4ZY36rHG0 - Maria Jose Jorda (@mariajosejorda) June 18, 2019 |
"Combating inequality, building a world that leaves no one behind" was chosen as the title of the 13th edition of this international event.
The two-day event hosted more than 8,000 participants from 140 countries around the world, representing 1,200 institutions, including heads of state and government, senior experts, key influencers and youth leaders.
Guess who passed by our # 2030isNow interactive wall to take a selfie at # EDD19? Here's a clue ... 👑🇧🇪 |
This year's edition aims to combine the EU's commitment to combating inequality and the contents of the 2030 Sustainable Development Plan.
The current edition hosted prominent speakers from around the world, representing various sectors and perspectives on global development issues, as well as the presence of many European and international leaders.
This year's program was designed to address three key issues, namely, "Why is inequality important for sustainable development?" And "understanding the structural causes of inequality" and "working together better through more effective anti-inequality policies".
Several issues
The sessions of the European Development Days covered many issues, such as poverty reduction and the challenge of inequality in middle and low income countries, the role of peaceful societies, inequalities in education and health, social protection and digital divide, the role of investment, Trade and private sector development to meet these challenges.
"In these difficult times, the European Union is a force for good in this world and a reliable partner for all, we are the biggest donor to development in the world, but this is not charity, it is an investment; investing in growth and jobs," said Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission. Building a better future for young people around the world. "
"The days of European development revolve around giving the voice of the entire development community, from world leaders to non-governmental organizations, business and industry leaders," said Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimika. "Addressing inequalities is a necessary step to make our development cooperation more effective and beneficial so that we do not leave anyone behind us. "He said.
The European Commission has been organizing the EDC since 2006 and is bringing together leaders of the development community to exchange ideas and experiences to bring innovative solutions to the world's most pressing challenges.