WCIT 2016 Manu Bhardwaj 2

1. Global Connect Initiative
An initiative to help bring an additional 1.5 billion people online by 2020; supporting
achievement of the SDG goals. https://share.america.gov/globalconnect

2. • Policy: Mainstream the view that Internet connectivity is as fundamental to
economic development as roads, ports, electricity
• Countries: All countries integrate Internet connectivity and digital technologies
as key part of national development strategies
• Financing: International development institutions prioritize Internet for
development
• Accelerate Progress and Capacity Build for Faster Scaling: Catalyze and
support cross-functional working groups with technical, network, finance, and
other experts. Encourage innovative industry-driven solutions
Key Objectives
for the Global Connect Initiative

3. 31
77
39
0
20
40
60
80
100
1997 2002 2007 2012
Sixty percent of the global population is still offline
The Challenge on Internet Adoption: Despite growth, the digital
divide remains between developed and developing countries
%Adoption
Source: International Telecommunication Union (website)

4. Political instability Restraints on free
speech
The Challenge: Why are some countries lagging?
Lack of funds for
infrastructure
Minimal technical
expertise
Corruption