ITU coalition raises $54.3b to bridge global connectivity gap

The infrastructure rollout required for a better digital future is unfolding through projects and initiatives for connectivity worldwide. The Partner2Connect Digital Coalition (P2C) led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which seeks a more equitable and inclusive world through digital technologies, set an ambitious goal of mobilising $100 billion worth of pledges through the platform by 2026.

According to ITU, led by Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the $100 billion target is now more than halfway, surpassed the $50 billion mark in commitments by May 2024, and reached $54.27 billion by the end of 2024.

ITU revealed that more than 450 entities, including governments, private sector entities, international organisations, academia, and civil society groups, have submitted over 950 commitments through the P2C online platform. Infrastructure development, notably, constituted almost half of P2C commitments to date, involving mobile, satellite and broadband technologies, as well as artificial intelligence (AI). P2C pledges represented concrete commitments covering a wide range of projects, policies and programmes aimed at increasing digital access and usage for all.

P2C pledges typically strive to create societal value by building digital ecosystems where innovation and entrepreneurship can flourish, as well as by identifying ground-breaking investment models for financing meaningful global connectivity.

More than $17 billion in pledges were submitted in 2024, of which 97 per cent are dedicated to improving people’s access and the affordability of connectivity.

Other pledges address digital skills, inclusive policies and regulations, and digital innovation and entrepreneurship. All pledges are publicly accessible via the P2C pledging portal.

P2C serves as an open and impartial platform for mobilising resources and partnerships and enhancing collaboration to bridge the digital divide. It also enables cooperation across the public and private sectors through meetings at the country, regional and global levels.

Importantly, the P2C online platform enables pledgers to regularly report how the implementation of their pledges is progressing. Aggregated data and key indicators about progress are publicly available through the P2C online platform.

According to ITU, many pledges have already translated into tangible progress, both in connecting the unconnected and in empowering individuals with the tools and skills needed to thrive in the digital age.

In Africa, for example, ITU observed that new broadband networks are helping connect rural schools, while connectivity in healthcare centres are improving access to education and medical services for remote and underserved communities.

In Asia, digital literacy programmes are empowering women and youth to launch online businesses. In Latin America, investments in digital infrastructure are facilitating e-government services, making it easier for citizens to access public services online.

ITU said these examples and others illustrate the transformative power of digital connectivity.
According to it, governments worldwide have committed significant public funds to support digital infrastructure projects.

“Private-sector companies, including major tech companies and telecoms operators, have pledged to invest at scale, pursue innovative solutions, and form strategic partnerships to connect the last one-third of humanity and advance sustainable digital transformation for all.

“Civil society organisations, for their part, have pledged on-the-ground support to ensure connectivity initiatives are inclusive and reach even the most marginalised populations,” it stated.

According to ITU, the journey towards universal and meaningful connectivity is far from over, stressing that connecting everyone, everywhere will take continued investment, innovation, cooperation, and steady implementation.