The Digital Skills Forum 2024 – promoted by the United Nations’ specialized agency for information and communications technology (ITU) in Bahrain – served as a vital platform for bringing together key stakeholders—governments, international organizations, academia, and the private sector—to address the urgent issue of the digital divide. This year’s forum emphasized the need for collaboration in creating a more inclusive society, where everyone has access to the opportunities offered by the digital world.
Our Director of Operations, Giovanna Bottani, shared her perspective on the Foundation’s approach to bridging this gap. A key takeaway was the multi-layered approach required to tackle the digital divide, starting with co-creation with local partners to address urgent needs and securing essential infrastructure such as internet access and technology. Watch her interview below.
Bridging the digital divide is not just a technological challenge but a deeply human one. To truly make a lasting impact, we must create content that resonates with diverse audiences, from the elderly to the visually impaired to younger generations. Lifelong learning is not just a goal; it is a necessity in staying ahead of the digital curve.
Giovanna Bottani, ST Foundation COO
Giovanna also emphasized the importance of tailored content, noting that different groups—from the elderly to the visually impaired to younger generations—have unique needs and aspirations. By creating content that resonates with these audiences, we can make a lasting impact.
One of the most pressing topics discussed was continuous learning.
As the digital landscape evolves rapidly, the need to keep learning and adapting is more critical than ever. At ST Foundation, we are committed to fostering lifelong learning, ensuring that individuals can stay ahead of the digital curve.
The forum underscored that tackling the digital divide requires concerted efforts from all sectors, and platforms like this are essential in driving real, actionable change.
We are grateful for the opportunity to be there and contribute to the discussion, and we look forward to the next meetings.
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