Roll out of the infrastructure required for a better digital future is happening — incrementally — through projects and initiatives for connectivity around the world.
The Partner2Connect Digital Coalition (P2C) led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) seeks a more equitable and inclusive world through digital technologies. ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin has set an ambitious goal of mobilizing USD 100 billion worth of pledges through the platform by 2026.
P2C is now more than halfway there, surpassing the USD 50 billion mark in commitments by May 2024, and reaching USD 54.27 billion by year end.
More than 450 entities, including governments, private sector entities, international organizations, academia, and civil society groups, have submitted over 950 commitments through the P2C online platform. Infrastructure development, notably, constitutes almost half of P2C commitments to date, involving mobile, satellite, and broadband technologies, as well as artificial intelligence (AI).
Strategic investments and impact
P2C pledges represent 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 USD 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.
Partner2Connect serves as an open and impartial platform for mobilizing 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 implementation of their pledges is progressing. Aggregated data and key indicators about progress are publicly available through the P2C online platform.
Success stories
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, new broadband networks are helping connect rural schools, while connectivity in healthcare centres is 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.
These examples and others illustrate the transformative power of digital connectivity.
Governments around the world have committed significant public funds to support digital infrastructure projects.
Private-sector companies, including major tech companies and telecom 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 organizations, for their part, have pledged on-the-ground support to ensure connectivity initiatives are inclusive and reach even the most marginalized populations.
The road ahead
The journey towards universal and meaningful connectivity is far from over. Connecting everyone, everywhere will take continued investment, innovation, and cooperation, along with steady implementation.
Partner2Connect aims to demonstrate what leadership, resources, and inclusive collaboration can do.
ITU hopes this multi-stakeholder model will catalyse further action.
Ultimately, the coalition represents a shared commitment to open opportunities, create a fully connected world, and build a digital future for all.
Register for the upcoming annual meeting
This year’s P2C Annual Meeting, taking place at ITU Headquarters on 30 January, reflects the dynamic and evolving spirit of P2C, offering you engaging discussions, interactive sessions, and valuable networking opportunities.
Learn more and register to participate in person or virtually
Header image credit: Adobe Stock
