Improving connectivity, investing in technological development, increasing the digital offer and digital skills are key to guarantee access to more efficient services for all.
The virtual event of the Italian G20 on "connectivity and social inclusion" aimed to address the beneficial effects on society that the potential linked to innovation, inclusion and sustainable growth can have through the massive spread of connectivity and information technologies.
The crisis triggered by COVID-19 has underscored the essential nature of connectivity in facilitating interactions between people, organizations and machines and the extreme relevance of connected devices in critical settings such as health, education, manufacturing and transportation.
During the event, the lack access to the Internet and to information technologies were highlighted as two of the major factors of social exclusion. The importance of driving technological development with a human-centered approach, while promoting participation in education and training for all in order to bridge gender gaps and challenge stereotypes was also acknowledged.
The event, also thanks to the sharing of best practices, highlighted how improving connectivity, investing in technological development, increasing the digital offer and digital skills, in urban, rural or crisis scenarios, can guarantee access to more efficient services for all, a greater range of choices for consumers and more opportunities for businesses.
Finally, the use of ICT, as well as participation in STEM studies, was recognized as a key factor capable of offering multiple opportunities to promote gender equality and women's empowerment.
More infos on the event:
The meeting agenda:
https://www.mise.gov.it/images/stories/documenti/G20_AGENDA_CSI_Event_vFIN2_apr2021.pdf
