Attachments
Part 1
executive summary
In 2023, UNICEF’s Information and Communications Technology Division (ICTD) continued to play a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission to protect, support and secure a better future for children around the world. Against the backdrop of a complex global landscape increasingly affected by armed conflict, climate change, economic shocks and other challenges, ICTD intensified its efforts to close the digital divide, foster digital innovation and improve learning opportunities for children and young people.
UNICEF's work, including ICTD, has proven crucial in areas hit by humanitarian crises. In the State of Palestine, Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, Yemen and West and Central Africa, conflicts and natural disasters have disproportionately affected children, necessitating urgent and sustained interventions. Two such examples, the devastating earthquake in Morocco in September 2023 and severe floods in Libya, highlighted the need for resilient digital infrastructure to support emergency responses and ongoing programmes.
Recognizing the growing impacts of climate change, ICTD has shifted its focus to digital solutions to reduce risks and increase resilience. Nearly half of all children live in countries that are highly vulnerable to climate change, highlighting the urgent need to develop robust digital infrastructure. In regions such as West and Central Africa, unreliable electricity and inadequate ICT infrastructure exacerbate the digital divide, further isolating vulnerable communities. At the same time, advances in digital technologies and innovative approaches in areas such as digital payments and mobile money are showing promise in addressing these challenges.
ICTD continued to work to bridge the digital divide in several regions. In South Asia, the high cost of broadband internet and smartphones meant many children had no access to the internet, with only 12% of school-age children having access to the internet at home. In response, UNICEF prioritized digital inclusion to ensure every child could benefit from digital tools. Elsewhere, examples of this include our partnership with Airtel Africa, which has connected over 1,066 schools and 1.7 million children in Eastern and Southern Africa to a digital learning platform.
In 2023, Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerged as a key focus. Recognizing AI as a potentially powerful tool to advance children’s rights globally, UNICEF has taken steps aligned with the UN Global Digital Compact to harness AI’s potential and mitigate its risks. This has also highlighted the need to equip all UNICEF stakeholders with the skills necessary to operate and utilize digital tools effectively and securely. Meanwhile, the continued push for digital transformation by ICTD has underscored the need for a comprehensive, ecosystem-wide approach to strengthen the digital dexterity of UNICEF staff, partners and beneficiaries.
The year 2023 marks the midpoint of UNICEF's Strategic Plan 2022-2025, and ICTD has made significant contributions to advancements in data analytics, digital education, e-health platforms and remote collaboration. Integrating digital technologies into operations and programmes is critical to UNICEF's mission for children, as evidenced by an increasing number of requests that incorporate digital components.
Looking ahead, UNICEF ICTD is poised to continue its work to empower vulnerable children through innovative digital solutions. Bridging the digital divide remains a priority to ensure equitable access to the benefits of digital technologies. Collaboration and co-creation are essential, and ICTD will work with governments, donors, private sector partners and local stakeholders to foster cross-sectoral efforts. Embracing evidence-based decision-making and promoting ethical AI applications will be key to implementing more effective programs and improving outcomes for children.
UNICEF ICTD's digital innovation efforts have already led to numerous successful projects. In 2024 and beyond, the focus will be on expanding and sustaining these efforts while exploring new digital frontiers. By addressing the digital divide and harnessing the potential of digital innovation and technology, UNICEF ICTD aims to create a more inclusive and resilient future for all children.
