Digital transformation is no longer a future trend but a reality that profoundly impacts development worldwide. While digital technologies offer significant opportunities to accelerate sustainable development, their impact is complex and requires careful consideration. It is important to recognise both the potential for progress and the inherent risks of exacerbating existing inequalities, both within and between nations. Furthermore, it’s vital to acknowledge that leadership and innovation in the digital sphere are not confined to the Global North; many LMICs are pioneering context-specific solutions and demonstrating best practices from which the world can learn.

Digital technologies can be powerful catalysts for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).. They fuel economic growth by connecting individuals to markets and opportunities. From precision agriculture and telemedicine to e-governance, their impact is vast. Importantly, digital platforms facilitate global collaboration, enabling a two-way exchange of knowledge and the scaling of innovative solutions, regardless of their origin. This includes, and values, South-South, North-South, and North-North collaborations.

However, the transformative power of digital technologies is not inherently inclusive or universally beneficial. The advantages are not equally distributed, and the risks extend beyond the commonly discussed “digital divide.” The very structure of the global digital economy presents challenges to equitable development. While access to technology within countries is vital, inclusivity must also encompass a fair distribution of the economic benefits of digital transformation across nations. All countries must have the opportunity to shape the digital future, and the global architecture must support, not hinder, their participation.

Several critical concerns demand attention. Disparities in digital access, affordability, literacy, and relevant content create and reinforce inequalities, both within countries and between them. Algorithmic bias, inherent in AI systems trained on skewed data, can perpetuate discrimination. Data privacy and security vulnerabilities disproportionately impact vulnerable populations and countries with less robust regulatory frameworks. The rapid pace of automation and AI adoption threatens job displacement, particularly in sectors crucial to LMIC economies, requiring proactive strategies for reskilling and social protection. Furthermore, the ability of multinational corporations to utilise AI to minimise tax liabilities can erode the fiscal capacity of all nations, hindering their ability to invest in public services and development initiatives. Finally, the spread of misinformation through digital channels and the potential for technology to be used in conflicts pose serious threats to political stability and development progress.

Simply deploying technology is, therefore, insufficient. Uncritical adoption can worsen existing inequalities and create new vulnerabilities. A global perspective, valuing diverse experiences, is paramount.

The conference, therefore, centers on a crucial guiding question: How can we harness the transformative potential of digital technologies for sustainable development in a way that is truly inclusive, equitable, and empowering?

This question is not merely academic; it is a call to action. It demands that we move beyond simplistic narratives of technological progress and critically examine the social, economic, and political forces that shape the digital landscape. We must consider the diverse needs and experiences of all stakeholders, from individuals within communities to entire nations on the global stage, prioritising the most vulnerable. The goal should be to develop strategies that not only maximise the benefits of digital technologies but also minimise and manage their risks, fostering a digital future where innovation from all parts of the world contributes to genuine global equity and sustainable development.