Digital Development is Humanitarian Relief
The rapid development and adoption of digital technology are transforming economies and societies around the world. Digital solutions can help countries skip traditional stages of progress. Digital ecosystems can provide unique opportunities for communities to accelerate their social growth.
What is Digital Development?
Digital Development is the use of information and communication technologies to to magnify the intent of communities to accelerate their social and economic development. These solutions help countries leverage technology innovations to reduce poverty and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Practitioners use the Principles of Digital Development implementation methodologies to create successful technology-enabled programs for humanitarian aid and relief.
Why is Digital Development Important?
Digital development can help people live more free and prosperous lives. These solutions provide a unique opportunity for countries to accelerate economic growth and connect citizens to services and jobs.
In times of crisis, from natural disasters to pandemics such COVID-19, digital technologies keep people, governments and businesses connected. They foster community resilience and national self-reliance.
Multiple international development donors are funding ICT4D programs, including:
- USAID: United States Agency for International Development
- CDC: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- DFID: Department for International Development
- The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
USAID released a Digital Strategy to help end the need for foreign assistance. The strategy focuses on digitally-supported programming that maximizes benefits and manages digital technology risks in communities.
Examples of Digital Development Programs
International development donors are funding ICT4D programs to improve social and economic outcomes of humanitarian aid programs. These solutions include technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data, chatbots, digital financial services, and geographic information systems.
Here are more digital development solutions for you to review:
Read Now: USAID’s First Ever Digital Development Strategy
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Please RSVP Now: Global Digital Development Forum – a Virtual ICT4D Conference
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10 Most Valuable GitHub Repositories for Digital Development
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Coronavirus Canceled Your Conference – Let’s Organize a Virtual Event!
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New USAID Tool for Investing in Your Digital Development Solution
Many USAID activities implement digital solutions to make development more adaptive, efficient, and responsive to citizens and decision-makers.
Using ICT4D solutions...
What is in USAID’s First Ever Digital Development Strategy?
Building on decades of USAID leadership in digital development, soon USAID will launch its first Digital Strategy (2019-2024), an Agency-wide vision for development...
Want DFID Grant Funding? Then Use Digital Principles in Your Proposals
The Department for International Development (DFID) is a United Kingdom government department responsible for administering £10.9 billion GBP in overseas aid....
Which ICT4D Solution is Best for Your Project?
When you buy electronic hardware like mobile phones or laptops, you check reviews, comparisons, test videos, and other resources typical for consumer products. ...
Is a Post-ICT4D World Coming? What Will You Do About It?
I’m finding great unease in recent conversations with leading technology for development practitioners in Washington, DC and elsewhere. They are all nervous...
What Do We Call Ourselves Now: ICT4D? Digital Development? Or…?
Recently, a young Millennial was shocked when I said I was an ICT4D practitioner. She responded with a credulous, “Who calls it ICT4D anymore?” and...
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