Countries around the world are prioritizing digital transformation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, as the 2030 deadline for the SDGs approaches, the progress of digital transformation remains uneven among UN member states.
Despite the ongoing digital divide, which raises concerns of further widening gaps, a UN report has shown growth in e-government development. This progress is driven by countries launching and expanding strategies, policies, governance initiatives, and increasing investments in e-governance.
A biennial publication by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, released a week ago, provides detailed assessments of the global digital landscape. It does so through the E-Government Development Index (EGDI) and the Local Online Services Index (LOSI) of all UN member states.
The E-Government Survey 2024: Accelerating Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development also includes a special supplement on one of the defining issues of our time: Artificial Intelligence (AI).
"The development of digital government has seen a significant upward trend worldwide, with all regions leveraging technology to enhance government services and improve public engagement. This shift accelerated during the post-pandemic recovery period, with increased investments in resilient infrastructure and advanced solutions such as cloud computing and broadband," the report noted.
Rapid digitalization, the rise of remote work, AI integration in services, an emphasis on digital identity and data management, and the use of data and emerging technologies in policymaking are the major global megatrends identified in the report.
The survey highlighted AI as a key issue influencing government operations, creating both opportunities and challenges. It also stressed the need to bridge the widening gaps in technology adoption to ensure justice for all.
The report is divided into five chapters: a digital government model for sustainable development, global trends in e-government, regional e-government development and country group performance, local e-government development, and an addendum on AI and digital government.
According to the report, the digital divide remains a significant barrier to progress. Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs at the United Nations, LI Junhua, commented, "The survey underscores that the digital divide remains a major challenge, particularly in developing regions like Africa and Oceania, and for countries in special situations. Disparities in access and capacity continue to hinder progress toward the 2030 Agenda."
Junhua emphasized the need for intensified initiatives and innovative solutions to close these gaps, noting that they may not be bridged by 2030, despite positive developments and projections.
The UN E-Government Survey was prepared by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), through its Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG).
The Global E-Government Survey has been conducted for two decades, with biennial publications.
The EGDI is based on three components: the Online Services Index, the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index, and the Human Capital Index. LOSI, on the other hand, measures institutional framework, service provision, content provision, technology, e-participation, and e-government literacy.
Nepal Shows Improvement, Among LDCs Leading Digital Development
Nepal has made significant strides in digital adoption since 2022.
The report stated, "Among the LDCs, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Rwanda, Nepal, Cambodia, and Zambia have been leading digital development since 2022, and in 2024, Senegal and Myanmar joined these high performers."
Nepal is listed among 25 countries in the middle OSI group, which includes Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Botswana, and Cambodia.
However, Nepal still lags behind many countries. Globally, among all UN member states, Nepal ranks 119th with an EGDI score of 0.5781.
Meanwhile, the countries topping the EGDI rankings are Denmark, Estonia, Singapore, Iceland, the Republic of Korea, and Saudi Arabia, all demonstrating strong digital leadership.
India's global rank in the EGDI is 97, China ranks 35, Bangladesh is 100, and Bhutan stands at 103.
In the 2022 EGDI global rankings, Nepal was positioned at 125. -- RSS