Digital public goods: because global challenges require digital solutions!
New digital solutions can be an important catalyst for social, economic and democratic development. Norwegian aid aims to promote the protection of private data, freedom of expression, human rights and access to fundamental social services in the digital sphere. Hence, digital public goods and digital public infrastructure are considered important drivers of change and digital transformation, provided they are implemented in a safe and sustainable way.
What
If we want to reach the UN Sustainability Goals by 2030, we need to invest in technology and digital innovation. Norway has been leading in this field, promoting digital public goods and digital public infrastructure.
Digital transformation usually refers to changes that are so transformative, that they change how the public and private sector works. They affect how we communicate, work and interact and creates a space for new services.
According to the UN Secretary General’s Roadmap for Digital Collaboration, Digital public goods are open-source software, open data, open AI systems, and open content collections that adhere to privacy and other applicable laws and best practices, do no harm, and help attain the SDGs. Digital public infrastructure are digital solutions and systems that allow the public and private sector to provide citizens with access to basic social services and service deliveries in a safe and efficient way.
Why
It is estimated that 2.7-2.9 billion people lack access to the internet, 96 percent of whom living in low and middle-income countries. Research shows that women are less likely to have access to the internet compared to men. Ineffective or the lack of good digital CRVS or ID systems mean that approximately 3.7 billion people are currently living without any form for identification, preventing the access of important and critical services.
By leveraging opportunities of technology, Norway is also supporting the development of sovereign, democratic and sustainable states. Hence, the potential for innovation should always be considered and assessed in Norwegian multilateral og bilateral collaboration and partnerships. If implemented right, digital public goods and digital public infrastructure has the potential to contribute to significant positive changes. For example, McKinsey Global Institute estimates that access to digital ID can contribute to economic growth of 3–13% of a country’s GDP.
How
Digital public goods and digital public infrastructure enable efficient and inclusive systems and increase innovation in both public and private sectors. Proper use can contribute to increased equality and protection of individual rights. Access to digital ID, civil registries, payment solutions, data sharing and information systems enables governments to plan welfare services and individuals to access basic rights such as education, access to bank accounts, healthcare, and social support.
How
Digital public goods and digital public infrastructure enable efficient and inclusive systems and increase innovation in both the public and private sectors. Proper use can contribute to increased equality and safeguarding of individual rights. Access to digital ID, civil registries, payment solutions and data sharing and information systems enables the authorities to plan welfare services and safeguard individuals’ fundamental rights such as the right to education, access to a bank account, healthcare and social security.
Who/Where
Norway, together with the Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA), UNICEF, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and others, has taken a leading role in promoting digital public goods and digital public infrastructure. This work is crucial at a time when many developing countries are experiencing rapid digital development.
Norway has, for a number of years, supported digital public goods in several sectors, especially health and education through our support to DHIS2, The Global Digital Library and EduApp4Syria. Norway also co-founded the Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA) in 2019. We also support partners such as MOSIP, OpenCRVS and ID4D/G2Px, supporting their work on open digital ID, CRVS, and payment solutions.
In recent years, Norway has been a pioneer and supported the work on digital public infrastructure and digital public goods. In 2023, Norway committed to the 50-in-5 campaign as a “first mover” country. The aim of the campaign is for 50 countries to design, launch and scale parts of their digital public infrastructure by 2028.
Technology and digital solutions are important for economic growth, inclusion, and addressing global challenges. Research, open data and artificial intelligence play a key role. Norway will continue to be a driving force for digital innovation and sustainability, especially through the work with digital public goods and digital public infrastructure. Through collaboration and investments in this area, we can contribute to a better future for all.
Links
- Report to the Storting no. 11 (2019-2020) “Digital transformation and development policy”
- Norway’s commitment to the 50-in-5 campaign: Implementing digital public infrastructure, safely and inclusively - 50-in-5 (50in5.net)
- Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA)
- UN Secretary General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation
Contact
For further information, please contact the Section for Partnerships