Title: Resolution Working Towards the Realisation of Digital Connection as a Basic Human Rights

Submitted by Democratic Alliance (DA)

Noting that:

• Across the developing world, and particularly in Africa, access to the internet and digital connectivity remains limited, particularly in underserved and rural communities, exacerbating social and economic inequalities.
• In many African countries, inadequate infrastructure and high costs prevent millions from accessing digital resources, leaving the vast majority of people disconnected from essential services.
• The digital divide disproportionately affects rural areas, women, and marginalised groups, restricting their ability to access education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
• The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and exacerbated the digital divide in the developing world, highlighting the urgent need for universal, reliable, and affordable digital access in order to acquire the opportunities to support livelihoods and socio-economic development.

Believing that:

• Digital connection is vital for improving access to critical services such as education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, especially for rural and underserved communities across the developing world.
• Equitable digital access is critical tool and essential for overcoming poverty, reducing inequality, and empowering marginalised groups, allowing them to participate fully in society and the global economy.
• Ensuring universal digital access will foster innovation, economic growth, and social inclusion, contributing to sustainable development, poverty reduction and improve the lives of many people.
• Governments, international organisations and the private sector must work together to provide affordable digital infrastructure to rural and underserved communities, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Considering that:

• The African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals both emphasise the importance of digital connectivity as a key driver for development and poverty eradication.
• Africa’s young and growing population can benefit immensely from universal digital access, gaining skills, education, and employment opportunities to improve livelihoods and contribute to economic growth.
• Lack of access to the internet and digital resources unfairly limits civic engagement, stifling participation in democratic processes and the right to access information.
• Several developing nations are already making strides in expanding digital infrastructure, but more must be done to ensure inclusivity and address the specific needs of rural communities.

Calling for:

• African governments, in partnership with international organisations and private sector stakeholders, to establish national digital infrastructure plans aimed at providing affordable, reliable internet access to all, especially in rural and low-income areas.
• The development of public-private partnerships to accelerate the expansion of internet coverage, including building affordable mobile and broadband networks in underserved regions.
• Implementing targeted subsidies and incentives for internet service providers to offer low-cost internet packages to disadvantaged communities, ensuring affordability and inclusivity.
• Establishing community-based digital literacy programs to empower rural and marginalised populations to use digital resources effectively, promoting economic opportunities and social inclusion.
• International cooperation to develop funding mechanisms, such as development aid or infrastructure investment, that prioritise digital connectivity projects in developing nations, helping to bridge the digital divide.
• Regular monitoring and reporting by governments and regional organisations to track progress in achieving universal digital access, with accountability measures to ensure that underserved communities are prioritised in these efforts.
• All the above in a bid to move towards the recognition that universal digital access be formally recognised as a fundamental human right.