Why this matters

The COVID-19 pandemic has put the spotlight on the crucial role of global partnerships. The inter-connected global economy requires a global response to ensure all countries, in particular developing countries, can address the compounding and parallel health, economic and environmental crises to recover better.

As of 2019, just over half of the world’s population is online, with a large digital divide observed among regions. For instance, while 85% of the population was using the Internet in Europe and Northern America, only 20% were connected in Least Developed Countries.

Content from the UN, read more here.

Our response

We are committed to maintaining good communications and building positive relationships with all of our stakeholders, as we see this as essential to strengthening our sustainable business.

This year, our Chief Executive, Nick Read, was appointed as a Commissioner to the UN Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, which brings together governments, civil society, industry and international organisations to address the digital divide, achieve universal broadband connectivity and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.