The poorest 40% of the world’s population remain unconnected.
There is no doubt that humankind is developing at an astonishing rate. However, development is occurring at two different speeds depending on access to information and digital services. Inequality is at unforeseen levels and continuing to grow.
The United Nations established their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) laying out a plan for the enhanced health of the planet and its people by 2030. Peace, prosperity and equal opportunity underly the social aims of the SDGs.
theunconnected.org has been established to help everyone to play a part in achieving these Goals. Connectivity plays a fundamental role in delivering the targets by 2030.
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Andrew Atkinson and Ben Mansell
Founders of the theunconnected.org
The impact of connectivity
Economic inclusion.
Whether it be providing access to financial tools or digital identity, connectivity explodes the inclusion of individuals into the economy.
Health.
Connectivity provides rural populations with access health practitioners over mobile phones, sometime meaning the difference between life and death.
Access to information.
Simple information that we take for granted in the developing world, like weather forecasts can make or break a season’s crop.
Safety.
Particularly for young females in developing countries, mobile phones provide a safety tool. Security is a major benefit of mobile telephony.
Education.
Particularly in melted areas, access to education can rely upon communications tools. Those that cannot afford it have no means to get an education.
Trade.
Connectivity allows traders to sell digitally, with pre-agreed prices, before travelling hours to a regional markets.
