System Transformation: How Digital Solutions Will Drive Progress Towards The Sustainable Development goals (SDGs)

In 2015, GeSI’s research revealed that every country faces significant gaps in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with more than half of the goals unmet in most nations. Digital solutions, however, offer a powerful tool to close these gaps. From healthcare to education and environmental protection, technology can directly contribute to the achievement of all 17 SDGs and more than half of the 169 specific targets.

Digital technologies, with their unprecedented speed of adoption, can drive rapid transformation. For example, while only 17% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s rural population has access to electricity after 130 years, 70% are connected to mobile networks just 23 years after their introduction. This highlights the accelerated potential of digital solutions to foster development in regions that have historically been underserved.

GeSI’s research also projects that by 2030, digital solutions could save 720,000 lives, connect 1.6 billion people to e-health services, and reduce CO₂ emissions by 12.1 gigatons annually. The ICT sector stands to gain economically as well, with an estimated $2.1 trillion in additional annual revenue from SDG-aligned digital solutions. However, to fully realize this potential, key barriers such as regulatory and financial challenges must be addressed, ensuring digital solutions are deployed responsibly and inclusively.

For Public:

• The System Transformation website is publicly available for viewing.