Digital transformation is not an end in itself but a means to improve quality of life, expand access to essential services, and generate sustainable economic opportunities. However, without intentional planning, it can amplify existing inequalities and exclude the most vulnerable. Therefore, UNDP advocates for a strategy that promotes a "whole-of-society inclusive digital transformation," engaging governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, and local communities in building open, accountable, and resilient digital ecosystems.

The document highlights concrete benefits of this vision: acceleration of social protection programs, improvement in public service delivery, reduction of corruption, promotion of employment and economic growth, increased business productivity, and enhancement of human-centered products and services. Case studies from Togo, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Uganda, and Ukraine illustrate how inclusive digitalization can generate tangible and sustainable impacts across diverse contexts.

As a practical guide, the policy brief identifies ten emerging best practices, grouped into four categories:

1. Strategic Preparedness: Development of participatory policies, institutional strengthening, and creation of digital safeguards.

2. Investment in Infrastructure: Ensuring meaningful connectivity, leveraging digital public goods, and responsible data management.

3. Investment in People: Promoting digital literacy, building national capacities, and creating diverse, interdisciplinary teams.

4. People-Centered Services: Designing inclusive business models and accessible digital services.

These practices are not intended as a one-size-fits-all solution but as an adaptable source of inspiration, recognizing that each country’s digital readiness and context vary. The approach is iterative and context-specific, acknowledging that accelerating digital transformation requires transforming not only technologies but also mindsets, institutional structures, and power dynamics.

UNDP reaffirms its commitment to working with governments and development actors to strengthen public policies that place technology at the service of the common good. Through this approach, digital transformation becomes a lever to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals with equity, resilience, and sustainability, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.

This article was originally published in:
https://www.undp.org/publications/inclusive-design-accelerating-digital-transformation-global-goals