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July 07.2025
3 Minutes Read

Bridging the Digital Divide: Essential Steps Towards Inclusivity

Close-up of hands using smartphone highlighting digital divide.

Understanding the Global Digital Divide

In today's connected world, the internet is vital for economic, educational, and social success. Yet, a staggering 2.6 billion people remain completely offline, intensifying the digital divide that separates nations and communities. This exclusion is not just a statistic; it represents lost opportunities, diminished potential, and increasing inequality. As the head of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), Deemah AlYahya emphasizes the urgency of bridging this gap, proclaiming: 'Global digital transformation won’t be truly transformative unless it’s inclusive.'

Why Digital Inclusion Is Crucial

Digital inclusion is foundational for any society striving for equitable growth. To foster a resilient digital economy, barriers must be dismantled, particularly for women, youth, and marginalized communities. Initiatives like WE-Elevate are specifically tailored to empower women-led businesses in emerging markets such as Rwanda, Gambia, and Nigeria. By providing digital skills training and e-commerce platforms with integrated logistics, these programs aim not only to connect but to help individuals thrive in the digital marketplace.

The Challenge of Varied Progress

Despite the progress being made, the disparity in digital readiness among countries presents a significant challenge. High-income countries benefit from robust digital infrastructure and governance, while low-income countries struggle to establish basic connections. AlYahya notes the importance of sustained dialogue and trust-building across nations as a prerequisite to finding common ground for collaboration.

Envisioning a Sustainable Digital Future

Looking ahead, the DCO has ambitious plans for 2030. The integration of AI and automation is expected to revolutionize businesses worldwide, but this offers both opportunities and potential disruptions. The organization's long-term goal is to ensure that the benefits of digital advancement are shared equitably across all communities. Success metrics will not merely focus on technological uptake but will also assess whether individuals and communities are truly gaining from their online presence.

Local Efforts for Global Impact

As digital initiatives expand, local communities have a crucial role in shaping the global conversation around digital access. For instance, community gardens and local markets leveraging e-commerce not only provide economic opportunities but also foster social connections. This grassroots approach ensures sustainability while promoting ethical consumerism through local, organic products.

How the Digital Divide Affects Environmental Sustainability

The intersection of digital inclusion and sustainability cannot be overstated. Access to information and tools through digital platforms can significantly empower communities to adopt sustainable lifestyles. From promoting renewable energy solutions to enabling better waste management practices, an inclusive digital environment supports global efforts to combat issues like plastic pollution and climate change.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

Addressing the digital divide is not just about connecting people to the internet. It requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes sustainability, social responsibility, and community empowerment. As readers, embracing sustainable living practices—be it through conscious consumption or supporting local green businesses—contributes to a more equitable future for everyone. Knowing this, consider how your day-to-day choices can impact the world around you and how you can get involved in supporting and demanding digital access in your own community.

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07.07.2025

Why Stable Land Leases Are Crucial for Singapore's Solar Energy Future

Update EDP's Vision for Solar Growth in Singapore In the pursuit of a sustainable future, EDP Renewables, one of the world’s leading renewable energy providers, is urging the Singapore government to explore more stable and long-term land use rights for solar deployment. Currently, land leasing arrangements in Singapore are often temporary, which poses significant challenges for long-term solar installations. Filipa Ricciardi, Asia Pacific Executive Director of EDP Renewables, highlighted the company’s commitment to enhancing solar capacity in Singapore, a city-state facing land scarcity. Despite attempts to maximize unused spaces, the temporary nature of land leases has hindered solar expansion, making it challenging to meet the increasing demand for clean energy from corporate investors. Understanding the Nature of Land Leases The prevailing land leasing system in Singapore provides licenses that are often limited to short terms, typically up to three years but can extend to 21 years under the JTC's SolarLand initiative. These licenses allow companies to convert temporarily vacant plots into solar farms, thus supporting Singapore’s goal of installing 2 GWp of solar energy by 2030. However, Ricciardi advocates for a more extended lease period of up to 35 years, aligning better with the lifespan of solar panels, which is generally between 25 to 30 years. This would not only provide reassurance to developers but also attract more investments in renewable energy. The Role of Corporations in Solar Adoption As demand for solar energy surges, particularly from large corporations leveraging Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), the need for a stable foundation for solar projects becomes paramount. 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07.07.2025

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