Digital Transformation and Global Inequality: A Challenge for Sustainable Development

Abstract

Digital transformation is the main medium of 21st century economic progress and innovation. But it is not equally distributed around the world. This report seeks to investigate the effects of the rapid technological development, such as digital infrastructure, AI and internet, in further exacerbating the existing divide between global north and global south. The advancement in digital technology can contribute to enhancing the economic development and the field of education and better governance. But lack of access to internet and digital literacy continues to limit many communities, especially in Global South. The study is an analysis of the influence of the digital divide on the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the SDG fields of quality education, economic growth and reduced inequalities. It looks at structural obstacles to equal access to digital technologies such as weak infrastructure, lack of digital skills and economic gaps. Governments, international organisations and other stakeholders in tackling these issues are also explored. It states that access to digital technologies needs to be improved to bridge the divide between the Global North and the South, and to contribute to global sustainability development. This study employs a qualitative research approach with secondary data analysis to explore the correlation between digital transformation and inequality in the world of sustainable development.