United Nations’ Future of Digital Government survey rated nations on the scope and quality of online services, the status of telecoms infrastructure and human capacity.
Denmark, Finland and the Republic of Korea occupy the top three spots of the United Nations’ e-government services ranking for 2022.
But the survey of 193 UN member states reveals that many have fallen short in providing adequate online services.
Digital government
The Future of Digital Government rated the nations on the scope and quality of online services, the status of telecommunication infrastructure and existing human capacity. It aims to support countries’ efforts to provide effective, accountable and inclusive digital services to all, bridge the digital divide and leave no one behind.
The top 15 countries are:
- Denmark
- Finland
- Republic of Korea
- New Zealand
- Sweden
- Iceland
- Australia
- Estonia
- Netherlands
- US
- UK
- Singapore
- United Arab Emirates
- Japan
- Malta
Improvements in telecommunications infrastructure and human capacity development means that the global E-Government Development Index (EGDI) average has increased overall. Eight countries have moved to the high EGDI group for the first time: Belize; Côte d’Ivoire; Guyana; Lebanon; Nepal; Rwanda; Tajikistan; and Zambia. Overall, 68.91 per cent of member states are at the high or very high EGDI level.
Although the data shows general increases in online services for vulnerable groups, evidence of pervasive digital divides is stark. All of the countries with the lowest EGDI rankings are those in special and developing situations. A range of human-centred issues related to access, affordability, general abilities, digital literacy and language are explored in the survey.
According to the 2022 survey, the number of countries providing digital services in the education sector has increased by 22 per cent, from 104- to 114 countries. The UN reports though that while the adoption of digital solutions in response to the Covid-19 pandemic has contributed to this growth, there has been uneven progress across different regions and different income levels. The recent Transforming Education Summit placed a spotlight on the critical role that equitable access to digital learning can play in advancing sustainable development.
“The survey results highlight that governments have remained focused on developing digital services and infrastructures, despite the global challenges of recent years,” said Li Junhua, UN under-secretary-general for economic and social affairs.
“Fulfilling our vision for leaving no one behind will require us to leave no one offline in the hybrid digital future.”
The United Nations E-Government Survey, published by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, is prepared over a two-year period following an established methodology. It looks at how digital government can facilitate integrated policies and services across 193 UN Member States.
For further information: UN E-GovernmentSurveys.
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Quelle/Source: Smart Cities World, 10.10.2022
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