World Bank Group Hosts Second Annual Global Digital Summit to Drive Digital Inclusion and Economic Growth

Recognizing these challenges, the World Bank Group reaffirmed its commitment to closing this gap through targeted investments, regulatory frameworks, and partnerships.

The World Bank Group convened its second annual Global Digital Summit today, gathering influential leaders from the public and private sectors to explore opportunities for expanding digital technology initiatives and driving large-scale impact. This high-level event underscored the urgent need to bridge the digital divide, expand digital public infrastructure (DPI), and promote inclusive digital development for all—particularly women and underserved communities.

Addressing the Global Digital Divide

Despite rapid advancements in technology, the digital divide remains a pressing global challenge. According to recent estimates, 2.6 billion people still lack internet access, and millions more face barriers to reliable, affordable connectivity. These disparities hinder economic opportunities, limit access to essential services, and exacerbate social inequalities.

Recognizing these challenges, the World Bank Group reaffirmed its commitment to closing this gap through targeted investments, regulatory frameworks, and partnerships. A central theme of the summit was the role of digital public infrastructure in fostering inclusive and sustainable digital economies. DPI encompasses foundational digital services such as digital IDs, electronic payments, and secure data-sharing platforms—key enablers for accessing jobs, banking, healthcare, and education. Strengthening these systems ensures that every individual, regardless of location or socioeconomic status, can participate in the digital economy securely and efficiently.

Scaling the Accelerating Digitalization Global Challenge Program

A key focus of the summit was the expansion of the Accelerating Digitalization Global Challenge Program, an initiative designed to help nations implement digital solutions more rapidly and effectively. The program aims to support governments in scaling up their digital efforts by fostering innovation, facilitating cross-border collaboration, and developing integrated digital markets.

Through shared infrastructure and regulatory harmonization, the program creates an environment conducive to private sector investment, allowing businesses to scale digital solutions efficiently. The initiative also promotes knowledge-sharing across regions, ensuring that best practices and technological advancements benefit multiple countries simultaneously.

As digital transformation reshapes economies, the program aims to equip nations with the necessary tools to leverage digital technologies for economic growth, job creation, and social development. With a focus on inclusivity, the program integrates policies that support marginalized groups, ensuring that digital transformation benefits all sectors of society.

Expanding Connectivity and Digital Skills for Women

In a landmark announcement, the World Bank Group, in collaboration with the Digital Development Partnership and funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, launched a new initiative to expand affordable internet connectivity and digital skills training for women in low- and middle-income countries. This initiative aligns with the World Bank’s broader objective of connecting 300 million more women to broadband by 2030, helping to close the gender gap in digital access.

Women disproportionately face barriers to digital participation due to factors such as affordability, digital literacy gaps, and cultural constraints. By addressing these challenges, the new initiative seeks to empower women with the tools needed to access online education, entrepreneurship opportunities, and essential digital services. The effort will include tailored training programs, access to affordable mobile broadband, and policy recommendations to foster gender-inclusive digital development.

The Role of the Private Sector in Digital Development

The summit also highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in driving digital transformation. Leaders from major technology firms, financial institutions, and telecom providers engaged in discussions on expanding broadband access, scaling digital financial services, and strengthening cybersecurity frameworks. By collaborating with governments and international organizations, the private sector can play a crucial role in building resilient digital ecosystems and ensuring sustainable development outcomes.

One key outcome of the discussions was a renewed focus on innovative financing models that encourage investment in digital infrastructure. The World Bank Group emphasized the need for blended finance approaches, where public sector funding is leveraged to attract private capital, thereby scaling investments in digital infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions.

A Call to Action for a Digital Future

Closing the summit, Sangbu Kim, World Bank Vice President for Digital Transformation, reiterated the institution’s commitment to accelerating digital inclusion worldwide.

“Digital transformation is one of the greatest opportunities of our time to drive growth and inclusion, especially at a moment when development is at a critical inflection point. Digital technology can spark innovation, create jobs, and break down barriers to opportunity. With over 80 years of experience, the World Bank Group is uniquely positioned to help nations harness digital solutions for a more resilient future.”

The Global Digital Summit reaffirmed the World Bank Group’s role as a leader in digital development and set the stage for further initiatives aimed at bridging the global digital divide. As digital technologies continue to evolve, collaborative efforts between governments, the private sector, and development organizations will be essential in ensuring that all individuals—regardless of geography or socioeconomic status—can fully participate in the digital economy.