Digital inclusion by design: Leveraging existing infrastructure to leave no one behind

Diplo, UNEP, and Giga are co-organising an event hosted by the Giga Connectivity Centre in Geneva to explore how existing community anchor institutions can accelerate meaningful digital inclusion. Across many countries, post offices, schools, libraries, community centres, and other trusted public spaces form extensive physical networks that already support local populations in their daily lives. By equipping these institutions to offer digital literacy training and access to essential online services — such as e-government, e-commerce, e-learning, and digital financial services — policymakers can extend the benefits of the digital economy to those who are currently unreached, including people in rural and remote areas.

The discussion will showcase concrete examples of how integrating community anchor institutions into national digital transformation strategies can be a cost-effective and sustainable model for expanding connectivity where commercial service providers often do not operate. It will also look ahead at how lessons learned over the past 20 years can inform the next stage of global efforts to close digital divides — advancing the goals of WSIS and feeding into continuing WSIS+20 processes and preparations for the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting in December 2025.

The programme includes the presentation of the new UPU Digital Panorama report, showcasing how posts are successfully supporting governments in enabling inclusive digital transformation; Giga’s experience connecting schools worldwide; and the key role libraries play in digital access and skills development. The event will also benefit from the perspectives of Giga Learning Hub participants — from procurement officers to ICT policymakers — who are directly involved in national school connectivity initiatives.

This is an in-situ event only. Participation is free of charge, but seats are limited.