UN releases the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2021

Ahead of the UN High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, the UN released its Sustainable Development Goals Report 2021. The study highlights that the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation which, in turn, changed the way we work, learn and interact. At the same time, it highlights that despite some of the positive changes that took place last year only 16% of schools have internet services in least developed countries (LDCs) while the global average stands at 40%. Citing the importance of remote learning, the document also notes that only 26% of schools in LDCs have access to computers. Whereas the report stresses that internet coverage increased over the years, it points out that coverage does not equate to usage given that only 51% of the world’s population used the internet in 2019. On a more positive note, the report also points to the increase in demand for electronic devices which resulted in the rise of medium- and high-tech manufacturing in the third and fourth quarter of 2020.