Agenda for Action to extend internet access and boost capacity to fight COVID-19

An emergency virtual meeting of the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development recently adopted an Agenda for Action outlining immediate measures that governments, industry, the international community and civil society can take to shore-up digital networks, strengthen capacity at critical connectivity points (such as hospitals and transport hubs) and boost digital access and inclusivity, with the aim of strengthening the collective response to the COVID-19 crisis now sweeping the world.

Built around three pillars: Resilient Connectivity, Affordable Access and Safe Use for Informed and Educated Societies, the agenda serves as a framework for the Commission's 50+ Commissioners and their organisations to share their own initiatives, make new commitments and foster collaboration and partnership.

Over 100 representatives from around the world participated in the virtual meeting, which brought together stakeholders from international organisations; the tech sector; civil society and academia; including global CEOs; heads of agency and leaders of tech and health industry bodies. A special guest was UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Advisor, Fabrizio Hochschild.

To view the Agenda for Action, see https://www.broadbandcommission.org/COVID19/Pages/default.aspx