On average, people spend 6.5 hours online each day. This shows how deeply digital technology is woven into our daily lives, from work to socializing and entertainment. Today, technology has become the invisible thread that stitches together the world as we know it. Expanding our intellectual, physiological and biological boundaries, the digital transformation is a tale of two worlds – one that enhances our potential for good and another that strengthens our capacity for evil. 

As we move through this complex digital environment, it's important to understand its complexities and recognize that the future is not a far-off concept – it is unfolding right before our eyes.

Digital benefits 

Digitalization has pushed humanity forward, unlocking opportunities for development and growth we once thought impossible. The UNDP is integrating digital solutions into its programmes, targeting 100 million people escape poverty, providing access to clean energy for 500 million individuals, and mobilizing over US$ 1 trillion in investments toward creating a fairer world. Our Digital Strategy 2022-2025 emphasizes that digital technologies can empower individuals and communities to participate extensively in economic, social, and political life. UNDP's global Data Futures Platform also provides cross-sectoral data and expertise in health, social security, economic recovery and investments. 

The promising case of Belarus 

Belarus is embracing digital innovation to advance human development through technology. With LTE cellular communications cover 99% of the population, and wireless broadband Internet covers 89.4% of residents. 

The country is leveraging digital solutions to enhance public services. The national "Smart Cities of Belarus" project, for instance, has applied digital technologies to transform urban environments, making them safer, more comfortable, and sustainable. Belarus' small towns have become a showcase for modern digital solutions that reduce heat loss from buildings, improve buildings retrofit, and enhance the quality of services for residents. Beyond the urban infrastructure and energy sectors, digital technology equips young people with skills for the future job market. The country is also digitizing over 400 administrative procedures, from vehicle registration to housing rentals, making everyday tasks more accessible. Ranked 22 in the Global Innovation Index, Belarus demonstrates a strong commitment to harnessing digital technology for sustainable progress. 

Working the razor’s edge 

However, the digital age comes with its own set of challenges. The digital divide - a gap that separates the connected from the disconnected – remains a significant challenge. Despite advancements in satellite technology, 2.5 billion people remain offline. Privacy concerns grow as more personal data moves online, and AI, though promising, brings risks like disinformation. In 2023, the business sector identified AI-driven disinformation as a critical global challenge. 

Navigating the complexities 

We need to prioritize people as we navigate the digital transformation. This means investing in digital literacy, ensuring equal access to technology and developing inclusive, safe and secure regulatory frameworks to drive technological evolution. 

A collaborative effort between UNDP and Belarus 

The global effort to harness digital technologies for positive change is exemplified by the collaboration between UNDP and Belarus. Together we develop and integrate digital solutions that benefit vulnerable groups, support small and medium-sized businesses, and aid in addressing climate change. Thus, by working with the Ministry of Economy, we supported the EcoSota platform that boosted local production in rural areas – such as beekeeping and horticulture – by more than 3.5 times. We introduced digital tools for ecotourism, offering virtual tours around Belarusian nature reserves. For urban administrations, we developed digital solutions to improve data management systems for informed decision-making. We supported data analysis to enhance Belarus's climate change mitigation efforts. 

Helping to shape better digital future for all 

Looking ahead, UNDP and the Ministry of Communications and Informatization of Belarus are joining forces to assess the country's digital readiness. This evaluation will shape Belarus’ National Digital Development Strategy for the upcoming five years, focusing on governance, regulation, business, and the community. By concentrating on these dimensions, the assessment will help establish a digital transformation framework that is both forward-thinking and ethically sound. 

As we embrace digital transformation, it’s up to us to ensure that technology works for everyone, not just a few. By focusing on ethical, inclusive, and sustainable digital practices, we can create a future where technology builds bridges and leaves no one behind.