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In Southeast Asia, COVID-19 Speeds Transition to Digital Technologies

As the novel coronavirus has undertaken its deadly migration across the globe, most attention has understandably focused on its immediate public health consequences, as well as the downstream economic consequences of the lockdown measures needed to contain it.

A less remarked development, however, has been the changes to everyday life that have resulted from the contagion. In particular, a new report reveals the extent to which COVID-19 has driven a dramatic uptake of digital technologies across Southeast Asia, accelerating a profound shift that was already underway.

Flattening the curve of COVID-19

In Asia and the Pacific, the impact of COVID-19 has been tremendous due to the high concentration of people, economic activities and resource consumption. Coronavirus threatens economic, social and medical well-being of millions and we must act now to protect Asia's most vulnerable Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, the UN Under-Secretary-General and ESCAP’s Executive Secretary wrote in the Nikkei Asian Review on the 2nd of April.

Measuring the Digital Divide in the Asia-Pacific Region for the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

This report’s findings suggest that the best way to measure the digital divide in the Asia-Pacific region is to use a multidimensional approach that captures the economic, social, political and cultural complexities of the digital divide, and reflects on their impact on individuals, businesses and governments.

2018 Digital Development Awards

The potential of digital technologies and services has given way to the promise of a digital world, spurring economic growth, improving health outcomes, and lifting millions out of poverty. Tapping into this potential and promise is central to USAID’s mission of helping countries on their journey to self-reliance by promoting inclusive growth and resilient, democratic societies while advancing our security and prosperity. In an effort to recognize USAID Missions, the Lab is hosting the second annual Digital Development Awards (“the Digis”).
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