Swedish telecoms company Ericsson has pledged to provide digital skills training and development to at least one million children by 2025 as part of a World Economic Forum challenge to increase digital literacy.
This marks the latest digital development program by Ericsson, who hope to bring digital skills to all. Credit: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock
The challenge should see 45 players in both the public and private sectors committed to prioritising digital inclusion as a foundation of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) so more people can benefit from the increasing digitalisation of our everyday lives.
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The scheme was revealed on December 9 by the group's CEO Börje Ekholm in a virtual address to the Global Forum for Children and Youth. The goals of the programme are to prepare people for the digital transformation and ensure as many people as possible can benefit.
The "One Billion Lives" challenge also includes other digital commitments from government, businesses and other types of organisations globally.
"Connectivity creates possibilities for all people", Ekholm said. "We believe it is a responsibility of government and business to work together to build a more equitable future for children and young people - digital connection is a critical enabler of this, ensuring that every young person has access to a quality internet connection and can acquire the necessary skills to thrive in a digital economy.
"This is why we are making this pledge to help narrow the digital divide and create a more equitable society. This is the latest milestone for Ericsson's Connect To Learn program, which has been working for over 10 years to advance digital inclusion. However, there is still much more to be done. We call on partners, customers, governments and NGOs to join us in pledging the resources needed to make a real, lasting difference", he added.
The pledge is set to be delivered through Ericsson's "Connect To Learn" initiative, which has already helped over 200,000 people improve their digital skills across 25 countries since its establishment in 2010, the company claims.
Ericsson claims its internet networks could cover as much as 92% of the global population by 2024, which could be a leading factor in this drive.
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This also includes improving skills for those in areas that may not have access to digital platforms, such as in developing countries, which may leave them behind as the world becomes increasingly digitalised.
As a side goal, the project also hopes to encourage women and girls to get into the IT field.
Back in August, the firm partnered with UNICEF to attempt to connect every school in 35 different nations, as part of plans to bring internet and digital connectivity to all.
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