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UN E-Government Survey 2024
This thirteenth edition of the United Nations E-Government Survey, released in 2024, provides a comprehensive assessment of the digital government landscape across all 193 Member States. The 2024 Survey highlights a significant upward trend in the development of digital government worldwide, with increased investment in resilient infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies. The global average value of the E-Government Development Index (EGDI) shows substantial improvement, with the proportion of the population lagging in digital government development decreasing from 45.0 per cent in 2022 to 22.4 per cent in 2024. Despite significant progress in digital government development, the EGDI averages for the African region, least developed countries, and small island developing States remain below the global average, underscoring the need for targeted efforts to bridge existing gaps.
Key findings from chapter 3 of the survey - Regional E-Government Development and the Performance of Country Groupings - are highlighted below. Access the full report here.
Although digital government trends are broadly positive, levels of development and specific trends vary considerably across the five regions assessed (Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania). Both within and between regions, significant challenges persist, including securing adequate financing for digital development, bridging the digital divide, bolstering cybersecurity and privacy protections, and aligning digital strategies with effective implementation. Although progress has been impressive, it is important to note that there are still 1.89 billion people on the wrong side of the digital divide.
Uneven access to technology and information creates disparities among countries and communities in the same region. Because socioeconomic development and business opportunities may be limited in digitally underserved areas, youth and others of working age sometimes migrate to more advanced and affluent neighbouring countries with better prospects and economic stability. This outflow of the workforce can harm local economies, hinder growth and development, and lead to brain drain and the loss of talent and expertise.
Ensuring digital inclusion and equity makes it possible for all members of society, including the most vulnerable, to benefit from digital advancements. Policies and programs should aim to close the digital divide by addressing the needs of marginalized groups such as women, youth, older persons, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous peoples. Initiatives should focus on providing affordable access to digital devices and Internet services, strengthening digital literacy, and creating inclusive digital platforms that cater to diverse needs. Digital inclusion by design should be a guiding principle in these efforts.
Source: UN DESA