The COVID-19 crisis has dramatically illustrated the vital importance of broadband networks and services in driving robust, resilient and well functioning societies and economies. Yet today, 3.6 billion people remain offline. Lack of affordability, constrained access to infrastructure and devices, poor digital skills and/or the absence of relevant content mean they, and billions of other marginalized people struggling with poor connectivity, are unable to leverage the power of digital transformation in a way that could catalyze seismic shifts in development outcomes.The work and accomplishments of the Broadband Commission over the past decade establish an important precedent for these actions, and serve as a solid foundation for bringing the UN Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation to life around its three fundamental pillars.

The Commission is convinced that achieving affordable universal connectivity is essential for achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and making good on our pledge to Leave No-one Behind.