Anatel, UNESCO, and the Brazilian government join forces to close the digital divide
This agreement underscores a concerted effort to leverage meaningful connectivity and AI as catalysts for sustainable development goals (SDGs) and digital innovation across various sectors.
The Brazilian National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel), UNESCO, and the Brazilian Ministry of the Environment (MRE) signed a technical cooperation agreement on 9 April 2024, during the “Inteligência Artificial e o Futuro da Conectividade: uma Visão Coletiva” event.
Anatel announced in a press release that this collaborative initiative holds profound implications for Brazil’s digital landscape and its pursuit of sustainable development objectives. Firstly, the agreement underscores a commitment to improving digital infrastructure and accessibility, particularly for underserved communities facing barriers to internet usage due to a lack of digital literacy and internet access.
Secondly, the partnership seeks to drive AI technology development and responsible adoption across agriculture, health, and education sectors. By harnessing the transformative potential of AI, Brazil aims to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation while ensuring the ethical and equitable deployment of these technologies. Thirdly, by aligning digital technology implementation with the SDGs, the collaboration seeks to address pressing societal challenges, including sustainable agriculture, quality education, and reducing inequalities.
Why does it matter?
Through strategic alignment with global development agendas, Brazil positions itself as a frontrunner in leveraging technology for sustainable growth. It has recently invested more than R$28 billion to increase connectivity and digital inclusion. This development highlights the importance of developing digital skills to fully exercise the benefits of connectivity and the need to prepare the population for the ethical use of AI technology.
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