New York City, September 23, 2024 — The 50-in-5 campaign, an initiative aimed at helping 50 countries design, launch, and scale digital public infrastructure by 2028, celebrated new country additions and its near one-year anniversary. The event, held during the Summit of the Future, emphasized the role of digital public infrastructure (DPI) in implementing the Global Digital Compact (GDC) safely and inclusively.
Representatives from 50-in-5 countries, global leaders, and stakeholders in digital public goods (DPGs) gathered to share insights on the safe and inclusive development of DPI. Launched in November 2023, the campaign has seen significant progress, showcasing DPI's potential to improve global well-being.
New countries, including Brazil, Cambodia, France, Nigeria, Ukraine, and Uruguay, were welcomed, bringing the total number of participating nations to 22. The campaign promotes digital infrastructure as a tool for addressing challenges like poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability while enhancing access to essential services.
The event highlighted the importance of safeguards to ensure that digital foundations protect both people and the environment. The Universal DPI Safeguards Framework was introduced to uphold rights and sustainability during digital transformation.
The expansion of the 50-in-5 campaign aligns with the vision of achieving an equitable digital future, with a particular focus on inclusion for women and girls. By exchanging knowledge on open-source technologies and DPGs, countries aim to foster robust governance and ensure secure, interoperable digital systems.
Looking ahead, stakeholders are preparing for the Global DPI Summit in Cairo, where discussions will focus on advancing DPI adoption and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Speakers from Brazil, France, and Lesotho shared their countries' commitment to leveraging digital technologies for development, underlining the importance of cooperation and shared learning in building a secure and inclusive digital future.
