The Global Connect Initiative aims to bring an additional 1.5 billion people online by 2020 to support achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals. It encourages governments to prioritize internet connectivity in national development strategies, international organizations to finance internet infrastructure projects, and cross-sector working groups to accelerate progress and build capacity for faster digital inclusion. Despite growth, 60% of the global population remains offline due to challenges such as lack of funds, technical expertise, and political instability in some developing countries.

1. Global Connect Initiative
An initiative to help bring an additional 1.5 billion people online by 2020; supporting
achievement of the SDG goals. https://share.america.gov/globalconnect

2. • Policy: Mainstream the view that Internet connectivity is as fundamental to
economic development as roads, ports, electricity
• Countries: All countries integrate Internet connectivity and digital technologies
as key part of national development strategies
• Financing: International development institutions prioritize Internet for
development
• Accelerate Progress and Capacity Build for Faster Scaling: Catalyze and
support cross-functional working groups with technical, network, finance, and
other experts. Encourage innovative industry-driven solutions
Key Objectives
for the Global Connect Initiative

3. 31
77
39
0
20
40
60
80
100
1997 2002 2007 2012
Sixty percent of the global population is still offline
The Challenge on Internet Adoption: Despite growth, the digital
divide remains between developed and developing countries
%Adoption
Source: International Telecommunication Union (website)

4. Political instability Restraints on free
speech
The Challenge: Why are some countries lagging?
Lack of funds for
infrastructure
Minimal technical
expertise
Corruption