The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes that the prevalence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have a significant potential to accelerate progress, to bridge the digital divide and support the development of inclusive Knowledge Societies based on human rights, the achievement of gender equality and empowerment. For UNESCO, the development of inclusive Knowledge Societies is based on four pillars: freedom of expression and freedom of information; universal access to information and knowledge; quality learning for all; and respect for linguistic and cultural diversity. From this perspective, ICTs are critical for progress towards the achievement of all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Namely, ICT related targets are addressed in: Quality education (Goal 4), Gender equality (Goal 5), Infrastructure (Goal 9), Reduced inequalities within and across countries (Goal 10), Peace, justice and strong institutions (Goal 16) and Partnerships for the goals (Goal 17).
