Connectivity is becoming a new human right. Access to medical services, education, training and work opportunities increasingly depends on connectivity in today’s world. In this context, how can local governments tackle the existing and widening inequalities in the form of access to connectivity and the existing digital gap? Has digital infrastructure and connectivity surpassed physical infrastructure in terms of its importance for local development? As metropolitan areas become even more populated, urban and connectivity challenges grow broader in scope and often call for policies and initiatives that extend beyond local boundaries. How should these challenges be addressed at the metropolitan level? What good practices and solutions can be implemented at the level of digital and physical connectivity, infrastructure and basic services?
This Expert Panel was part of the program "Focus Sessions #1 – Local actions tackling global challenges".