The GSMA’s newly published 2024 Mobile Industry Impact Report: Sustainable Development Goals reveals that the global mobile industry has achieved 58% of its potential contribution to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite this significant milestone, the report emphasizes that further efforts are needed to fully unlock the industry’s potential, especially as global challenges like economic instability and conflict slow overall progress.
Mobile Industry’s Progress Toward SDGs
Since the SDGs were adopted in 2015, the mobile industry has steadily increased its impact, moving from 31% of its potential contribution to the current 58%. This growth underscores the essential role of mobile technologies in driving sustainable development, particularly in areas such as poverty reduction, education, and innovation. However, with the 2030 deadline approaching, the industry still faces strong headwinds that threaten to limit progress.
One of the primary challenges is the slowing growth of mobile internet adoption. While 160 million new users connected to mobile internet in 2023, matching the growth rate of 2022, this is a significant slowdown compared to the higher adoption rates seen between 2015 and 2021. Expanding mobile internet access is critical for advancing many SDGs, including SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), as digital connectivity plays a pivotal role in ensuring inclusivity in the digital age.
Global Headwinds Hindering SDG Progress
The GSMA report highlights several global challenges that are slowing the broader progress of the SDGs. Nearly half of the SDG targets show minimal or moderate progress, while more than a third are regressing. Factors such as conflict, economic instability, and climate change are creating obstacles that need to be addressed to maintain the momentum toward the 2030 goals.
Digital Connectivity as a Catalyst for Change
The United Nations has identified six investment pathways for achieving the SDGs, with digital connectivity being one of the most critical. The potential impact of digital connectivity is vast—research shows that a 10% increase in mobile broadband penetration can lead to a 1-2.5% increase in GDP, in addition to reducing poverty and improving overall well-being.
Since 2015, the mobile industry has invested $1.6 trillion in 4G and 5G infrastructure, resulting in 5.1 billion 4G connections and 1.6 billion 5G connections worldwide. These advances have enabled faster download speeds and expanded access to educational content, financial services, and health information. The United Nations’ Common Agenda has also called for a Global Digital Compact, focusing on closing the digital divide, ensuring safe online spaces, and governing artificial intelligence (AI) for humanity.
Mobile’s Role in Advancing Key SDGs
The GSMA report highlights the significant strides the mobile industry has made toward several SDGs:
- SDG 1 (No Poverty): Mobile technologies have reached 2.1 billion of the world’s poorest individuals, with nearly half now connected to mobile internet. This access allows users to connect to government services, search for jobs, and access vital information that can lift them out of poverty.
- SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Rural mobile penetration is aiding improvements in agricultural practices, nutritional knowledge, and household food security.
- SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): The mobile industry’s expansion is driving better outcomes in education, agricultural information, and essential services by providing a platform for users to access crucial resources.
- SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): The mobile industry’s most significant contribution has been in expanding network coverage and internet access. Currently, 57% of the global population uses mobile internet, driving innovation and mobile-enabled services that also contribute to SDG 1 and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
The Usage Gap: A Barrier to Universal Connectivity
Despite these advances, 3 billion people globally remain unconnected to mobile internet services, despite living in areas covered by mobile networks. This “Usage Gap” is driven by several factors, including digital literacy, handset affordability, and concerns about safety and security. Addressing these barriers is essential for narrowing the digital divide and maximizing the mobile industry’s impact on the SDGs.
Initiatives to Improve Global Connectivity
Mobile operators, in partnership with industry stakeholders, are actively working to improve global connectivity. The GSMA report highlights initiatives aimed at increasing smartphone accessibility, such as smartphone financing options and the launch of the Handset Affordability Coalition. Additionally, there are ongoing efforts to promote digital skills, consumer protection, and online safety.
The mobile sector is also making significant investments in artificial intelligence (AI), which has the potential to revolutionize network optimization and reduce emissions, while advancing the SDGs. The industry’s commitment to the responsible use of AI is reflected in the GSMA’s roadmap, which guides mobile network operators in adopting ethical and sustainable approaches to AI technology.
A Call for Continued Ambition
Mats Granryd, Director General of the GSMA, emphasized the need for continued ambition, despite the challenging global environment:
“The UN SDGs are at a critical juncture, confronting a complex web of global crises, from climate change to conflict. However, we should not allow these powerful headwinds to limit our ambition to drive change. The mobile industry is uniquely positioned to drive acceleration, with transformative technologies making contributions to almost all the SDGs. Our passion and technology continue to make a huge difference to communities worldwide as the primary gateway to the internet for billions, uplifting them and allowing them to maximise their potential in a digital world.”
Conclusion
The 2024 Mobile Industry Impact Report underscores the critical role the mobile industry plays in advancing the SDGs. While progress has been made, there is still a long way to go. With continued investment in digital connectivity and emerging technologies like AI, the industry can help overcome global challenges and accelerate progress toward achieving the SDGs by 2030.
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