EDISON Alliance Impact Report 2024

Page 17 of 32 · WEF_EDISON_Alliance_Impact_Report_2024.pdf

Nations will only achieve their full potential by equipping their citizens with the infrastructure, capital and knowledge to build resilient and innovative communities. Digital technologies increase efficiency and improve outcomes across many aspects of our lives, including business, the economy, healthcare and education. Those who have reliable access to affordable broadband and have been trained to use technology and software will be best positioned to benefit from digitization. That is why it’s critical that we focus on empowering underserved, minority communities as we work to digitally engage one billion people by 2025. Minority communities are often denied the necessary resources to build thriving neighbourhoods and businesses in the United States and around the world. For example, 50% of Black Americans live near 70 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Yet, 82% of these institutions reside in broadband deserts, limiting the economic, entrepreneurial and social growth of these regions and graduates. Only 2% of private businesses are Black owned, which contributes to a $220 billion annual wage disparity. Unlocking access to additional resources will accelerate growth in these communities and drive economic prosperity for all. To drive lasting change, we must ensure that these communities and educational institutions have greater access to wealth and knowledge-building tools, particularly digital connectivity. If we get this right, we can ensure that the next generation can achieve their limitless potential. Robert F. Smith Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Vista Equity PartnersUsability 4.2 Objective To increase digital skills, digital literacy trainings and access to content in local languages. 101,965,163* lives improvedProgress * pie chart represents a total of 1 billion lives EDISON Alliance Impact Report January 2024 17 Contents
Ask AI what this page says about a topic: