On November 8, global leaders and representatives from 11 pioneering countries launched the 50-in-5 campaign. The campaign’s goal is to share knowledge, best methods, and technologies. It aims to lower costs, strengthen local capabilities, maximise effects, and significantly reduce the time taken to implement digital public infrastructure.
The 11 First-Mover countries span different geographies and income levels: Bangladesh, Estonia, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Moldova, Norway, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Togo. These countries serve as beacons of progress and inspiration for countries to build their own digital foundations and improve their economies and the well-being of people.
The Goal Of 50-in-5
- The 50-in-5 initiative aims to speed up the implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) by facilitating knowledge and technology exchange among countries.
- One main goal is to have 50 countries design, implement, and scale at least one DPI component within five years, by 2028.
- The initiative stresses the collective commitment of participating countries to employ DPI in a safe and inclusive manner.
- The campaign is led by the countries themselves but in collaboration with several organisations. These include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure, Co-Develop, and the Digital Public Goods Alliance.
- It also includes the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
- GovStack, the Inter-American Development Bank, and UNICEF provide additional support for this initiative.
Why DPI?
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is critically important for robust, innovative economies and overall well-being.
- DPI forms the basis of many essential services.
- Governments can enhance their responsiveness and efficiency by digitising and modernising with DPI.
Role Of Public Institutions
- It’s essential for public institutions to ensure DPI is accessible, fundamental, compatible, and publicly accountable.
- Decisions about DPI now will better equip countries to handle unforeseen challenges and contribute to sustainable development goals.
Benefits Of Collaborative DPI Development
- Building DPI collectively through the ’50-in-5′ initiative fosters strong economies and fair societies.
- By employing adaptable, purpose-built solutions and policy approaches for DPI, countries can share knowledge and best practices.
- This strategy encourages innovation, boosts local businesses, and assures service access for underserved groups like women and youth.
Risks Of Neglecting DPI
- Not prioritising DPI can lead to expensive digital monopolies that curb innovation, limit future adaptability, and restrict public benefit.
- Without unified DPI collaboration, countries could repeat efforts, increase disparities, and result in fragmented, redundant, and inefficient digital ecosystems.
About the Digital Public Goods Alliance
- The Digital Public Goods Alliance is an initiative involving multiple stakeholders.
- Its primary aim is to speed up the achievement of sustainable development goals.
- These goals focus on low- and middle-income nations.
- The initiative does this by promoting the discovery, development, and usage of digital public goods.
- It also encourages investment in these goods.
- Member organisations pledge to work together.
- They agree to openly track their activities.
- They also commit to sharing their efforts and progress with each other.
- The ultimate goal is to cultivate a digital ecosystem that supports the advancement of Digital Public Goods (DPGs).