How might we use #tech4good to reduce multidimensional poverty and create pathways toward prosperity for all?
Supported by UNDP BPPS | UNDP Chief Digital Office | Government of Japan
Why
For the first time in 20 years, the number of people living in poverty globally is expected to rise due to the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Globally, 53.1 percent of the global population, roughly 4.1 billion people, do not have access to even one social protection benefit. More than 60 per cent of the world’s employed population, that is two billion people, earn their livelihoods in the informal economy. The emergence of non-standard forms of employment, including the rise in digital labor platforms, is also pushing the boundaries of the informal economy around the globe. The COVID-19 crisis has exposed the vulnerabilities of those working in the informal economy.
The #Inclusive Growth Challenge
UNDP will tap the enormous power of inclusive digital transformation enabling UNDP’s programmatic impact to help 100 million people escape multidimensional poverty and vulnerability. This will include digitalization of social protection programs that are designed for social inclusion, as well as last mile digital delivery and inclusion of citizens to achieve vaccine equity and positive health outcomes. Digital technology will also be leveraged to increase the productivity and resilience of informal economy workers and enterprises, so they can be informed, react, cope, and adapt in times of crisis and recovery.
The Global #InclusiveGrowthChallenge is seeking ‘ready-to-scale’ digital solutions that can be used by UNDP and its partners to reduce poverty and try to answer the broad question: How might we use #tech4good to reduce multidimensional poverty and create pathways toward prosperity for all? :
Types of digital solutions we are looking for:
- Big data, including geospatial data, and AI for identifying, estimating, and mapping poverty and vulnerability.
- Aerial mapping/geospatial mapping to identify sites of informal mining (to address environmental impacts and help informal miners organize).
- ICT, including mobile technology, for rapid surveys and assessments of socioeconomic impacts of disasters and crises.
- Text mining and analysis, qualitative surveys, and survey questions to evaluate various contexts.
- Digital tools that simplify procedures and allow the vulnerable to access cash assistance and other government services in times of crisis.
- Digital registries for comprehensive and universal national social protection systems, including for the management and administration of social protection systems.
- Digital tools that extend social security coverage and bring innovative schemes to the informal sector.
- Digital tools that facilitate continuous learning/skill development and innovation in the private sector, especially the informal sector.
- Digital tools that enhance access to finance and financial tools, mobile money, digital banking and more.
- Online, simple licensing/permit systems that help lower the transaction costs of informal enterprises in joining/accessing markets.
- E-commerce platforms for SMEs that include training/mentoring for informal, small businesses on how to do digital sales.
- Blockchain for improving traceability of value chains/certification (e.g. fair trade certification).
- Digital information platforms that bring market information and market access to informal and rural workers including in the agricultural sector.
- Technologies that facilitate early warning systems by tracking occurrence of risks, like weather-related risks, diseases (epidemics), local conflicts, and inflation.
- Applications that provide information related to agricultural extension services, health, and nutrition, and basic services such as water and sanitation.
- Digital platforms for jobs and work with built-in safeguards such as a minimum wage.
Learn more about the selection criteria, timeline, eligibility, and application process -
explore the FAQ
here. Learn more about the Inclusive Growth Community of Practice
here.
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