The International Communications Union (ITU), the UN agency for digital technologies, yesterday announced at the WSIS Forum 2026 that its Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition has surpassed USD 100 billion in commitments, exceeding a milestone in the global effort to expand global Internet connectivity and bridge the digital divide.
With one-quarter of the world’s population offline, commitments to Partner2Connect directly support the goal of achieving universal, meaningful connectivity – ensuring everyone has access to affordable and reliable Internet and the skills to use it safely and effectively.
“Partner2Connect having surpassed its USD 100 billion goal is a landmark achievement in global efforts towards universal meaningful connectivity,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “Today is a powerful reminder that every pledge makes a difference to bring everyone on board our shared digital future.”
Connectivity creates opportunity
Since its launch in 2021, Partner2Connect has united governments, industry players, international organizations, development banks, and civil society to support digital inclusion across the globe. Commitments focus on expanding digital infrastructure, strengthening digital skills, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities for hundreds of millions of people.
Pledges announced during the Geneva Digital Week include:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) pledges to implement the Asia-Pacific Digital Highway, aiming to mobilize USD 20 billion in public and private investments by 2035 to improve digital connectivity for up to 650 million people across the region through expanded cross-border digital infrastructure, regional digital hubs, and improved broadband access.
Microsoft pledges to advance inclusive digital transformation by connecting more than 450 rural and underserved community hubs in Kenya through satellite-enabled infrastructure integrated with Azure Space, and by investing approximately USD 18 billion in Australia through 2029 to expand AI and cloud infrastructure, strengthen cyber resilience, and equip more than 3 million Australians with AI and digital skills.
Boston Consulting Group (BCG) pledges USD 500 million to deploying AI for social impact, partnering with leading philanthropies and non-profits to unlock and scale development outcomes across education, workforce development, healthcare, and poverty reduction.
ZTE Corporation pledges to invest a total of USD 450 million over three years (2026-2028) in ecosystem partnership programs, working across the entire industry chain to build an open, collaborative AI value community, lower barriers to intelligent transformation, and enable co-creation of smart solutions worldwide.
Telkom pledges USD 6.1 million to establish the Telkom AI Institute, a platform designed to equip South Africans with AI and digital skills, foster innovation, and accelerate inclusive participation in the digital economy.
SoftBank Corp. pledges to advance AI-ready connectivity infrastructure through AI-RAN technologies, open innovation, and industry collaboration, aiming to build the foundation for more intelligent, accessible, and sustainable connectivity, while supporting AI adoption and digital transformation across markets and communities worldwide.
