Digital Gap Must Not Drive New Inequality between Developed, Developing States, Speakers Stress, as Second Committee Takes Up Information Technology

Digital Gap Must Not Drive New Inequality between Developed, Developing States, Speakers Stress, as Second Committee Takes Up Information Technology

Delegates also Address Challenge of Migration

With artificial intelligence (AI) and other innovations changing the global digital landscape at breakneck speed, their promise must not leave developing countries behind, senior United Nations officials told the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) today as it took up information and communications technologies (ICTs) as well as migration.

Angel Gonzalez-Sanz, Officer-in-Charge of the Division on Technology and Logistics at United Nations Trade and Development, introduced via video-link the report of the Secretary-General on "Progress made in the implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society at the regional and international levels" (document A/81/62-E/2026/48). Citing significant progress in expanding Internet access worldwide, he reminded delegates that "more than 2 billion people" remain offline, with connectivity levels in least developed countries far behind global averages.

Moreover, access alone is no longer sufficient; meaningful connectivity requires affordable services, appropriate devices, digital skills and a safe online environment. Addressing these gaps must remain a global priority, with continued investment in infrastructure, capacity-building and data inclusion, he affirmed.

Highlighting the extraordinary pace of technological innovation, he noted that advances in generative AI "are transforming economies and societies" and creating new opportunities - while its rapid expansion has intensified concerns over accountability, cybersecurity, human rights, environmental sustainability and data governance. Further noting development remains concentrated in a limited number of countries and companies "while its impacts are global", he called for stronger international cooperation "to prevent new forms of inequality and exclusion".

Clare Menozzi, Chief of the Migration and Development Section in the Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, introduced the report on "International Migration and Development" (document A/81/282). Acknowledging that many migrants continue to face barriers to decent work, financial inclusion and social protection, she cited remittances as "a critical source of income for millions of households" - a buffer against economic, environmental and other shocks.

Remittance Costs Still Seen as Too High

However, progress in reducing remittance costs has stalled since 2024, with the global average cost of sending $200 remaining at around 6 per cent of the amount transferred, well above the SDG target of less than 3 per cent. "Reducing these costs by promoting competitive and interoperable payment systems and expanding financial and digital inclusion is essential," she stressed. She called for strengthening cooperation between countries of origin and destination on skills development and recognition, as well as fair and ethical recruitment.

She further warned that migrant deaths and disappearances along international migration routes remain a persistent challenge, with at least 7,927 recorded in 2025. It is crucial to strengthen the quality of migration data, expanding disaggregation by migratory status, sex, age and other characteristics, and support monitoring of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

Also presenting reports were Rashmi Banga, Chief of the Development Research Branch in the Economic Analysis and Policy Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, introducing "Towards a New International Economic Order: advancing the implementation of international agreements" (document A/81/272); and Lotta Tähtinen, Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, introducing "Sustainable development and globalization: long-term trends and challenges" (document A/81/94-E/2026/76).

Globalization Must Not Mean Greater Inequality for Global South

As the floor opened for debate, delegates emphasized the urgent need to close the digital divide, with the representative of Uruguay, speaking for the Group of 77 and China, reaffirming that science, technology and innovation must be integral to their national development strategies. "Globalization today must not mean greater inequality for the Global South," he stressed, as no country should be penalized for the poverty inherited from its colonial past.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Residents Abroad of Gambia, speaking for the Group of Least Developed Countries, noted that in 2025, only 33.7 per cent of those populations used the Internet compared to 73.6 per cent globally. Meanwhile, more than 60 per cent are under the age of 25, while tertiary enrolment remains at only 11 per cent compared to 40 per cent globally.

Envisioning 'Digitally Empowered Caribbean'

With AI and other emerging technologies reshaping economies and societies, Jamaica's representative, speaking for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), emphasized "small island developing States must not be confined to the role of passive consumers of technologies, standards, data and systems developed elsewhere". Calling for inclusive international digital transformation, he envisioned "a digitally empowered Caribbean". Singapore's delegate, speaking for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), stressed that access for all and connectivity remain the foundation of the bloc's digital development, with a secure ecosystem, AI "that benefits our people" and leaving no one behind.

Canada's delegate, also speaking for Australia and New Zealand, turned to the proposed resolution concerning the Global Dialogue and the Independent Scientific Panel on AI. He said that "consideration of these bodies extends beyond the mandate" of the Committee, calling for its removal from the agenda.

Ireland's representative, speaking for the European Union, echoed those concerns, particularly in light of resolution A/80/251. "Contrary to commitments to enhanced visibility and transparency to ensure coherence and avoid unnecessary duplication, the draft resolution appears to significantly overlap with existing structures and processes," he stated.

A number of delegates condemned the use of unilateral coercive measures, with Cuba, speaking for the Group of Like-Minded Countries, renewing "our longstanding demand for the complete, immediate and unconditional lifting of all unilateral coercive measures, particularly those that restrict access to energy and technology". "Technology should unite rather than divide our peoples", he stressed, while developing countries must be able not only to access technologies, but develop their own.

Migration 'Not a Problem to Be Solved but a Phenomenon to Be Managed'

On migration, a youth delegate of Mexico, part of the Mexican community in the United States, estimated at 39 million people, voiced the desire to "exchange between the economies of our place of origin and destination". Stressing that people in mobility and diasporas must "fully exercise their rights", she added: "Migration is not a problem to be solved but a phenomenon to be managed." Similarly, Saudi Arabia's delegate affirmed that the safe, orderly management of migration requires international cooperation among countries of origin, transit and destination. That country hosts more than 13 million residents who work and contribute, with outward remittances reaching $44 billion in 2025.

In the afternoon, the Committee heard the remaining speakers on "Follow-up to the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and strengthening of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)", and "Groups of countries in special situations".