In a joint effort to close the digital gap in isolated areas of the country, the project titled “Guaranteeing Coverage, Access, and Use of Digital Connectivity in Lagging Rural Territories to Improve the Quality of Life of the Most Vulnerable” was presented on 10 October 2024 at the Agricultural Expo 2024 organized by the Ministry of Agriculture.
This initiative aims to provide rural communities in Ñuble and La Araucanía with access to high-quality internet, digital technologies, and essential services, thereby enhancing the economic and social opportunities for the most vulnerable people and territories.
Launched on 10 October by UN Chile and funded by the Joint SDG Fund, this project seeks to transform people's lives through digitalization, facilitating access to quality internet, technological tools, and essential services. The project also incorporates a gender perspective, aiming to improve access to technology in these areas and empower women and girls, promote their economic autonomy, and foster digital citizenship, thus contributing to the social, food, and climate security transition.
The Resident Coordinator of UN Chile, María José Torres, emphasized the significance of this project as “a multi-sectoral effort led by Chile at both the central and local levels, with the support of several UN Chile agencies and a focus on localizing the Sustainable Development agenda. We hope to see tangible results in the lives of people in these areas as a result of transforming food systems and increasing economic opportunities by leveraging digital connectivity, thereby expanding employment options, health, and social protection.” She added that “projects like this, which aim to improve people's lives while taking care of the planet, can only be carried out through public-private partnerships that involve all stakeholders in society.”
Rural areas in southern Chile face a complex reality: the lack of access to digital infrastructure and training in technological skills has perpetuated socioeconomic inequalities, marginalizing women, small farmers, and indigenous people. Through this project, public and private investments in digital infrastructure will be promoted, technological innovations in the agricultural sector will be fostered, and vulnerable groups will be trained to use digital tools to improve their access to education services and economic development opportunities. Additionally, the project will enhance access to health services in rural areas by strengthening digital infrastructure and ensuring equitable care for the most vulnerable communities.
“One of the key points of the National Strategy for Food Sovereignty is human capital, where one of our lines of action is to promote digital connectivity. Therefore, this Plan is a step forward in the progress we have worked on at Minagri to ensure that all producers in rural areas improve their quality of life and connect with new opportunities,” said the Undersecretary of Agriculture, Ignacia Fernández.
In alignment with the digital transformation policy of the Government of Chile, specifically in the area of rural digital transformation, and as a boost to the Rural Digital Connectivity Plan recently developed by the Ministry of Agriculture (Minagri) and the "Zero Digital Divide" Plan carried out by the Undersecretariat of Telecommunications (Subtel), Minagri, through its Office of Agricultural Studies and Policies (Odepa) and the Agricultural Development Institute (INDAP), has been developing actions in close coordination with Subtel, regional governments, and private companies.
The Ambassador of the European Union (EU) in Chile, Claudia Gintersdorfer, stated: “The project launched today with the support of the European Union and our partners at the United Nations is a concrete example of the approach that the European Union seeks to promote for the digital transition: a human-centered approach, grounded in the rule of law, democratic principles, and transparency, as well as solidarity, inclusion, security, and environmental sustainability. This vision guides the Digital Alliance between the EU and Latin America and is fully reflected in this key initiative, which aims to promote digital inclusion in rural areas of Chile and a fair and inclusive digital transition that leaves no one behind.”
“We believe that technology transfer is a vital tool for the most vulnerable people to acquire knowledge and skills that enable them to improve their living conditions by connecting with new ways of marketing their production. This is not only a significant advancement for producers but also a critical step for the country's food security,” explained the national director of Odepa, Andrea García Lizama.
The programme “Guaranteeing Coverage, Access, and Use of Digital Connectivity in Lagging Rural Territories to Improve the Quality of Life of the Most Vulnerable” is financed by the SDG Joint Fund, whose donors include the European Union and the governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. The technical implementation of the project is led by FAO, in collaboration with ECLAC, PAHO/WHO, UN Women, and ITU, under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator’s Office. These entities will work together with various Chilean government entities, the private sector, and civil society organizations.
Note:
All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and our private sector funding partners, for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.