WSIS Forum 2023: Localizing Digital Transformation in Ukraine: Use of innovative technologies in bridging the urban-rural divide

Since 2014, Ukraine has been taking progressive steps in digital acceleration and decentralisation. Yet according to Ukraine`s Ministry of Digital Transformation, more than 5.5 million rural residents in Ukraine (12% of total population) and 17 thousand (61%) settlements or villages still need to be connected to high-speed Internet. Research also shows that local authorities and local residents are highly interested in implementing and using digital tools. Both believe that adoption of new technologies can improve their communities’ quality of life through easier access to services and citizens’ enhanced participation in local decision-making processes. This has been particularly proven during Ukraine`s ongoing endurance of Russian invasion and war. In the spirit of sharing good global digital practices, the workshop will:

Discuss Ukraine`s ambitious decentralization reforms and the use of innovative technologies in this process
Expose key challenges and achievements of rolling out digital transformation in Ukraine`s urban and deep rural areas thus attesting to Ukraine`s rich regional and sub-regional diversity
Highlight successfully introduced solutions by the Swiss-Ukrainian E-Governance for Accountability and Participation Program for enhancing democracy and more efficient decentralized public service delivery – e.g. mobile e-services clinic for remote rural dwellers, use of tech in the generation of local taxes, one-stop-shop e-democracy platform, successful tech enabled participatory budgeting practices and a resourceful chatbot for internally displaced persons by the current war.
Address Ukrainian national and local governments` innovative use of technologies as a lifeline to its cities, communities and citizens during the current war.