Topic: 2026 – Digital Equity for Children
Country: Peru
Delegate Name: Shriram Kura
United Nations Children’s Fund
Digital Equity for Children
Peru
Shriram Kura
Farmington High School
In today’s interconnected world, digital equity is a priority for Peru, especially with regard to children. When children don’t have digital resources available, the gap between them and their peers continues to expand because digital technology is now at the heart of health, learning, citizenship, and opportunities for the future. According to UNICEF, many children worldwide don’t have home internet, which makes it difficult for them to maximize the benefits that come with online learning and development. Although cities in Peru are becoming increasingly wired, the Andes Mountains and Amazon region still lag behind.
Peru understands that a national digital transformation strategy must be put in place, which includes a call to action that pushes forward a national agenda for greater broadband penetration, especially in public areas. In partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, Peru is committed to achieving inclusive digital development and connectivity, especially for those who have been left behind by the digital revolution. The recent COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to bridge the gap between those who have and those who don’t have digital technology, especially with regard to online learning. Digital equity is not only about providing devices but also includes digital literacy, safety, and technology for children with disabilities.
To move forward with regard to digital equity, we, the digital transformation team, have outlined our strategic goals that we will pursue on a global scale. Firstly, we call on global leaders to make greater investments in broadband infrastructure, especially for rural areas that have been difficult to reach with digital technology. Secondly, we support global efforts that aim at increasing digital literacy among children, parents, and teachers, allowing them to harness digital technology for development. Thirdly, we partner with global leaders on initiatives that aim at increasing online safety for children, especially with regard to cybersecurity while exploring the online world. Fourthly, we collaborate with global leaders on initiatives that aim at providing affordable technology for disadvantaged children, especially those living in poverty, which will help them develop over time. UNICEF should partner with global leaders to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has an equal chance to thrive in a digital world.
