Topic: 2026 – Digital Equity for Children
Country: Russian Federation
Delegate Name: Rishi Babu
Committee: UNICEF
Topic: Digital Equity for Children
Country: Russian Federation
School: Farmington High School
In essence, digital equity makes sure that all children have fair and equal access to the internet, digital technology, and also the skills and capacity to use them effectively. School aged children globally experience the issue of unequal access to digital resources such as computers or even just internet access. Especially those in rural, low income, or marginalized communities are the most vulnerable to this issue. According to UNICEF, two thirds of school aged children around the world do not have access to reliable internet at home. Digital inequality can easily worsen educational gaps, limit access to job opportunities, and increase social gaps and inequality. Finding digital equality for children is important for education, child protection, and preparing children for the future filled with digital aspects. The significance of this issue was magnified during the COVID-19 pandemic when many children fell behind due to not having proper access to the internet or technology.
UNICEF has said in the past that the digital divide not only threatens the education of millions of children worldwide but also their development. Bridging the gap between digital inequality is relevant towards the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 and Goal 10 which are Quality Education and Reduced Inequalities respectively. In the past, UNICEF has also had programs on digital literacy and online safety for children. Along with UNICEF, some other global efforts have been taken towards digital equity for our children such as “One Laptop Per Child.” Russia also has taken similar measures as seen through “Generation M,” a charitable organization that provides equal access to creative education for children.
Many Russian children have internet access, but in rural areas there are clear disparities. Russia prioritizes digital literacy and online safety. Russia has taken much domestic action towards reaching digital equity for children. Digital Education Programs have been implemented in schools, teaching cybersecurity, online safety, and digital literacy. Russia also has expanded infrastructure, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Large scaled initiatives were taken, aiming to provide devices and connectivity to children, especially those in low income families. Also, Russia worked to restrict access to dangerous content for children through The Russian Alliance for the Protection of Children in the Digital Environment, making sure online communication is safe for children. Russia supports cooperation with member states for digital equity and advocates for not only inclusive but also safe internet access for all children.
Russia believes that the UN should fund programs with goals to expand broadband and internet access especially in underserved or Global South countries. The UN also should provide devices and forms of training to ensure that digital participation is meaningful and effective. Russia holds that member states should make efforts to implement digital literacy programs. Along with this, safe online practices and other restrictions should be made to ensure online safety for children. These solutions work well towards reaching digital equity for children because they create access, training, and also safety measures for children and the digital world.
Works Cited
Better Internet for Kids: Home, https://better-internet-for-kids.europa.eu/en. Accessed 12 February 2026.
“Childhood in a Digital World | Office of Strategy and Evidence Innocenti.” Unicef, 12 June 2025, https://www.unicef.org/innocenti/reports/childhood-digital-world. Accessed 12 February 2026.
“D ICT Statistics.” ITU, https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/Pages/stat/default.aspx. Accessed 12 February 2026.
“Global Digital Compact | Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies.” the United Nations, https://www.un.org/digital-emerging-technologies/global-digital-compact. Accessed 12 February 2026.
