Topic: 2026 – Digital Equity for Children
Country: China
Delegate Name: Amina Niang
Delegate: Aminata Niang
Country: People’s Republic Of China
Committee: UNICEF
Topic: Digital Equity For Children
Digital equity is fundamental in children’s rights, particularly in education,protection, and development. The COVID-19 pandemic unveiled how disparities in internet access can affect learning. Globally, nearly ⅔ of school-age children lack access to the internet at home, putting millions of children at risk of being left behind. China has made major strides in expanding internet connection. As of December 2024 China had over 1.1 billion internet users, with a national internet rate of 78.6%. For minors specifically,national reports indicate that over 97% of Chinese children use the internet, and the gap in basic access between urban and rural youth has largely narrowed.
Despite this, significant differences in the quality of access,use of multiple devices, and digital skills. Rural children are less likely to use computers or tablets and more likely to only access the internet via mobile phones, limiting their learning experiences. Children in remote provinces often face fewer devices per student and lower levels of digital literacy support in schools, which can restrict education and widen existing disparities. China supports an approach to digital inclusion that balances infrastructure development with education and child protection. Continued expansion of broadband and mobile networks in underserved regions and cooperation to increase access, the affordability of devices and educational data access. Integrating digital literacy and online safety into school curriculum.
International cooperation through UNICEF is vital to share best practices, improve data on digital inequalities, and strengthen global frameworks for safe, equitable digital access. China is committed to working with UNICEF and member states to promote safe, affordable. And meaningful digital opportunities for every child, ensuring digital access serves as bridges to opportunity rather than barriers to inclusion
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“Chapter 2.” Size and Structure of Internet Users, https://accesstochina.com/chinese-reports/china-internet-development/223-chapter-2-size-and-structure-of-internet-users? Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
The Global Digital Divide’s Self-Reinforcing Mechanism and China’s Solution – China-CEE Institute. https://china-cee.eu/2025/10/10/the-global-digital-divides-self-reinforcing-mechanism-and-chinas-solution/. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
