Topic: 2026 – Digital Equity for Children
Country: India
Delegate Name: Bryan Oh
Digital equity is essential for the development and protection of children. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us how having and not having access to technology can impact education. Many children are falling behind due to a lack of devices and the internet. Research studies show that only about 30% of rural households in India have internet access, whereas 70% in urban areas do, showing that there is a big gap.
However, providing internet access is not enough. In order to have digital equity, every child needs to be able to use technology safely and effectively. There are many obstacles, such as affordability, digital literacy, language differences, and accessibility challenges. These factors lead to inequalities in education and future education.
India believes that increasing digital inclusion is essential for ensuring that all children can benefit from education, information, and opportunities in a safe and fair way. This includes increasing infrastructure for networks, providing affordable devices, and improving digital literacy programs.
Countries should work together to design policies and programs that remove barriers to digital access. By doing so, digital equity can support the goals of education and child protection. Overall, India is committed to promoting policies and initiatives that allow every child to safely access and use digital tools in order to reach digital equity.
