CEPAL project

Context

To advance towards inclusive social development, it is essential to address high inequality, as well as low social mobility and cohesion, which constrain opportunities for the population.

ECLAC (Or CEPAL) has included the 'digital divide' among the structural gaps in Latin American and Caribbean development models. This is because it has become one of the critical problems that exacerbate the exclusion of a large part of the population from the benefits of development.

ECLAC has emphasised the importance of adopting a comprehensive and multidimensional approach that considers disparities beyond income, focusing on rights such as education, health, and housing, among others. Additionally, the potential impact of digital transformation must be considered, requiring measures to mitigate potential adverse effects and promote a digital transformation that creates opportunities for the entire population, thereby contributing to the reduction of persistent inequalities in the region (ECLAC, 2024, 2016).

Purpose of study

The consultancy will analyse national digital policies in Latin America to determine whether and how vulnerable populations are addressed within these frameworks. The findings of the document will serve to strengthen national policies and regulations for the promotion of digital inclusion.

Methods

Vulnerable populations considered include:

• People living in poverty
• Those experiencing violent conflict
• People with disabilities
• Children
• Older persons
• Women
• Indigenous communities,
• Refugees or migrants

and other groups at risk of exclusion

The project will assess the extent to which these groups are included beyond the educational and employment spheres, identifying good practice and points for improvement in developing policies to strengthen a human-centered approach for the digital environment.