Welcome to the United Nations
Middle-income countries are vital to global sustainable development. However, many of them face challenges in attaining and sustaining adequate rates of economic growth due to structural issues, limited access to concessional finance, skill gaps, and limited innovation. Income disparities, inadequate resilience, and environmental hazards further hinder progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Digital transformation can be a crucial driver for boosting productivity, economic diversification, and inclusive growth, which in turn can attract capital. In 2024, four out of five individuals in upper-middle-income countries used the Internet, and just over half in lower-middle-income countries. Despite this, digital gaps, weak infrastructure, and limited digital skills constrain productivity gains, including those from AI advancements. The rapid spread of digital technologies also creates risks related to data governance, misinformation, and exclusion.
To harness digital transformation while mitigating risks, middle-income countries must increase investments in digital infrastructure, strengthen digital skills and innovation, and enhance policy frameworks. International cooperation, as envisaged in the Global Digital Compact, and South-South digital cooperation are needed to support access to financing, technology, capacity building, and best practices.
Proposed guiding questions:
- Historically, middle-income countries have faced difficulties in maintaining sufficient gross domestic product (GDP) per capita growth to raise living standards to levels associated with developed countries. In today’s global context, marked by recurrent crises, stronger protectionism, and weaker multilateralism, how can middle-income countries make faster and longer-lasting progress?
- How can middle-income countries break structural barriers and achieve sustained, sustainable and inclusive growth, including through digital transformation? What have we learned from successful cases?
- What are some of the greatest challenges that middle-income countries face in harnessing digital technologies and AI, and what strategies can be employed to mitigate these challenges?
- How can international cooperation and South-South digital cooperation support the digital transition in middle-income countries? What are some successful examples?
