Dear reader, Over a year of COVID-19 revealed two main learnings: the importance of technology and the necessity of better approaches in collaborative working. Concerning the first realization, the virus revealed some of the gaps in the pandemic preparedness of our partner countries - which could be filled by digital technologies. To assess the potentials of digital technologies in contributing to pandemic preparedness, we developed a novel tool, the Digital Pandemic Preparedness Assessment (DPPA), together with the KfW, Digital Square, USAID and other partners. Besides that, we continuously address inclusivity in digital development. Else, as UNCTAD's Technology and Innovation Report 2021 highlights, digitalization may lead to increased global inequalities. In Kenya, we recently launched a project which trains youth with disabilities in digital skills. Furthermore, we are now partnering with the Radiant Earth Foundation to make satellite data of agricultural and crop land freely accessible. Based on this open data, artificial intelligence (AI) applications can be developed to improve crop forecasts and thereby increase food security. In fact, AI-driven innovations can be leveraged in a variety of ways to reach the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially to tackle urban challenges: Cities and city-regions worldwide are home to more than half of humanity, produce 70% of global waste and 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions. A new report by our implementing organization GIZ and the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) demonstrates the power of this technology in six urban use cases. I wish you an interesting read, Michael Krake Director General (acting) Global Health; private sector; trade; rural development Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) |