I. Introduction As the world grapples with the coronavirus access to the Internet, women and girls are dis- disease (COVID-19) pandemic, it is witness- proportionately affected.1 ing first-hand how digital technologies help to confront the threat and keep people connected. Supercomputers analyse thousands of drug Digital technology does not exist in a vacuum – it has enormous potential for positive change, but compounds to identify candidates for treatments can also reinforce and magnify existing fault lines and vaccines. E-commerce platforms prioritize and worsen economic and other inequalities. In household staples and medical supplies, while 2019, close to 87 per cent of individuals in devel- videoconferencing platforms enable education oped countries used the Internet, compared with and economic activity to continue. only 19 per cent in the least developed countries.2 At the same time, the technological challenge As more people are brought online, new vulnera- posed by COVID-19 has been tremendous. bilities arise. According to estimates, the poten- While accurate data and information related to tial cost of worldwide data breaches will be more the disease are fundamental for an effective than $5 trillion by 2024.3 The use of the Internet response, social media have been misused by and social media in the context of elections, some to spread dangerous misinformation and fuel discrimination, xenophobia and racism. Cyberattacks on the World Health Organization, hospitals and laboratories endanger lives and as both enablers of participation and tools for spreading disinformation and hate speech, raise complex issues. jeopardize potential advances in responding to Though not explicitly indicated in the Panel’s re- and preventing the virus. A balance has to be port, advancing technology has always been cou- struck between the use of technology and tracing pled with significant impacts on the environment. applications to combat the spread of the virus and Operations related to information and communi- the safeguarding of privacy and individual rights. cations technologies (ICT) are expected to rep- Even as digital technology makes it possible for resent up to 20 per cent of global electricity de- people in countries with high connectivity to work mand, with one third stemming from data centres and learn from home, it is a privilege not enjoyed alone.4 On a positive note, the recent advances by all: some people must be physically present for in technology offer ground-breaking opportuni- their jobs, while others have lost employment or ties to monitor and protect the environment, as do not have access to the Internet and technolo- well as overall planetary health. By harnessing gy, in particular the poor and vulnerable. With less them appropriately, the digital revolution can be 2 ROADMAP FOR DIGITAL COOPER ATION