Support cities to achieve fair digital transition, say leaders

Bristol, with 15 other cities including London and Barcelona, has signed a joint statement asking national governments to support cities to achieve the fair digital transition needed to ensure all citizens can benefit from post-covid recovery plans.

The cities argue that the coronavirus pandemic has proven that a fair and rapid digital transition in cities across Europe is not only possible, but also more necessary than ever before. While digital technologies have been key to ensuring the continuity of municipal services and to providing a humane and social response to the pandemic, they have also exposed the stark inequalities that shape access to digital technologies and the protection of our data and digital rights.

Cities across Europe have worked tirelessly to prevent physical distancing from turning into social distancing, and digital innovation has proven to be a key instrument. However, this is challenging to ensure, when the access of most vulnerable groups to internet – and their ability to get the most out of digital services – is defined by their income level, age, gender or even neighbourhood.

The regions claim that the economic recovery after the pandemic will need to be digital to be green, but to ensure no group is left disadvantaged by this, a fair digital transition – one that works for everyone, that places digital innovation at the service of social cohesion and human rights – is urgently needed.