UNESCO Urges LATAM to Boost ICT Infrastructure and Tech Talent

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) urged Latin America and the Caribbean to focus on improving ICT infrastructure and its tech talent pool, arguing that adopting digital technologies is inevitable to escape the financial difficulties brought on by years of economic downturn.

At a recent event held in Mexico City, UNESCO officials said the region may need an additional 2.5 million ICT professionals by 2026, citing data from  the IDC.

Claudia Uribe, director of OREALC/UNESCO stated that there is an urgent need to close the digital gap to ensure that everyone gets access to digital content and technology.

At end of 2021, fixed broadband covered almost 62% of Latin American households, placing the region well below others such as North America and Europe, which have penetration rates of close to 100% and 90%, respectively, according to ECLAC.

According to ECLAC’s report, mobile broadband covers barely 78% of the region, but almost half of all young people have no access to the Internet.