ADVANCING SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: ROUTES FOR SDG ACCELERATION

Abstract

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are now digitalized.  Digital inclusion, which means ensuring that people and communities can access affordable internet, devices, digital skills, and useful content, has become a vital strategy towards accelerating progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper examines how digital inclusion creates sustainable impact across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. It identifies key pathways for transformation, highlights ongoing barriers, and provides recommendations for policy and implementation. Using data from global reports and academic research, this study shows that true digital inclusion is not just a technological issue; it is also a social and governance necessity for achieving the SDGs more quickly. This systematic review consolidates research on digital inclusion and its sustainable impact. It emphasizes transformational strategies to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It addresses ongoing inequalities in access to technology and digital skills, and supports effective policy formulation. Collaborative, inclusive policy frameworks are essential to ensuring equitable digital access; however, issues of fragmented execution and governance persist. Innovative technologies such as AI, 5G/6G, IoT, blockchain, cloud computing, remote sensing, and fintech have distinct impacts across sectors, including education, agriculture, finance, and governance, thereby advancing several SDGs. However, issues like infrastructure gaps and affordability pose challenges.