Unmute the World

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Internet access is a human right – that nearly half the world is waiting for.

This digital divide denies people jobs, education, healthcare and connections. And COVID-19 has made matters worse.

As leaders face today’s biggest challenges, it’s unacceptable that the voices, needs and insights of billions of people have been left “on mute.”

On Friday, 9 April—the 91st anniversary of the first two-video call and inaugural Virtual Meeting Day—join us to spotlight the digital divide and act to #UnmuteTheWorld.

Speak Up on Social Media

Share why the digital divide matters to you and what it will take to #UnmuteTheWorld.

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In today’s world, internet access should be a right, not a privilege. It’s time to #UnmuteTheWorld – now. UnmuteTheWorld.org

Can you believe that in 2021, nearly 40% of the world can’t access the internet? This #DigitalDivide denies people healthcare, education, jobs & chances to make their voices heard, unless we take action to fix it. Join us to #UnmuteTheWorld. UnmuteTheWorld.org

Internet access is a human right – that nearly half the world is waiting for. If you are reading this, you are fortunate enough to have an online voice. Use it today to help #UnmuteTheWorld. UnmuteTheWorld.org

Virtual meetings have transformed our lives during #COVID19, connecting us to healthcare, jobs, education & each other. But when half the world can’t connect online, all of us miss out. On 9 April #VirtualMeetingDay, let’s act to #UnmuteTheWorld. UnmuteTheWorld.org

Done right, virtual meetings can be a powerful tool to bring the world together & drive progress on today’s biggest challenges. But the #DigitalDivide is leaving too many voices, ideas and perspectives “on mute.” Let’s act to #UnmuteTheWorld. UnmuteTheWorld.org

On 9 April 1930, scientists held the first two-way video call. Now, virtual meetings have transformed the way many of us work, celebrate & mobilize. But too many are being left behind without internet access. Take action on 9 Apr to #UnmuteTheWorld. UnmuteTheWorld.org

EVERYONE HAS A ROLE TO PLAY

Governments & Multilateral Agencies

Recognize internet as a fundamental right. Invest in the necessary polices, programs and infrastructure—from online bandwidth to widespread digital literacy and adoption—to ensure that all people can access, afford, use and benefit from digital technologies, regardless of who they are, where they live or how much money they have.

Donors & Funders

Increase financial assistance to programs seeking to bridge the digital divide. Listen to what communities deem most important and support local champions. Ensuring equitable access to, and adoption of, internet is one of the smartest investments of the 21st century.

Tech companies

From concept to execution, design innovations, products and initiatives with accessibility and inclusivity in mind to maximize your positive impact. Invest in digital literacy and mentorship programs and support underrepresented communities.

Event organizers

Create virtual events that are accessible and inclusive. Offer multiple ways to participate to accommodate different bandwidths and devices, and eliminate any registration or subscription fees that could present barriers to entry. Promote your events on diverse channels to broaden your audience. Add closed captioning and interpretation wherever possible.

Individuals

If you are reading this, you are fortunate enough to have an online voice. Use it to help #UnmuteTheWorld. Raise awareness of the digital divide and share solutions that would be most impactful where you live. Check out the toolkit here.