Strategy 1. Use online and digital technologies
The range of uses of the Internet and digital devices has increased significantly
during the COVID-19 pandemic and it is clear that they can contribute to theachievement of the SDGs. For example, during the pandemic, the use of online
and digital technologies by restaurants and other businesses has risen
dramatically for delivery services and e-commerce.1 To achieve the SDGs after
the pandemic, it will be crucial to further establish and advance thesetechnologies while also addressing any associated trade-offs.2
Key points for achieving the SDGs
1. Bridge the digital divide: The introduction of new technologies could lead to
new disparities.3 Strategies are needed to avoid creating a digital divide.4
At the policy level, it is essential to implement at least the minimum
guarantees to avoid creating a digital divide, such as by lending tablet
computers or devices to households. For companies, public and private
sector partnerships could create new opportunities to mitigate educational
disparities that might arise due to a digital divide.
2. Develop sustainable business models: Business models need to be
developed that use the Internet and do not rely on face-to-face interactions,in order to normalize the use of these technologies.5 New approaches tooperations and business activities will be needed to ensure the growth ofcompanies that adopt new work styles. To do so, such approaches should
be viewed from the perspective of the SDGsʼ 17 goals and 169 targets. For
example, the required energy should be procured from renewable energy.

1

ILO (2020): World Employment and Social Outlook 2021: The role of digital labour platforms

in transforming the world of work.
2Bertelsmann Stiftung and Sustainable Development Solutions Network (2020): Sustainable

Development Report 2020, 12-13pp.
3

World Economic Forum (2021): The Global Risks Report 2021, 7-8pp.

4

WTO (2020): E-Commerce, Trade and the COVID-19 Pandemic,

5

Deloitte Tohmatsu Consulting LLC (2020): “Price be nimble, price be quick: Revenue

management in the COVID-19 era”
https://www.deloittedigital.com/content/dam/deloittedigital/us/documents/offerings/offering20200519-customer-covid-nimble-pricing.pdf

Strategy 1.

In addition, it will be necessary to address poverty issues that may arise
due to employment mismatches. For example, such measures should beconsidered in employment strategies in new business models. Policies willneed to integrate a “digital transformation” (DX) and a “sustainabilitytransformation” (SX).
3. Include digital technologies in international cooperation: Expand thepossibilities for utilizing digital technologies in international and multilateralcooperation. Technical assistance, interactions and networking can also bedone remotely.
Key targets to help achieve the SDGs
4.1 (Access to free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education)
6.a (Support developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities andprogrammes)
8.1 (Sustain per capita economic growth)
11.c (Support least developed countries in building sustainable and resilient
buildings utilizing local materials)
12.a (Support developing countries to strengthen their scientific andtechnological capacity to move towards more sustainable patterns ofconsumption and production)
14.7 (Increase economic benefits to developing countries from sustainable useof marine resources)
14.a (Transfer marine technology to developing countries)
17.16 (Enhance global partnership)
17.17 (Encourage public, public-private and civil society partnerships)
17.18 (Enhance capacity-building support to developing countries to increase
data availability)

Strategy 1.