CHAPTER 3: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION AND DIGITAL COOPERATION
Action 28. We will seize the opportunities presented by science, technology and innovation for the benefit of people and planet.
OUTPUT
Indicator
Target
Baseline: Sept 2024 Data Summary
Most Recently Reported Data
Progress
Sub-Action (b) Ensure that complex global challenges are addressed through interdisciplinary collaboration
Open science policies in national governments
# of countries with Open Science Policies
100 countries implementing open scientific imformation policies
As of 2023, 11 countries implemented appropriate policies, strategies, and legislative frameworks. 4 countries included the principles of open science in their domestic science policies, and 10+ are currently developing open science policies, based on UNESCO’s recommendation, notably in Africa, but also in Latin America and Europe.
As of 2026, 66 countries have open access to scientific information policies, and 74 countries have open data policies
Substantive
Progress
Sub-Action (c) Provide suitable educational and working conditions and opportunities for local workforce.
Increase in international ICT skills
SDG Indicator 4.4.1 Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill
SDG Target 4.4 By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship
As of 2024, youth ICT skills in country categories were: Low-Income (43%), Low-Middle-Income (71%), Upper-Middle-Income (97%), and High-Income (99%).
As of 2025, youth ICT skills in country categories were: Low-Income (38%), LowMiddle-Income (80%), Upper-Middle-Income (97%), and High-Income (99%).
Minimal
Progress
Action 30. We will ensure that science, technology and innovation contribute to the full enjoyment of human rights by all.
OUTPUT
Indicator
Target
Baseline: Sept 2024 Data Summary
Most Recently Reported Data
Progress
Sub-Action (b) Integrate a human rights perspective into regulatory and norm setting processes for new and emerging technologies.
Capacity for governments to regulate responsible AI
Integrate international ethical frameworks into national AI policies
Increase
Readiness Assessment Methodology for national AI policy is created in 2023.
As of 2026, 80 countries worldwide have implemented the Readiness Assessment Methodology
Substantive
Progress
Regulatory bodies
established by UN
International organizations working to establish AI regulations and governance
Increase
Global Digital Compact Objective 3. Foster an inclusive, open, safe and secure digital space that respects, protects and promotes human rights
In 2026, the SG appointed 40 individuals to serve on the new Independent International Scientific Panel on AI.
Minimal Progress
Sub-Action (c) Ensure that those in vulnerable situations benefit from application of science, technology and innovation.
Higher proportion of global population with access to ICT infrastructure
Access to the internet and 5G networks
Increase
In 2024, internet usage was reported at 5.5 billion people worldwide, or 68% of the global population. 51% of the world’s population was covered by 5G.
In 2025, internet usage was reported at 6 billion people worldwide, or 74% of the global population. 55% of the world’s population is covered by 5G mobile networks.
Substantive
Progress
Sub-Action (d) Seize on opportunities provided by new and emerging technologies to empower and advance equity for persons with disabilities
Growth of the assistive technology market
Total value of global spending on assistive technologies
Increase
Global Assistive Technology Market was valued at approximately $21.95 billion in 2022.
Global Assistive Technology Market size and share revenue was valued at approximately $28.2 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $30.4 billion in 2025
Minimal Progress
Action 31. We will ensure that science, technology and innovation improve gender equality and the lives of all women and girls.
OUTPUT
Indicator
Target
Baseline: Sept 2024 Data Summary
Most Recently Reported Data
Progress
Sub-Action (a) Improve employment opportunities for all women and girls in science, technology and innovation.
Women and girls have increased internet access worldwide
Internet access for women and girls globally
Increase internet access for women and girls to 75%
As of 2024, global data shows 65% of women and 70% of men have access to the internet.
As of 2025, 71% of women had access to the internet, while 77% of men had access. Country data highlighted a disparity between Low-Income (18% of women and 29% of men) and Lower-Middle-Income (57% of women and 69% of men) people with access to the internet.
Minimal Progress
Sub-Action (b) Address trafficking of persons brought about by the use of technologies.
International policy adopted on prevention of trafficking aided through digital technologies
UN resolutions on cybercrime and human trafficking
100 Member States become signiatories of the UN Convention Against Cybercrime
As of Dec. 2024, the UN Convention against Cybercrime was adopted by consensus through General Assembly resolution 79/243. States will complete their internal domestic processes to implement the Convention.
As of May 2026, the UN Convention Against Cybercrime has been formally signed by 76 UN Member States and 3 countries completed formal ratification.
Minimal
Progress