Every year on October 24th, we observe World Development Information Day. This day highlights the importance of sharing information and technology to tackle development challenges around the globe. It’s an opportunity to see how access to knowledge can empower communities, improve lives, and help us achieve a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone.
This day serves as a reminder that progress isn’t just about economic growth. It’s also about ensuring people have the tools and information they need to build better lives for themselves and their communities. From a farmer learning new agricultural techniques online to a small business owner using digital payment systems, information is a powerful catalyst for change. At Remitly, we see this firsthand every day as people use our service to send money and support to loved ones, contributing to local economies and fostering growth from the ground up.
This post will explore the significance of World Development Information Day, its connection to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and how you can get involved.
What is World Development Information Day?
The United Nations established World Development Information Day in 1972. The goal was to draw the attention of people everywhere to the challenges of development and the need to strengthen international cooperation to solve them. The General Assembly decided the day should coincide with United Nations Day, October 24th, to emphasize the central role of development in the UN’s work.
Originally, the day focused on spreading information through traditional media like newspapers and television. Today, the internet and mobile technology have completely changed how we share and access information. These tools have accelerated progress by making it easier to connect, learn, and innovate. The core mission remains the same: to inform people and mobilize public support for international development efforts.
Linking Information to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
World Development Information Day is closely tied to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are critical for achieving nearly all of the SDGs. Here are a few examples:
- SDG 1: No Poverty: Mobile banking and digital payment platforms allow people without access to traditional banks to save money, receive payments, and access credit. This financial inclusion is a key step in lifting people out of poverty.
- SDG 4: Quality Education: Online learning platforms and digital resources provide access to educational materials for students and teachers in remote areas, helping to bridge the gap in educational opportunities.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The internet helps entrepreneurs and small businesses reach new markets, access information, and use digital tools to manage their operations more efficiently. This fosters job creation and stimulates local economies. Remittances, often sent through digital services like Remitly, are a vital source of income for millions of families and contribute significantly to the GDP of many developing nations.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Access to information drives innovation. It allows researchers, engineers, and policymakers to collaborate and develop new solutions for everything from clean energy to resilient infrastructure.
By focusing on how information can be harnessed, World Development Information Day helps us track progress and identify areas where more support is needed to achieve the SDGs.
The Role of Remittances in Global Development
A significant part of global development is the flow of money sent by immigrants to their families back home. These funds, known as remittances, are a lifeline for millions of people. In 2023, remittance flows to low- and middle-income countries were estimated to be around $669 billion.
This money plays a direct role in development by:
- Reducing Poverty: Remittances provide a stable source of income that helps families afford basic necessities like food, housing, and healthcare.
- Improving Health and Education: Families often use remittance funds to pay for school fees and medical expenses, leading to better health and educational outcomes for children.
- Supporting Small Businesses: This money can provide the starting capital for a small family business, creating jobs and contributing to the local economy.
Digital remittance services have made it easier, safer, and more affordable to send money across borders. By providing a secure and transparent way to transfer funds, we help ensure that more money reaches the people who need it most, empowering them to build a better future.
How Can You Participate?
World Development Information Day is a call to action for everyone. You don’t have to be a policymaker or a tech expert to make a difference.
Here are a few simple ways you can get involved:
- Get Informed: Take some time to learn about the development challenges facing different parts of the world. Follow organizations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on social media to stay updated.
- Share Information: Use your own social networks to share articles, statistics, or stories related to global development. Raising awareness is the first step toward creating change.
- Support Ethical Organizations: Consider donating to or volunteering with charities that work on development projects. Look for organizations that are transparent about how they use their funds.
- Make Conscious Choices: Support companies that are committed to ethical practices, such as fair trade and sustainable sourcing. Your choices as a consumer have a global impact.
Building a More Informed World
World Development Information Day reminds us that knowledge is a powerful tool for progress. When people have access to information, they are better equipped to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and build more prosperous communities. As we continue to navigate a rapidly changing world, the free and open exchange of information is more important than ever.
By working together to bridge the digital divide and ensure everyone can benefit from modern technology, we can move closer to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and creating a world where no one is left behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is World Development Information Day on October 24th?
The United Nations chose October 24th to coincide with United Nations Day. This timing was selected to emphasize that global development is a core part of the UN’s mission and to engage the public in these efforts.
How does technology help with global development?
Technology, particularly the internet and mobile devices, accelerates development by improving access to education, healthcare, and financial services. It also helps businesses reach new markets and allows for the rapid sharing of information that can drive innovation and solve local problems.
What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
The SDGs are a set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations in 2015. They address a wide range of social and economic development issues, including poverty, hunger, health, education, climate change, and inequality, with the aim of creating a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030.