ICT for the SDGs
To better reflect the role of ICT in achieving the SDGs, the Partnership on Measuring ICT for Development has developed a
thematic list of ICT indicators for the SDGs (November 2019) that can be used to measure ICT availability and use in sectors relevant to the SDGs that are not covered in the global SDG indicators framework.
UN DESA, as a member of the Partnership on Measuring Information and Communication Technology for Development, contributed to the development of a core list of ICT indicators to help countries track ICT infrastructure, access, and measure ICTs in households, enterprises, education, and government. The list is revised regularly and was endorsed by the UN Statistical Commission.
As indicated in the Report of the Partnership on Measuring Information and Communication Technology for Development (2024-29-ICT-E.pdf), the Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the Secretariat collects ICT in government (e-government) indicators. The methodology for collecting these indicators are based on the methodology of the United Nations E-Government Survey and the following indicators are added to the core list in 2021 and collected as part of its United Nations E-Government Survey:
(a) National E-Government Strategy
Presence of a national e-government strategy or equivalent
(b) Digital Identity Authentication
Digital identity or similar authentication for online services
(c) Public Procurement Portal
Presence of a public procurement portal
In addition, the Division constructs the E-Participation Index, using features from the Online Service Index of the United Nations E-Government Survey, as well as the Local Online Service Index (LOSI), to assess the online services provided by local governments, specifically by cities.
