In a world undergoing digital transformation, access to digital skills has become a key factor in social and professional inclusion. The International Labor Organization (ILO) recently launched a digital training program in Ethiopia for refugees and local communities. This initiative illustrates the importance of bridging the digital divide in order to build a more resilient and sustainable economy. It is part of a global trend in which digital skills are now essential for accessing the labor market, regardless of the sector, and in which digital inclusion is considered by international institutions to be an essential lever for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The figures speak for themselves. According tothe International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 2.2 billion people still lack access to the internet, representing nearly a quarter of the world's population, despite 5G coverage now reaching more than half of the planet. In Africa, the ILO estimates that nearly 100 million young people are not in employment, education, or training (NEET), even though more than 60% of the African population will be under 25 by 2050. The World Economic Forum, for its part, highlights the digital inclusion initiatives led bythe EDISON Alliance, a global movement of leaders from various sectors and governments who prioritize digital inclusion in order to connect millions of people to the Internet and give them access to essential services in the areas of health, finance, and education, have already improved the lives of 784 million people in 127 countries, but that 2.6 billion people remain excluded from digital technology. Finally,ISO points out that more than 1.4 million ISO certificates are issued each year worldwide, with strong momentum in standards related to cybersecurity and energy performance.
At AFNOR International, we share this belief: training and certification are powerful tools for supporting transitions and strengthening employability on a global scale. Our international training programs on digital skills and digital transformation enable organizations to prepare their employees for the jobs of tomorrow. Finally, our professional certifications, aligned with ISO/IEC standards related to IT and cybersecurity, enhance skills and strengthen the recognition of competencies on the international market.
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