Collaboration for Connectivity: A Digital Access, Inclusion and Participation

Collaboration for Connectivity: A Digital Access, Inclusion and Participation by Troy Etulain reframes digital access as a human right and social equalizer, not merely an infrastructure challenge. The report, developed within the UNHCR Innovation Service, argues that sustainable, inclusive connectivity can profoundly improve outcomes in education, livelihoods, health, protection, and civic participation—especially for refugees and marginalized host communities.

It highlights that meaningful connectivity goes beyond signal strength or device counts; it’s about enabling people to participate fully in digital life—to learn, earn, organize, and express themselves safely. Achieving this impact requires multi-stakeholder collaboration among humanitarian agencies, governments, telecom operators, private tech partners, and, crucially, communities themselves.

The report calls for co-designed, locally anchored solutions—such as shared access points, community networks, or blended-finance models—that bridge the digital divide while respecting context and agency. It stresses inclusive design for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, ensuring that connectivity projects promote equality rather than reinforce exclusion.

To deliver measurable social impact, Etulain proposes shifting focus from infrastructure metrics to outcome-based indicators—hours of learning, access to telehealth, income generation, and civic engagement. The report also emphasizes digital safety and trust: data protection, privacy, and responsible technology governance are essential for equitable participation.

Finally, the piece frames collaboration for connectivity as a foundation for resilience and dignity. By aligning policy, financing, and measurement frameworks, governments and partners can transform connectivity from a cost center into a driver of social inclusion, empowerment, and long-term development.