Estonia, Denmark and Singapore are leading the 2024 e-government ranking of the 193 United Nations Member States, scoring the highest when it comes to the scope and quality of online services, the status of telecommunication infrastructure and human capacity.
Despite intersecting and compounding global crises in recent years, nations and regions worldwide have accelerated their commitment to digital government strategies, according to the 2024 edition of the United Nations E-Government Survey – Accelerating Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development. This year’s edition of the Survey, presents Denmark, Estonia and Singapore as leading the 2024 digital government ranking.
Runners-up in the highest digital rating class are Republic of Korea, Iceland, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Australia, Finland, Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, Germany, Japan, Sweden, Norway, New Zealand, Spain and Bahrain. Regional leaders are South Africa (Africa), United States (Americas), Singapore (Asia), Denmark (Europe) and Australia (Oceania).
GOOD TO KNOW
Estonian ICT companies have helped to build the most advanced digital society in the world. Estonia is home to 10 unicorns and producing 10 times more startups per capita than the European average, Estonia leads by example in digital integration, offering a model for other
countries to enhance their digital infrastructures.
The Survey shows that significant strides have been made to digital governance, boosted by investments in resilient infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing and broadband. Yet, while digital transformation has sparked innovation and growth, particularly in the private sector, many countries still face hurdles in fully leveraging these advancements to enhance public services and participation, key components for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The Survey highlights the strides made in digital government and addressing the persistent digital divide, particularly in regions like Africa and Oceania. While the divide may not be fully bridged by 2030, the latest advancements present a significant opportunity,” said Li Junhua, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. “By accelerating efforts and adopting innovative, inclusive solutions, we can ensure that all nations benefit from the transformative power of digital government, making public administration more effective, resilient and equitable.”
Europe is leading in e-government development
For the first time, Member States with very high E-Government Development Index (EGDI) values, comprise the largest share, accounting for 39 per cent of the total number of countries assessed. Overall, 71.5 per cent of Member States are now at the high or very high EGDI levels.
Owing to remarkable improvements in service provision and telecommunications infrastructure, the global EGDI average has increased overall with the proportion of the population lagging in digital government development decreasing from 45.0 percent in 2022 to 22.4 percent in 2024. This progress is largely due to significant advancements in Asia, and steady improvement in the Americas, where more countries have joined the very high EGDI group.
FACS ABOUT ESTONIA
#1 leader in unicorns per capita in Europe
51% of the ICT sector’s revenue is coming from international clients
99% of all public services are accessible online
#5 in the EU for the proportion of ICT specialists in total employment
30% of Estonia’s total services exports account for ICT services
1407 years of working time saved every year thanks Estonia´s digital services
While all regions have achieved progress in various areas, the pace of development has been uneven and regional disparities persist. Europe is leading in e-government development, but Asia is advancing more rapidly than the other four regions with 53 per cent of countries in the region having very high EGDI values. In Africa, Mauritius and South Africa have moved up to the high EGDI group, marking the first-time countries from this region have reached the highest level. However, most African countries have EGDI levels below the global average.
The United Nations E-Government Survey, published by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, is prepared over a two-year period following an established methodology. It looks at how digital government can facilitate integrated policies and services across 193 UN Member States.
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