Guatemala's digital transformation efforts have received recognition from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which commends the country's achievements and provides recommendations for further progress. Using the Digital Readiness Assessment (DRA), the UNDP evaluated Guatemala's advancements, involving over 100 stakeholders and analysing 30 datasets, highlighting over 50 digital transformation initiatives, UNDP said in a blog post.

The DRA, grounded in the UNDP's Digital Transformation Framework, identified key areas, revealing comprehensive mobile network coverage for the entire population and a 95% reach with a 3G network. Obstacles persist, particularly with administrative and cultural hurdles, notably regarding the national digital ID system.

Why does it matter?

Aligned with the UNDP's Digital Strategy 2022-2025, emphasising inclusive and people-centred digital transformation, Guatemala is leading the quest to foster a society that is open, transparent, and accessible to all. In particular, it is part of the 11 'First-Mover' states that are developing their Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), seeking to gain momentum in achieving the SDGs by 2030.

Guatemala has also set out its Digital Governance Plan 2021-2026, a roadmap highlighting the key goals and strategies towards fuller digital inclusion, accessibility, and communication, in line with the SDG Digital Acceleration Agenda.