Sustainable development is any constructive effort to meet the needs of the current generation without endangering the potential of future generations to cater to their own needs. The importance of digital technology is indisputable in making major progress in addressing challenges related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. The use of mobile devices,  artificial intelligence (AI), and digital platforms, as well as engagement in the digital market, is essential to accomplishing the SDG targets.

The global landscape today is characterized by digital transition and technical developments, with rapid changes that reshape human societies and daily lives. This progress could become crucial to tackling development concerns. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), data from digital interactions facilitates the achievement of at least 70% of the 169 SDG targets while also driving an evidence-based decision-making process at the national and international level.  As the SDGs' 2030 deadline draws near, young people continue to be a crucial group to consider when utilizing the revolutionary potentials of technology for global issues. The current generation of youth grew up in a digital age, is naturally drawn to technology, and is more likely to understand issues around computers, phones, software, applications, and the internet, among other things. 

The annual International Youth Day events have, for the past 20 years, revolved around topics on youth development and their involvement in national and international development. All of the overarching themes—which highlight the critical connection between youth and sustainable development—range from intergenerational solidarity and food security to mental health and green skills. This year’s theme is “From Clicks To Progress: Youth Digital Pathways For Sustainable Development.” The expression "From Clicks to Progress" seeks to capture how digital technology revolutionizes sustainable development. This suggests that digital technology-related actions, denoted by "clicks," can promote significant discoveries and evident socioeconomic breakthroughs. 

The Development of Digital Technology 

Digital technology refers to equipment, systems, and resources used to create, store, and manage data. These comprise the Internet, systems software, applications, and digital toys, as well as computers, phones, cameras, and calculators. According to the United Nations 2015 review, 3.2 billion people accessed the internet after the SDGs were introduced. By the end of 2015, over 7 billion people had access to mobile phones; this marked the first sign of a digital divide. However, just 34% of homes in developing countries had internet access, compared to 80% of homes in developed countries. 

Significant progress was witnessed in 2022, with around 8.63 billion mobile phone access globally. In the least developed countries, the percentage of people with internet access rose from 7% in 2015 to 36%. In addition, 79% of people in upper-middle-income countries and 92% of those in high-income countries had access to the Internet. By 2023, almost two-thirds of the world's population (5.3 billion people) was connected to the internet. Also, although women’s access to the internet increased to 63%, mobile phone ownership among women was 12% lower than that of men.

Areas where Nigerian Youths can utilize Digital Technology for Sustainable Development in Nigeria

The World Bank holds that 50% of the world's population is under the age of 30, and that number will rise to 60% by 2033. More than 70% of people in sub-Saharan Africa are under 30, and by 2063, the continent is expected to host about 850 million young people. Although younger people use digital technology more than older ones, statistics suggest that the generational gap is closing. In 2020, there was a global 14% disparity in internet usage rates between youth and the other population. By  2022, 75% of people aged between 15 and 24 had access to the Internet. 

Nigeria is one of the African nations with the highest rates of adoption of digital media and the Internet, and it houses over 30% of all Internet users in Africa. A digital survey conducted in January 2020 found that about 85 million Nigerians were online. According to a 2024 digital report, Nigeria had over 100 million internet users at the start of the year, with a penetration rate of 45.5%. The data also showed 36.75 million social media users, which accounted for 16.2% of the population, and 205.4 million active cellular mobile connections, which accounted for 90.7% of the entire population. 

The drive for sustainable development is reliant on technology, whose integration can offer long-term solutions in several areas, including waste management, transportation, agriculture, energy, and water. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), information and communication technologies (ICTs), which fall under digital technologies, can help speed up progress toward each of the SDGs. Nigerian youths can utilize the potential of technology to drive the following:

• Big Data and Analytics: Analyzing data is a rigorous activity and one that requires the vigour associated with youth. Through monitoring and accurate measurement of big data, technology helps track progress towards the SDGs by providing real-time data on various indicators. For example, satellite data can monitor deforestation rates, while mobile data can track population movements during crises. And since decision-making depends on the available data, these data-driven insights assist in better-informed decision-making, allowing policymakers to implement data-based policies, prioritize actions, and optimize resource allocation. This is a major challenge for research and development in Nigeria and a field that demands the potential and resourcefulness of youths.
• The Internet of Things (IoT): The ability of IoT devices to monitor environmental conditions, like air and water quality, can help combat pollution and climate change. Likewise, food security can be improved by using IoT technologies to optimize agricultural operations. This will raise crop yields and reduce waste. Nigerian youths in agriculture can explore this area of digital technology to enhance their productivity. This will place them on par with youths in other countries who are using digital technologies to solve the problems of food security.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): Proactive measures and possible solutions are made possible by the abilities of AI and ML. These platforms are used to forecast trends and consequences in the areas of epidemics and natural disasters. Likewise, AI-driven platforms can offer customized learning experiences, raising the quality and accessibility of education. An example of an indigenous technological innovation that uses AI to promote SDG in Nigeria is Ubenwa “Baby’s Cry," developed by 29-year-old Charles Onu.  Ubenwa uses AI to analyze the cry patterns of newborns to detect early signs of birth asphyxia, a leading cause of infant mortality. The AI-driven platform allows for early diagnosis and intervention, potentially saving lives. More involvement in AI and ML for health and education can improve these two sectors in Nigeria.  

The globe is connected, and as such, a lack of access to digital technology hinders significant development on a large scale. Digital access has become indispensable for millions of people worldwide, and many rely on it for daily tasks. While people of all ages use digital infrastructure every day, from receiving paychecks and welfare checks to making payments, getting medical treatment, proving identity, and much more, all with “a click,” the youth have the advantage of benefiting from the razing trend in digitalization.