Standardized, secure digital systems can improve government services at any scale necessary. Based on the open-source approach embraced by India in recent years, the larger the better.
With digital public infrastructure (DPI), the country has produced a pioneering example of how innovative technologies can improve services to citizens.
A day-long conference in the United Nations hub of Geneva on 29 January explored “citizen-centric digital transformations” – echoing a key G20 topic under India’s presidency of the group two years ago.
“Citizen Stack 2025” brought together experts from the private and public sectors to share insights on India’s experience to date, as well as how rapid DPI rollouts in developing countries could help achieve the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) co-hosted the conference with the Permanent Mission of India to the UN in Geneva.
Alongside hard infrastructure like cables, towers, data centres, and satellites, every country needs a multiplicity of systems, institutions, and human skills to function as a digital economy and society.
DPI – combining innovative services, standards, and skills-building – enables governments to “accelerate progress on public service delivery, financial inclusion, healthcare, education and many more areas where we see digital technology making decisive contributions to sustainable development,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin.
Unlike the closed, self-contained platforms typically developed in the private sector, DPI is based on open, interoperable networks and public-private partnerships that allow service providers to adapt proven applications to local requirements. This open access is what drives economic inclusion, sustainable development and efficient public service delivery.
DPI for education
The Giga initiative led by ITU and UNICEF has taken up DPI in the field of education in parallel with connecting schools worldwide to the Internet.
The two UN agencies started the initiative in 2019 aiming to connect every school in the world to the Internet by 2030. With support from Switzerland, Spain and other partners, Giga has identified glaring coverage gaps that leave millions of schools and communities offline. Increasingly, it also develops the tools and services to help governments close those gaps.
A new Giga report, Building the Case for Digital Public Infrastructure for Education, presents case studies in DPI to achieve scalable, impactful digital solutions for schools.
The initiative has recognized DPI applications as a critical tool for breaking down barriers to education. The focus is on interoperable platforms – usable practically anywhere – that support a learner-centric approach.
The aim, alongside connecting schools worldwide, is to transform traditional education systems in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Bogdan-Martin underscored the “very high hopes for open networks” in education.
Key findings
The digital divide in education is characterized by unequal access and fragmented solutions. DPI offers accessible learning opportunities for all and the digital transformation of the education space by providing a strong yet flexible foundation — an infrastructure that enables a plug-and-play approach for educational applications, fostering innovation and driving real impact.
A strong foundation in digital learning requires investment in capacity building, including relevant training programs, awareness campaigns, and targeted skills development initiatives. These efforts will ensure effective DPI implementation for all stakeholders across various education levels and contexts, from preschool to lifelong learning.
Successful public-private partnerships are crucial to getting the most out of DPI. Given the pace of today’s technological advances, the need for those partnerships to improve educational services has never been more pressing. With the help of artificial intelligence (AI), DPI can offer tailored solutions for learners, unlocking the potential of every individual, and paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future.
Source: https://www.itu.int/hub/2025/02/citizen-centric-services-digital-public-infrastructure/