Geneva, Switzerland - July 10, 2024

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) released its Digital Economy Report 2024 in Geneva on Monday, emphasizing the role of digital technologies in driving sustainable development.

The report highlighted that digital economy has driven global economic growth, providing more opportunities for developing countries. Notably, the number of online shoppers worldwide has increased from fewer than 100 million in 2000 to 2.3 billion in 2021.

While acknowledging the digital economy's environmental footprint, the report emphasized its potential to drive global development. It pointed out that developing countries play a key role in the global supply chain for minerals and metals.

Noting that by 2050, global demand for minerals required for digitalization such as graphite, lithium and cobalt may surge by 500 percent, the report said resource-rich developing countries should seize the development opportunities to secure a larger share of the global digital economy, generate governments revenues, create jobs and raise living standards.

"It must be inclusive and sustainable. We can offer a positive outlook based on opportunities, because we need the digital economy to catalyze growth and generate opportunities for all," said Rebeca Grynspan, the Secretary-General of the UNCTAD at a press briefing.

Shotlist:
Geneva, Switzerland - July 10, 2024:
1. Various of press briefing in progress;
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) (partially overlaid with shot 3):
"It must be inclusive and sustainable. We can offer a positive outlook based on opportunities, because we need the digital economy to catalyze growth and generate opportunities for all."
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE];
3. Flags
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FILE: Geneva, Switzerland - Date Unknown
4. Various of Palace of Nations, flags; traffic;
5. Various of UN sign.

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