There is global recognition of the role of digital technologies in driving development and societal outcomes. In particular, digital public infrastructure (DPI) are being studied for their ability to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), giving low and middle-income countries a chance to converge swiftly to higher levels of development. This potential is well-illustrated in India, where DPI like Aadhar and United Payments Interface (UPI) have dramatically accelerated financial inclusion and created a foundation for the private sector to catalyse and innovate upon.

The Global Digital Compact and the 50-in-5 initiative embody the growing global consensus around digital public infrastructures (DPI) potential for setting countries on equitable development trajectories. Realising that potential requires building DPI the right way. Adequate capacity within government to design, implement and sustain DPI-enabled digital transformation is often the deciding factor here. Its absence can lead to ineffective DPI which is more expensive, less effective and unsustainable – and worse, neither safe nor inclusive.

Artha Global and eGovernments Foundation have collaborated to set up the DPI Academy for bridging this crucial strategic governance capacity gap. By building capacity and catalysing communities of practice in government and other relevant stakeholders, the Academy aims to equip them with the capabilities they need to drive successful DPI initiatives. This is the first step in a larger vision. We see the Academy as the first in a global network of such knowledge and capacity-building hubs established by 2029 – because responsible DPI built with safeguards is a global need.