UNGA President Applauds India’s Digital Revolution for Lifting 800 Million Out of Poverty
At the FAO headquarters in Rome, UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis lauded India for lifting 800 million people out of poverty through the use of smartphones.
Francis highlighted India’s achievements during his lecture on “Accelerating Progress Towards Zero Hunger,” emphasizing the role of digital technology in poverty alleviation.
He remarked, “Digitalization provides the foundation for rapid development. India’s success exemplifies this.”
Francis noted that digital connectivity and financial inclusion have made a significant difference in India, where many of the 800 million previously living in poverty now have access to cell phones—a stark contrast to other regions of the Global South.
He added, “This level of access is not widespread in many parts of the Global South. Addressing this inequality is crucial for shaping a global digital framework.”
Francis explained how rural Indian farmers, who once had no access to banking services, now conduct all their transactions via smartphones, benefiting from extensive internet coverage and widespread cellphone usage.
Social Media Reaction:
The news has garnered positive responses online, with some users criticizing opposition parties for downplaying India’s digital achievements.
One user commented, “Opposition politicians should take note: the UN General Assembly recognizes that nearly 800 million Indians have escaped poverty due to the digital revolution driven by cellphone networks.”
Another added, “This praise from Dennis Francis should be acknowledged by critics like Rahul Gandhi and others.”
A third user remarked, “Dennis Francis, President of the 78th UN General Assembly, praised India for lifting 800 million people out of poverty through digital advancements in the past 5-6 years. Yet, this achievement is not always recognized by some opposition figures.”