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Connecting schools has the potential to boost GDP by up to 20 % in the least connected nations
An Economist Intelligence Unit ( EIU ) report sponsored by Ericsson has found that nations with low broadband connectivity have the potential to realise an increase in GDP by up to 20 % by connecting schools to the Internet . could increase GDP per capita by almost 20 % – from US $ 550 per person in the baseline , to US $ 660 per person by 2025 .
The report focuses on four key actions to make a change :
A well-educated workforce is more likely to be innovative and foster groundbreaking ideas , leading to economic development and job creation . EIU analysis shows that for every 10 % increase in school connectivity in a country , GDP per capita could increase by 1.1 %.
In the context of the West African country of Niger , the report finds that improvements in school connectivity to Finnish levels
Collaboration is key : A holistic , public / private partnership strategy is needed to coordinate efforts with stakeholders to overcome barriers to school connectivity .
Accessibility and affordability : Building infrastructure to enable access to the Internet is a starting point . Quality of connection and cost are important factors as well .
Embedding Internet and digital tools into education : Once access to school connectivity is achieved , it must be embedded into the curriculum . Teachers must be trained to integrate technology into everyday learning .
Protecting children online : School connectivity provides opportunities for children . Additional steps must be taken to ensure healthy and protected online learning environments . Internet usage must be properly managed to ensure safe and secure use .
Oracle commits to powering its global operations with renewable energy by 2025
Oracle expanded its commitment to sustainability by pledging to power its global operations , both its facilities and its cloud , with 100 % renewable energy by 2025 .
“ Relying on renewable energy is an important step toward a more sustainable future ,” said Oracle Chief Executive Officer , Safra Catz . “ Oracle will always make its biggest impact on the environment by providing customers with technology that enables them to reduce their carbon footprint , but this new goal reflects the shared values of our customers , partners and investors .”
• Responsible sourcing : By 2025 , Oracle expects 100 % of its key suppliers to have an environmental programme in place
Oracle ’ s European Cloud regions are already powered with 100 % renewable energy , and Oracle has 51 offices around the world using 100 % renewable energy .
Oracle ’ s latest renewable energy goal builds on its existing sustainability priorities , including :
• Clean cloud : Oracle maintains its goal of achieving 100 % renewable energy use at all next-generation Oracle Cloud regions by 2025
• Hardware recycling : Continuing its efforts to reduce e-waste , in FY20 , Oracle collected £ 2.5 million of retired hardware assets , of which 99.6 % was either reused or recycled
• Reducing waste : Oracle has decreased the amount of waste sent to landfill at Oracle-owned buildings by 25 % on a square foot basis since 2015
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