Principles for Digital Development

Over a decade ago, international development organizations began seeking new ways of harnessing digital tools in their programming for improved outcomes.

These efforts were initially quite successful; significant advancements occurred in various sectors such as health and agriculture, more communities around the globe were connected, and underserved populations were reached in a way that had not been possible before.

However, some digitally-enabled programs failed — and quite often that failure was for reasons that were both predictable and preventable.

To address these challenges, donors and implementers began discussing how to understand and share best practices in the use of digital tools in international development.

This lead to the creation of the Principles for Digital Development.