Digital Equity Programme
Digital equity – the principle that everyone should have equal access and opportunity to participate in the digital world – remains a global challenge.
Despite significant progress in internet access, approximately 2.6 billion people worldwide remain offline, with many residing in rural and remote areas of least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing states.
Nearly three-quarters of young people aged 15 to 24 in 92 countries are not on track to acquire the skills needed for employment, underscoring the critical need for enhanced access to digital education and training.
Working with local and global partners, YMCAs are bridging the digital divide by expanding access to technology, offering digital skills training, and creating inclusive spaces for learning and connection in underserved communities.
2.6 billion
people worldwide remain offline (ITU)
Nearly 3/4
of young people aged 15-24 in 92 countries are not on track to acquire skills needed for employment (ITU)
1 in 3
people cannot benefit from the economic, educational, political, social and health potential of being connected. (Internet Society Foundation)
HP
Together, the World YMCA and HP are working to bridge the digital divide and provide inclusive access to technology and education worldwide. This collaboration began in 2022 with seven YMCAs offering the HP LIFE digital skills training courses. In 2023, in addition to HP LIFE courses at four YMCAs, the programme expanded to digital tech hubs, volunteerism and community acceleration in Moldova and the Western Balkans.
45 million
HP has accelerated digital equity for 45 million people from 2021-23
Accelerating Digital Equity: Building Digital Futures, One Community at a Time
July 30, 2026
On unity and diversity, on the ‘why?’ of the Y, and the celebration of our differences at World Council: a historian of the YMCA reflects
July 2, 2026
Skills in Action: Young People Building Skills for a Shared Future
June 6, 2026
Turning digital access into opportunity: HP HOPE, YMCA strengthen digital equity in USA
March 29, 2026
Accenture
The YMCA Europe “Refugee Skilling and Support” project is powered by Accenture Foundation and is unfolding in partnership with YMCAs in Moldova, Slovakia, Romania, and five local YMCs in Ukraine. It has been addressing an immediate need for digital competencies, employability-skills building, legal advice, mental health support and youth work, serving beneficiaries from the communities affected by the war in Ukraine which began in February 2022.
1 in 7
young people aged 5-19 worldwide experience a mental health disorder (UN/WHO)
World YMCA launches global “Igniting Youth Futures” programme to build a future-ready workforce
October 20, 2025
YMCA and Accenture: Three years of collective support for displaced communities in Europe
June 27, 2025
Refugee Skilling Project extended to Phase III
June 17, 2024
Accenture Skills to Succeed Academy offers free upskilling courses
May 21, 2024