Government Strategies for Sustainability, Socioeconomic Progress, and Gender-Biased Citizen Participation in Global Digital Governance

Introduction

Digital policies and initiatives implemented by governments play an essential part in ensuring the long-term viability of economies and societies around the world, as well as driving economic growth. Policies that encourage the use of technology that are more energy-efficient, reduce the amount of electronic waste, and promote sustainable practises in the digital sector can make a contribution to the long-term viability of the environment if they are designed with the intention of supporting a green digital transformation. The best method for governments to better connect their efforts with their sustainability goals is to incorporate environmental effect evaluations into digital initiatives, raise awareness about the necessity of recycling e-wastes, and prioritise renewable energy sources for data centres. By adopting certain rules and practises, governments may be able to contribute to the creation of a digital ecosystem that is more environmentally friendly and sustainable. Policies governing the use of digital technology are essential to the overall advancement of society because they enable more equitable development through the application of technology (Martínez-Peláez et al., 2023).

Building digital infrastructure, teaching essential skills, and promoting entrepreneurial efforts should be given high priority in any strategies that aim to empower communities, create jobs, and bridge the digital gap. These goals can be accomplished through a combination of these factors. E-government initiatives like digital public services and online education are two examples of initiatives that improve accessibility and efficiency, and as a result, contribute to the growth of both society and the economy. It is possible for governments to contribute to the acceleration of economic growth by providing ecosystems for digital innovation with support in the form of laws that encourage research and development, startup incubation, and public-private collaborations.

In order to advance inclusive digital governance, it is necessary to address concerns around gender bias in citizen participation. In order to close the digital gender gap, it is essential to encourage the growth of digital literacy and skills among women. Mentoring programmes and other types of specialised training are two examples of government initiatives that can help boost the number of women working in the information technology field. In addition to this, it is essential to establish a digital public sphere that is inclusive of people of both sexes. Equal representation, protection from cyber harassment, and encouragement of female entrepreneurialism are all important factors in the development of a more robust digital democracy (Chen et. al., 2021). Despite the many benefits, it is difficult for governments to establish digital regulations that are user-friendly for all of their constituents. The removal of technological obstructions in underprivileged areas and the overcoming of social and cultural preconceptions that may impede women from participating in particular sectors are two examples of the challenges that need to be addressed.

Because of worries about cyber security, national governments have a tough time establishing a balance between the positive aspects of digital connectedness and the urgent need to protect citizens from the dangers that can be found online. These obstacles can be conquered by working together as a team, forming alliances within civil society, and maintaining constant monitoring and evaluation of implementation efforts. This will allow for adjustments to implementation strategies in response to feedback and shifting situations. Due to the interconnected nature of the digital ecosystem, international cooperation is an absolutely necessary component of efficient digital governance. Governments can participate in international alliances and conferences to share best practises, debate shared challenges, and establish standardised frameworks in order to improve their ability to promote sustainability, socioeconomic advancement, and gender-inclusive citizen involvement. We will be able to strengthen the ecosystem of digital governance, which will ultimately be to the advantage of people all around the world, if we work together to share our knowledge and build it (Mensah and Casadevall, 2019).