"I am pleased to present the 2025 edition of the ICT Development Index (IDI). This is the third edition based on the revised methodology adopted by Member States in 2023. The current IDI is anchored in the concept of universal and meaningful connectivity (UMC), a term coined by ITU in 2021 that has since gained broad traction. Many governments and organizations are embracing this concept, based on the premise that realizing the full potential of connectivity requires more than access – it also means addressing barriers such as affordability, digital skills, and connection quality.
On the path to UMC, the IDI serves as an important tool for tracking progress. The 2025 results show continued global advances in connectivity, with nearly all economies improving their performance. It is encouraging that low-income countries tend to be progressing the fastest, although from a low base. Gaps with higher-income countries remain wide.
This edition also presents attention to the situation of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). While these groups often face significant structural challenges, the IDI sheds light on their evolving digital landscapes and the markedly different trajectories within each group. These internal disparities highlight the importance of context-specific policies and targeted support." (Foreword)