UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) Policy Briefs

Older persons and those with underlying medical conditions are at a higher risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19 (coronavirus). Multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination experienced by older persons are exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic and aggravate their vulnerabilities. Triage protocols and policies that ensure medical decisions should be based on clinical assessment, medical need, ethical criteria and on the best available scientific evidence.

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) play a vital role in promoting the health and safety of people and in keeping economies and societies working during the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis. Digital government technologies either through information sharing or online services have kept governments and people connected during the outbreak. Digital technologies have also enabled governments to make rapid policy decisions based on real-time data and analytics, to enhance the capacities of local authorities for better coordination and to deploy evidence-based services to those who need them most. The efforts in developing digital government strategies after the COVID-19 crisis should focus on improving data protection and digital inclusion policies as well as on strengthening the policy and technical capabilities of public institutions. Even though public-private partnerships are essential for implementing innovative technologies, government leadership, strong institutions and effective public policies are crucial to tailor digital solutions to countries’ needs as well as prioritize security, equity and the protection of people’s rights. The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of technology, but also the pivotal role of an effective, inclusive and accountable government. This policy brief addresses how digital government has played a central role as a key tool of communication and collaboration between policymakers and society during the COVID-19 pandemic. Policymakers need to further embrace the future of digital government, even when the crisis is over.

COVID-19 (coronavirus) is posing significant health and economic risks to small island developing economies, given their small economic base, high degree of openness and extreme dependence on economic performance of a few developed economies. Amid sharp falls in tourism revenues and remittances flows, small island economies are likely to experience the most pronounced contraction in 2020, further exacerbating their vulnerability to economic and climatic shocks. Disproportionately high debt-servicing burdens of many small island economies will weaken their external balance, potentially increasing the likelihood of debt defaults. Many small island economies—highly dependent on food imports—face the added challenge of ensuring food security during the health and economic crisis. The pandemic response will constrain the fiscal space of small island developing economies and exacerbate their vulnerabilities to natural disasters brought about by climate change. Scaled-up international development cooperation will remain critical for ensuring that small island economies can strengthen their health response to the pandemic, while safeguarding food security and averting an economic crisis.