xThe United Nations Resident Coordinator in Chile, María José Torres, visited the La Araucanía region from 30 March to 1 April to review the progress of the Connected Communities programme, supported by the Joint SDG Fund. The initiative aims to reduce the digital divide in rural areas and strengthen access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. During her visit, she engaged with regional authorities, local stakeholders, and communities to assess how digital infrastructure and tools are improving everyday life in remote areas.
The La Araucanía region faces persistent development challenges due to its geography, dispersed rural population, and significant Indigenous presence. These factors, combined with high levels of multidimensional poverty, make digital connectivity a critical priority for improving living standards and reducing inequality. Communities in the region have expressed strong interest in digital tools that support healthcare access, agricultural productivity, and economic independence, particularly for women and small-scale farmers.
Despite ongoing efforts, significant gaps remain in connectivity, affordability, infrastructure, and digital skills. Many rural households still lack stable internet access, limiting their ability to benefit from online services. These gaps are especially pronounced among women, older persons, youth, and Indigenous communities, highlighting how the digital divide continues to reinforce existing social and economic inequalities.
The programme is already showing tangible results, including expanded telemedicine services in rural health centres, digital skills training for women, and the introduction of agricultural technologies such as sensors and monitoring systems for farmers. These efforts are helping improve access to services, strengthen productivity, and increase resilience in rural communities.
The initiative also emphasizes sustainability through coordination with government institutions, private sector partners, and academic institutions to ensure long-term impact. Training and capacity-building remain central to the approach, enabling communities to take ownership of digital tools and solutions.
Overall, the Connected Communities programme seeks to go beyond internet access by promoting inclusive development, expanding opportunities, and supporting long-term social and economic empowerment for rural, Indigenous, and vulnerable populations in La Araucanía.
