Page 11 - UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

UN Executive Briefing on Unlocking the potential of virtual worlds and
the metaverse for the Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 1: No Poverty

End poverty in all its forms everywhere

Virtual worlds, including the metaverse, hold tremendous potential
for Goal 1 in addressing poverty and inequality by increasing access
to markets and digital economy opportunities [b-WEF]. However, as
with other digital transformation initiatives, ensuring equitable access
and mitigating job displacement are crucial issues that need to be
addressed.
Equitable access to technology is vital to preventing a deepening digital
divide and entrenched poverty [b-ITU7]. Key considerations to help policymakers mitigate this
challenge include increasing investments in infrastructure and affordable digital technologies
and connectivity (particularly in underserved regions); and addressing job displacement caused
by technological advancements. Efforts to tackle income inequality and increased poverty may
include training programmes and skills development initiatives enabled by virtual worlds, to
support marginalized communities, thereby increasing their participation in the new digital
economy.

Virtual worlds offer unique opportunities to empower marginalized communities and promote
economic development [b-CTU]. Virtual marketplaces within virtual worlds such as the
metaverse can remove barriers and provide access to a global customer base. At the same
time, inclusive financial services enabled by digital currencies and blockchain technology can
provide underserved populations with access to savings, investments and credit, facilitating
financial inclusion and poverty reduction.

Entrepreneurship enabled by virtual worlds could allow individuals to generate income by
monetizing their digital creations and participating in new ventures such as metaverse tourism.
Innovative training and capacity building programmes will be key to facilitating this transition,
by equipping marginalized communities with the skills necessary to actively participate in, and
benefit from, the metaverse economy [b-World Bank].

Case study: Using the metaverse as a tool to combat poverty

A social development ecosystem, Gerando Falcões, in Brazil, is using technology to combat
poverty in the country's favelas. The organization has teamed up with Accenture Song to create
an immersive game in the metaverse, called “Favela X, the game,” built on the open-source
platform Roblox. The game allows players to experience life in a favela, dealing with challenges
associated with poverty like infrastructure, sanitation, education, culture and technology
[b-Accenture].

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