The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, on Saturday, called on global leaders to urgently invest in digital skills and dismantle the patriarchal structures that perpetuate gender inequality and bias in technology.

At the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, which marks the 160th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union, Guterres detailed the transformative power of technology, from the telegraph to artificial intelligence, and the critical need to ensure that its benefits reach women and girls equitably.

Observed annually on May 17, the day raises awareness about the vital role of information and communication technologies in driving development, bridging the digital divide, and fostering an inclusive, connected, and informed world.

“This year’s focus on gender equality in digital transformation is both timely and urgent,” Guterres noted in his message posted on the UN’s website.

He revealed persistent challenges, including algorithms that reinforce outdated prejudices, rampant online abuse that silences women’s voices, and the ongoing lack of female leadership in tech sectors.

“This injustice harms us all. We cannot accept a digital future that leaves half of humanity behind. We must urgently invest in digital skills for all; harness technology’s potential to improve women’s lives; dismantle barriers blocking their full participation and leadership in the technology sector; and continue working to eradicate gender-based violence in all its forms, online and offline,” the UN chief warned.

Guterres called for immediate action, including increased funding for digital education, removing obstacles to women’s participation in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and eliminating gender-based violence both online and offline.

He also underscored the importance of the UN’s Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact as essential frameworks to bridge digital divides and promote women’s rights in the digital space.

According to data from the International Telecommunication Union, the global digital economy, valued at over $5 trillion, remains heavily skewed, with women holding only 26 percent of tech jobs worldwide.

Experts argue that closing this gap could add billions to global GDP while fostering more inclusive technological innovation.

“When technology serves everyone, everyone wins,” Guterres concluded, urging governments, businesses, and civil society to collaborate in building a more equitable digital future.