The Government of Guatemala, in collaboration with the United Nations System (UNS), the European Union (EU), and the Joint SDG Fund (F-SDG), has launched the joint programme "Enabling Digital Transformation and Improving Public Service Delivery at Scale in Guatemala." This initiative, supported by international funding and private sector partners, aims to modernize public services through digitalization, reducing gaps and increasing efficiency for the benefit of all citizens.
The programme has a budget of $3,000,000 and a three-year implementation period. Its main objectives include strengthening institutional governance frameworks for digital innovation by creating solid structures to ensure the effective deployment of digital services. It also aims to accelerate and transform digital public services by facilitating the adoption of technologies to improve accessibility and efficiency in state services. Additionally, the programme focuses on upholding digital human rights and promoting digital inclusion for vulnerable populations, prioritizing indigenous peoples, women, children, adolescents, and youth in the country’s digital transformation.
On November 8, 2024, the programme was presented to various sectors of Guatemalan society in a forum that brought together representatives from the public and private sectors, civil society, and academia. On March 10, 2025, the official signing of the joint programme took place, reaffirming the commitment of the participating institutions.
The signing ceremony was attended by Miguel Barreto, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Guatemala, Thomas Peyker, European Union Ambassador to Guatemala, Edie Cux, Presidential Commissioner for Open and Electronic Government, Carlos Benítez, UNDP Resident Representative in Guatemala, Manuel Rodríguez Pumarol, UNICEF Representative in Guatemala, and Patricio Zambrano, UNESCO Representative in Guatemala. The event was also witnessed by Clara Girbau Ronda, Ambassador of Spain, and Pontus Rosenberg, Ambassador of Sweden, as honorary witnesses.
Commissioner Edie Cux highlighted the government’s commitment to modernizing public services, stating, "This initiative will strengthen transparency, efficiency, and accessibility for citizens."
Thomas Peyker, Ambassador of the European Union in Guatemala, said,
"We support digital transformation because it is essential in strengthening the provision of public services. This initiative will strengthen transparency, efficiency, and accessibility for citizens."
Miguel Barreto, UN Resident Coordinator in Guatemala, emphasized the interest of the United Nations in strengthening national capacities:
"These efforts coincide with the Pact for the Future, which seeks the use of technology that streamlines and simplifies public services in favor of the population."
This joint effort will contribute significantly to the implementation of the General Government Policy 2024-2028, aligning with the strategic pillar of "Legitimate and Effective Public Function." Additionally, it will support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16, which promotes effective, accountable, and transparent institutions.
Through the creation of a National Committee for the Modernization of the Executive Branch and its Digital Transformation Board, led by the Ministry of Finance and the Private Secretariat of the Presidency, the programme aims to ensure the digital inclusion of the most vulnerable populations and foster citizen participation in digital governance processes.
With this initiative, Guatemala takes a decisive step toward a more connected, efficient, and inclusive future, positioning itself as a leader in digital transformation for sustainable development.
Note:
All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and our private sector funding partners, for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
