Haroldo Jacobovicz, Civil Engineer, Businessman and Brazilian Investor. Founder of Arlequim Technologies S/A.
When wielded with purpose, technology can become a bridge that connects communities, empowers individuals and unlocks opportunities for those who have long been excluded. But technology, for all its potential, isn’t an automatic equalizer. Building a truly connected world demands intentional effort, a clear and farsighted vision and a steadfast commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind.
I am grateful to have witnessed the extraordinary power of access to transform lives, equipping people with the tools they need to grow and succeed—but we still have a long way to go.
Empowering Individuals With Tools And Skills For A Digital Future
The digital divide is a major issue, going beyond internet access to include the tools, skills and confidence needed to use technology, with those left behind at the risk of missing out on education, jobs, health care and social inclusion. To address this issue, we, as leaders, must first tackle the basics—ensuring that connectivity and devices are not just available, but accessible to all—while going beyond infrastructure to develop systems that are both sustainable and inclusive, encouraging involvement from a broad range of stakeholders.
Collaboration is essential for businesses. When organizations and communities pool resources and expertise, the outcomes are exponentially more profound. Such partnerships have the potential to address immediate needs and lay the foundation for sustained progress, creating a robust framework that benefits all parties involved.
Transforming Digital Literacy into Lifelong Empowerment
Infrastructure, while crucial, is merely the starting point. True digital inclusion requires an integrated approach encompassing affordability, education and long-term engagement. It’s not enough to place technology within reach; individuals must feel empowered to use it meaningfully.
Digital literacy programs create pathways to new opportunities by equipping individuals with the skills essential for thriving in the digital age, serving as instructional courses as well as powerful tools that turn passive access into meaningful empowerment.
The affordability of technology is another significant barrier to inclusion. Offering cost-effective devices, establishing free Wi-Fi zones, and creating community technology hubs are practical steps that open doors for more people. But access is not a one-time event. It requires a continuum of support, from technical assistance to ongoing learning and growth.
Creating Equitable Opportunities For Learners Everywhere
The intersection of technology and education is one of the most compelling areas to impel social and economic development. Online platforms, virtual classrooms and e-learning tools have revolutionized access to knowledge, breaking down geographical and economic barriers that once seemed insurmountable.
A student in a remote area, with the right resources such as virtualization technology, now has the chance to enjoy the same access to high-quality educational resources as someone in an urban center—a democratization of education that is bridging gaps while paving the way for a more equitable future.
Professional opportunities, too, are being reshaped by technology as the rise of remote work and digital freelance platforms decouple employment from physical location, enabling individuals to overcome workplace obstacles like caregiving responsibilities, limited mobility or entrenched biases.
Designing Technologies That Empower And Unite
Necessity is the mother of invention, and invention fuels the march of progress, so its potential to address inequalities is immense. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, adaptive learning platforms and personalized healthcare solutions have the power to make systems more efficient, more accessible and more inclusive.
However, the true power of innovation lies in its inclusivity as technology becomes a force for good only when designed with diverse perspectives in mind, offering solutions that are intuitive, culturally sensitive and adaptable to a range of needs and contexts.
Throughout my career, I’ve focused on developing practical and scalable strategies—an approach that ensures creativity and new ideas benefit everyone, not just a privileged few. This way, we can transform forward-thinking solutions from a buzzword into a true catalyst for equality and progress.
Building A Sustainable And Inclusive Digital World
Building a connected world isn’t something any single entity can achieve alone. It demands collaboration at every level, with governments, businesses, nonprofits and individuals working together.
Businesses must prioritize initiatives that drive social impact alongside economic growth, while communities unite to advocate for inclusivity and equity by integrating grassroots efforts into the larger picture—exemplified by social enterprises and mission-driven organizations that seamlessly blend ingenuity with purpose.
If you’re a business leader trying to balance profit with purpose, start by focusing on initiatives that align with what your company already does best. The most impactful social programs build on your strengths—whether that’s technology, logistics or people.
Begin by working with local organizations that truly understand community needs, then expand as you fine-tune your approach. Setting aside an innovation fund (ideally 3% to 5% of annual profits) ensures you have the resources to create lasting change while showing stakeholders you’re serious about making an impact.
To bring these initiatives to life, assemble cross-functional teams that include both executives and frontline employees—diverse perspectives lead to better solutions. You can also create an institute or a foundation to represent your company in supporting social causes. Another effective way to reinforce this path is through volunteer programs, advising employees about serious community projects in which they can use their skills during their free time. This can not only amplify your impact but even strengthen employee engagement and retention.
And don’t overlook the power of partnerships. Teaming up with community associations, local governments and NGOs can create an ecosystem where big, systemic challenges are tackled more effectively than any single organization could on its own.
Conclusion
Technology can become a transformative force when aligned with the values of sustainability and inclusion. It reinforces the need for shared goals and collective action in building a world that is more connected—and more just.
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