January 2016: Launch of the World Development Report (WDR 2016), highlighting the digital dividends lowand middle-income countries can reap.

April 2016: During the World Bank - IMF Spring Meetings, initial discussion on establishing a vehicle to operationalize the WDR 2016, in a session on the US State Department’s Global Connect Initiative.

October 2016: During the World Bank - IMF Annual Meetings 2016, the Digital Development Partnership (DDP) is launched with Finland, Microsoft and GSMA as founding partners. First DDP Steering Committee Meeting.

December 2016: Preparation and allocation of funding for first tranche of DDP funded activities – US$2.1 million across 14 activities.

February 2017: DDP participation at Mobile World Congress 2017, and DDP Steering Committee meeting.

Spring 2017: Korea and Japan join as DDP partners.

Summer 2017: Preparation and allocation of funding for second tranche of DDP funded activities – US$1.7 million across 11 activities.

October 2017: During the World Bank – IMF Annual Meetings, DDP is hosting its first anniversary workshop showcasing key DDP activities, and Steering Committee meeting. 2017 DDP Annual Review published.

Denmark and the United Kingdom (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) are joining DDP.

First Study Tour and High-level engagements with clients in Korea.

DDP is launching its third workplan.

The Digital Economy for Africa DE4A initiative is driving the digital agenda and boosting client requests for DDP assistance. The World Bank commits $25bn in investments in DE4A.

A partner session with ministerial participation takes place at the World Bank – IMF Spring Meetings.

Norway, Israel, and the Netherlands (Cybersecurity team) are joining DDP.

DDP is launching its fourth and most comprehensive workplan

Two cybersecurity Study Tours to Tokyo

Significant results are being achieved through different DDP grants.

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the work of DDP has never been more relevant.

DDP is able to pivot and focus its activities on COVID-19 needs assessment and crisis response.

Google joins DDP in March 2020, bringing the number of private sector partners to three, together with GSMA and Microsoft.

Portfolio continues to grow adding 34 new program activities spanning 50+ countries.

Cybersecurity agenda is gaining more momentum leading up to the discussions on creating a Cybersecurity Associated TF.

Key flagship knowledge reports around data governance, Artificial Intelligence, and 5G are in the works.

Partnership continues to expand as Sweden (Sida) and Germany (BMZ) join

DDP deploys its fifth tranche of funding to support COVID-19 crisis recovery and resilience building efforts

As the global community looks to rebuild, DDP’s programs gain greater momentum and prominence

The Cybersecurity Associated Trust Fund is launched to focus on cybersecurity issues

Countries struggle with the overlapping crises of the pandemic, food insecurity, growing inequality, climate change.

DDP expands its footprint to 80+ countries.

Digital and climate agenda gains more prominence.

DE4A initiatives expands to South Asia, LAC and other regions.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia joins DDP.