Digital innovation holds transformative potential for economies, governance, and social life. However, this promise can only be realized if digital inclusion and literacy are universally fostered. The persistence of the digital divide—driven by socioeconomic, geographic, generational, and gendered disparities—continues to exclude billions from meaningful participation in the digital age. This introduction argues that access to digital technologies must be treated as a human right, central to education, civic engagement, and sustainable development. Infrastructure is a foundational component of digital inclusion. Expanding affordable broadband, mobile internet, and community-based networks in underserved regions remains a global priority. Yet access alone is insufficient. Digital literacy, defined not merely as technical proficiency but also as critical media literacy, fact-checking, cybersecurity awareness, and civic responsibility, is equally essential. Without these competencies, populations remain vulnerable to disinformation, cybercrime, and algorithmic manipulation. .