Building a Digital-First World for Everyone
The Digital First Foundation is a global, not-for-profit platform ensuring every individual, enterprise, and nation is digitally enabled to leverage its full potential.
The Digital First Foundation Journey
The Digital First Foundation aims to institutionalize the long journey that began with a vision to ensure Internet for All to Livelihood for All.
During the 17th Annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF) meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on November 30, 2022, I announced the Project CREATE (Collaborate to Realize Employment & Entrepreneurship For All Through Technology Ecosystem) in my capacity as the Chairman of the Dynamic Coalition on Internet & Jobs, Internet Governance Forum (IGF). Subsequently, the Dynamic Coalition on Internet & Jobs was re-named as the Dynamic Coalition on Digital Economy.
Earlier, I had discussed the creation of jobs using technology during the closing ceremony of the IGF in Paris in 2018. Later, at the IGF platform in 2021, I advocated for having a large number of small companies driving the internet rather than a small number of large companies.
This enduring belief that technology should be democratized to build a Digital-First World for everyone has culminated in the establishment of the Digital First Foundation, a global, not-for-profit organization.
The Digital First Foundation serves as a global platform dedicated to ensuring that every individual, enterprise, institution, civil society organization, state, and nation is digitally empowered to fully harness its economic, social, and developmental potential.
In a world where digital capability defines scale, speed, and sustainability, being digital-first is no longer an option; its a necessity for survival and growth. Digital transformation transcends apps, platforms, and buzzwords. Its about culture, mindset, and systems, embracing digital-first thinking in our daily lives.
This involves redesigning systems to foster trust, efficiency, and impact. To grow, whether as individuals, institutions, or nations, we must adopt a digital-first mindset, approach, and actions.
If you have to scale, you have to be digital. Let us build a Digital First Ecosystem, together.
Dr. Rajendra Pratap Gupta, PhD
Founder , Digital First Foundation
Why Digital First Matters
The future belongs to those who can scale ideas, services, and solutions rapidly. A digital-first approach enables:
Faster Governance
Faster and more transparent governance through digital systems.
Scalable Services
Scalable delivery of public services to all communities.
Future-Ready
Competitive and future-ready enterprises for tomorrow.
Empowered Communities
Empowered citizens and communities with digital tools.
Data-Driven
Data-driven decision-making for better outcomes.
Responsible AI & IGF
Building inclusive, ethical AI and sharing IGF learnings to shape digital policy everywhere.
What We Do
We work across policy, practice, and people to ensure digital transformation is inclusive, responsible, and scalable
Digital Capacity Building
Structured programs to build digital skills, leadership, and execution capability across sectors.
Policy & Advisory
Shape digital-first policies, frameworks, and roadmaps aligned with national and global priorities.
Institutional Transformation
Support adoption of digital-first operating models, governance structures, and metrics.
Responsible AI
Promote ethical, inclusive, and purpose-driven adoption of AI and emerging technologies.
Global Collaboration
Foster cross-border collaboration on digital economy, infrastructure, and inclusion.