WASHINGTON D.C., MAY 17, 2024 – The World Bank Board of Directors approved today a project that will help strengthen digital infrastructure resilience, modernize emergency management, and improve digital public infrastructure in the State of Espírito Santo in Brazil. The project aims to improve the delivery of digital services and enhance the state's capacity to respond to climate-related disasters.
The US$76.52 million Espírito Santo Digital Acceleration Project is expected to directly create around 2,800-3,500 new jobs over the course of 10 years, with significant social and economic impacts to the state. Digitalization of public services will also reduce administrative costs and improve service efficiency.
The project will improve the delivery of government services through the development of a unique portal, which will consolidate all government information and services on a single integrated platform, streamlining procedures and enhancing accessibility. In addition, it will promote an inclusive digital user experience, reducing the digital gap and facilitating interactions between citizens and the government.
A major initiative of the project is to establish an Integrated Center for Social Defense (CIDES), an emergency response center expected to coordinate emergency activities across all 78 municipalities in the state, with advanced technology for improved communication. Additionally, CIDES will host a Computer Emergency Response team to counter cyber threats against state data infrastructure. It will also implement Next Generation Emergency Numbers (NGEN) to improve the reliability and effectiveness of emergency services.
To support these efforts, the project will improve digital infrastructure and skills, including creating a resilient data center that meets international energy-efficiency standards. It will provide digital skills training for individuals and entrepreneurs to enable them to better adapt to the digital economy, with a special emphasis on women's equal participation through targeted programs and prioritized access to digital services to advance gender equality in the digital sphere.
“Public administration exists to serve society and needs to be increasingly efficient. Being digital, cutting red tape, and speeding up service is essential to achieve our goal of serving our client well, which is the society of Espírito Santo. We want to provide quicker responses, save resources, and transform the lives of those who need it most. These resources will be fundamental for the implementation of such services,” said Espírito Santo Governor Renato Casagrande.
“This project aims to transform the digital landscape of Espirito Santo, enhance the state’s emergency response capabilities, and improve the lives of its residents. With a focus on resilience, innovation, and inclusivity, Espírito Santo is paving the way for a more digitally advanced and climate-resilient future in Brazil”, said Johannes Zutt, World Bank Country Director for Brazil.
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