The Saudi Presidency of the G20 stressed on Wednesday that there is an agreed framework to tackle the digital divide in the world.
“If a health crisis like COVID-19 wiped out $6 trillion worth of economic value in few months… the world cannot afford to have a digital crisis that can wipe out the same economic value in a matter of weeks if not days,” said Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha.
“Digitalization has been at the heart of every transformational journey for creating wealth, prosperity, and competitiveness,” said Alswaha.
“This year, we have agreed that in a post-COVID-19 world, (digital technology) has become the lifeline for our kids to continue their education, the lifeline for our loved ones outside of the ICU room, and the gateway to opportunities for youth and women.”
He spoke in a virtual press conference following a meeting held by the G20 Digital Economy Ministers.
The meeting started with discussing the challenges facing digitization, including ways to bridge the digital gap.
The ministers emphasized the role of connectivity, digital technologies, and policies in accelerating collaboration and response to the COVID-19 pandemic and enhancing the ability to prevent and mitigate future crises.
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems have the potential to generate economic, social, and health benefits and innovation, drive inclusive economic growth, and reduce inequalities as well as accelerate progress toward the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” said the ministers, according to a statement released by the Saudi G20 Secretariat.
“They could also have potential impacts on the future of work, the functioning of critical systems, digital inclusiveness, security, trust, ethical issues, and human rights,” said the statement.
It said that in 2019, G20 Leaders acknowledged in Osaka the importance of data free flow with trust and cross-border data flow and recognized the critical role played by effective use of data for digitalization, as enablers of economic growth, development, and social well-being.
According to Wednesday’s statement, “the cross-border flow of data, information, ideas and knowledge generates higher productivity, greater innovation, and improved sustainable development.”
“At the same time, we recognize that the free flow of data raises certain challenges, such as the protection of privacy and personal data. G20 members recognize the need to address these challenges, in accordance with relevant applicable legal frameworks, which can further facilitate data free flow and strengthen consumer and business trust, without prejudice to legitimate public policy objectives,” said the ministers.
Building on the achievements of past Presidencies, they encouraged further work with stakeholders for the development of digital technologies and solutions for human-centric, environmentally sound, sustainable, rights-respecting, and inclusive smart cities and communities that boost competitiveness and enhance well-being and community resilience.
“These digital solutions should be centered around connectivity and providing services in more efficient and personalized ways, while safeguarding human rights,” they said.
The statement also quoted the ministers as saying that the ministers support advancing digital economy measurement.
“Reinforced cooperation will help advance consistency across different approaches and enhance evidence-based policymaking to contribute to the realization of the opportunities of the 21st century for all,” they said.
They also recognized that “the digital economy has and will continue to have wide-ranging implications as a driver of inclusive economic growth and development, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, and as a means to prevent and address crisis situations and aid businesses and industry in recovering from the impact of COVID-19.”
“We acknowledge the crosscutting impact of the digital economy in overcoming development challenges, including growth, labor, employment, social, health, and cultural challenges. We therefore welcome continued discussion of the transformation of the Digital Economy Task Force to a Digital Economy Working Group.”
