eTrade for all leadership roundtable: The role of partnership for a more inclusive and sustainable digital future

Arguments

Need for a holistic approach to digitalization

Supporting facts:

• Jamaica, as a small and developing state, faces several challenges related to digitalization.

• This requires a cross-cutting approach focusing on areas like digital skills and infrastructure.

• Global partnerships amongst international organizations and partners are crucial.

• The E-Trade for All platform could be more dynamic, showing what different organizations are doing and allowing member states to pull best practices.

Topics: Digital skills, Infrastructure, Partnership, Cross-cutting approach, E-Trade for All Platform

Report

Jamaica, as a small and developing state, faces several challenges related to digitisation. The key to overcoming these challenges lies in adopting a comprehensive approach that focuses on improving digital skills and infrastructure. These two factors are crucial for Jamaica’s successful integration into the digital economy.

Global partnerships among international organisations and partners play a pivotal role in addressing Jamaica’s digitisation goals. Collaborating with these entities can provide valuable resources, expertise, and funding needed for the development of digitisation initiatives. Additionally, partnerships enable sharing of best practices and lessons learned from similar projects in other countries, contributing to the overall success of Jamaica’s digitalisation efforts.

The E-Trade for All platform, as a means of fostering partnerships, can be further enhanced. It is recommended that the platform becomes more dynamic in showcasing the activities of different organisations involved in digitisation initiatives. This would allow member states, including Jamaica, to gain insights into successful projects and benefit from best practices.

Encouraging further partnership among international organisations such as UNCTAD, WIPO, and the Diplo Foundation holds great potential for advancing Jamaica’s digitisation efforts. These organisations have actively supported digitisation initiatives globally and possess valuable expertise. Strengthening partnerships would provide member states with access to key contacts, resources, and support from these organisations.

The E-Trade for All platform also plays a crucial role in facilitating collaboration. It can serve as a powerful tool for showcasing ongoing digitisation projects and connecting countries with resources. By highlighting successful initiatives and providing access to relevant information and expertise, the platform supports the achievement of digitisation goals and facilitates knowledge-sharing among member states.

In conclusion, Jamaica’s digitisation challenges require a comprehensive approach that improves digital skills and infrastructure. Global partnerships among international organisations and partners are essential for providing necessary resources and expertise. Enhancing the functionality of the E-Trade for All platform by showcasing the efforts of different organisations and fostering collaboration will contribute to the success of Jamaica’s digitisation journey.

Encouraging further partnership among organisations like UNCTAD, WIPO, and the Diplo Foundation will enhance collaboration and support member states in their efforts towards digitisation.

Arguments

The South Center is addressing development challenges posed by the digital economy

Supporting facts:

• The South Center works in areas of international trade, investment, intellectual property and other areas

• They have incorporated the issue of digital transformation in their programs for upcoming years

• They produce policy-oriented research, support developing countries in international negotiations, and provide technical assistance and training

Topics: Digital Economy, Development Challenges

Many companies are doing businesses in developing countries through digital tools, but they are not paying taxes in these countries.

Topics: Digital Taxation, Developing Countries

Negotiations are taking place under the auspices of the OECD on taxation in the digital economy, leading to the so-called two-pillar solution.

Topics: Digital Taxation, OECD

There are alternatives to the OECD’s approach to digital taxation, notably one developed by the UN Tax Committee.

Supporting facts:

• The South Centre made estimates about what developing countries can gain from these two alternatives, the OECD alternative, and the UN Tax Committee alternative.

Topics: Digital Taxation, UN Tax Committee, OECD

Report

The South Centre is actively addressing development challenges presented by the digital economy. They operate in areas such as international trade, investment and intellectual property. To adapt to the changing digital landscape, the South Centre has incorporated digital transformation into their future programs.

They are committed to producing policy-oriented research, supporting developing countries in international negotiations, and providing technical assistance and training. The digital economy has the potential to contribute to various sectors like health, education and productivity. However, it also presents challenges such as job creation, inequality, and marginalisation.

The South Centre recognises these concerns and is taking action. They have published recent works on digital education and digital health, highlighting the importance of these areas in the digital era. As part of their efforts, the South Centre is organising sessions during ‘e-week’ to address these critical issues.

Partnerships are crucial to the South Centre’s approach. They place a strong emphasis on collaborating with other organisations. For instance, the South Centre has partnered with other entities for publications on digital education and digital health. By working together, they can leverage expertise and resources to effectively address the complex challenges arising from the digital economy.

One significant issue the South Centre tackles is the lack of taxation by companies conducting business in developing countries through digital tools. This situation raises concerns about fairness and equality. Negotiations are taking place under the auspices of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to tackle this problem.

The South Centre advocates for a fair and balanced system of digital taxation, considering the diverse interests and different stages of development in each country. In this regard, they provide guidance to developing countries during the OECD negotiation process, helping them choose the most suitable taxation options.

The South Centre has also analysed alternatives to the OECD’s approach to digital taxation. One such alternative is developed by the United Nations (UN) Tax Committee. The South Centre has estimated the potential benefits that developing countries can obtain from both the OECD and UN Tax Committee alternatives.

This analysis contributes to a more informed discussion and decision-making process regarding digital taxation. Carlos Correa, associated with the South Centre, supports the creation of a United Nations Convention on International Tax Cooperation. The second committee of the UN General Assembly adopted a historic resolution, calling for the establishment of an ad hoc intergovernmental committee.

This committee aims to draft the terms of reference for the United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation. The support for this convention demonstrates the commitment to addressing tax cooperation at an international level, particularly in regards to reducing inequalities and fostering partnerships.

In conclusion, the South Centre plays a vital role in addressing the development challenges posed by the digital economy. Through research, support in negotiations and technical assistance, they strive for a fair and balanced system of digital taxation. Moreover, their emphasis on partnerships and collaboration with other organisations strengthens their impact in promoting inclusive economic growth and reducing inequalities.

The South Centre’s efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Arguments

Intellectual property is the fulcrum of a digital system, critical to innovators and creators

Supporting facts:

• WIPO is promoting a balanced IP system

• A scoping study was initiated in January 2022 focusing on creative industries in four countries

Topics: Digital System, Intellectual Property, Innovation, Creation

WIPO is on a mission to make the intellectual property system balanced, inclusive and accessible by ensuring the interests of both the owners and the users are met

Supporting facts:

• WIPO has extended IP capacity building to countries in other continents including Africa and Asia Pacific

• Through WIPO’s Global Innovation Index, they rank countries’ innovation capabilities

Topics: Intellectual Property, Digital Inclusion, Balance, Access

The digital landscape is a global entity that requires cooperation

Supporting facts:

• No one entity can expect to be able to achieve anything on its own

Topics: Cooperation, Global Digital Landscape

Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy established with UNCTAD in 1999

Supporting facts:

• This policy enables cross-border dispute resolution, facilitates e-commerce

• It’s cost-effective and time-effective

Topics: WIPO, UNCTAD, Domain Name Dispute Resolution

WIPO Academy partnered with UNCTAD in 2022 to support women digital business entrepreneurs

Supporting facts:

• Started a master class series on IP and e-trade

• Very successful program

Topics: WIPO, UNCTAD, Women Entrepreneurs

WIPO is planning to spotlight IP’s contribution to the implementation of the SDGs

Supporting facts:

• WIPO’s World IP Day theme for next year will be on IP and the SDGs

• The idea is to highlight the role of the IP system in implementing the SDGs

Topics: WIPO, Intellectual Property, SDGs

WIPO is committed to working with all the E-Trade for All partners, along with other interested stakeholders, for a more inclusive and sustainable digital future.

Supporting facts:

• Platform to unlock the full potential of innovation and creativity.

Topics: WIPO, E-Trade for All

Report

WIPO, the World Intellectual Property Organization, is leading the way in promoting and fostering a balanced intellectual property (IP) system that is essential for innovators and creators in the digital landscape. WIPO recognizes the pivotal role of intellectual property in driving innovation and creativity.

The organization is committed to ensuring that the IP system is accessible and inclusive, meeting the needs of both IP owners and users. WIPO has extended its IP capacity building efforts to countries in Africa and the Asia Pacific region, providing training and support to empower local innovators and creators.

This initiative aims to enhance understanding and utilization of intellectual property tools in these regions. WIPO has also launched the Global Innovation Index, a benchmarking tool that assesses and ranks countries’ innovation capabilities. This index enables countries to identify strengths and weaknesses in innovation and develop strategies for improvement.

Alongside this, WIPO recognizes the importance of cooperation in the global digital landscape, advocating for partnerships and collaboration to address the challenges and opportunities of the digital revolution. To facilitate e-commerce and cross-border dispute resolution, WIPO established the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy with UNCTAD.

This policy streamlines the resolution of domain name conflicts, promoting cost-effectiveness and timely resolutions. WIPO Academy has partnered with UNCTAD to support women digital business entrepreneurs through initiatives such as master class series on IP and e-trade. These programs aim to empower women entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the digital business sector.

Moving forward, WIPO plans to emphasize the contribution of intellectual property to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their upcoming World IP Day theme will focus on IP and the SDGs, highlighting the role of the IP system in achieving goals related to health, education, climate action, and partnerships.

WIPO is committed to working with E-Trade for All partners and other stakeholders to create a more inclusive and sustainable digital future. They aim to unlock the full potential of innovation and creativity, fostering an environment that supports inclusivity and sustainability.

In summary, WIPO is at the forefront of promoting and fostering a balanced IP system that drives innovation and creativity. Through capacity building, cooperative mechanisms, support for women entrepreneurs, and a focus on the SDGs, WIPO aims to create a world where innovation and creativity are valued and supported for the benefit of all.

Arguments

Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) aims to enable digital prosperity for all

Supporting facts:

• DCO is an international organization with digital cooperation at its core

• DCO includes 15 member states today from Asia, Africa, Middle East and Europe

• DCO recognizes the specificity of each member state and their digital economy needs

Topics: Digital Cooperation, Inclusive Digital Future

DCO is focused on three main areas for digital economy development, namely, data, entrepreneurship, and human-centric digital ecosystem.

Supporting facts:

• DCO is looking to build cross-border data and extract value

• DCO aims to help start-ups grow, find investment and expand cross-border

• DCO emphasizes sustainability, ethics, and compliance in its human-centric digital ecosystem mission

Topics: Data, Entrepreneurship, Digital Economy

DCO aims to create a dynamic by combining the ‘red’ and ‘green’ areas to yield more inclusive results in the digital economy

Supporting facts:

• DCO has been focusing on entrepreneurship

• Established a stride association for entrepreneurs in the digital economy under the championship of the Kingdom of Jordan

Topics: Digital Economy, Inclusive Growth

DCO has been succeeding in establishing partnerships due to its open approach

Supporting facts:

• DCO’s open approach led to the publication of the report ‘Bridging the Gap’ last year

• They have kept the door open to all organizations, civil society, private sector, other international organizations

Topics: Partnerships, Cooperation, Digital Economy

Partnership is essential for the future of the digital economy

Supporting facts:

• Trade for All is an example of how partnership can work in the digital economy

• E-Week is designed to bring people together to create ideas to address digital economy challenges

Topics: Digital Economy, Partnership, Trade for All

Report

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) is an international organization aiming to enable digital prosperity for all. Currently, the DCO includes 15 member states from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. The organization recognizes the specific needs of each member state in the digital economy.

The DCO focuses on three main areas for digital economy development: data, entrepreneurship, and a human-centric digital ecosystem. The organization aims to build cross-border data capabilities and extract value from data. It emphasizes sustainability, ethics, and compliance to ensure a responsible and beneficial digital ecosystem.

Entrepreneurship is also a key focus for the DCO. The organization aims to support startups in their growth, investment, and cross-border expansion. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals of promoting decent work and economic growth. The DCO takes a human-centric approach by prioritizing inclusivity and reducing inequalities in the digital economy.

It addresses challenges such as misinformation and empowers women in the digital space. Partnerships are essential to the DCO’s mission, and the organization has successfully established collaborations with various stakeholders. The DCO’s open approach has led to the publication of reports like “Bridging the Gap,” and it has been granted observer status at the UN General Assembly.

In conclusion, the DCO is dedicated to enabling digital prosperity for all through its focus on data, entrepreneurship, and a human-centric digital ecosystem. It promotes partnerships and collaboration to create an inclusive and equitable digital economy. The organization works towards a future where the benefits of the digital revolution are shared by all.

Arguments

Digital transformation is a key focus for ECLAC

Supporting facts:

• ECLAC has been supporting governments to maximise digital technologies’ potential for over two decades.

• They offer a regional platform for knowledge exchange and capacity building bringing together governments, international orgs and private stakeholders.

• They have a Ministerial Conference on the Information Society and Digital Agenda for Latin America and Caribbean

Topics: ECLAC collaboration, Digital transformation, Economic development

Cooperation between different stakeholders is crucial for handling digital transformations

Supporting facts:

• ECLAC has been collaborating with various partners

• The cooperation allows activities such as training, assessment of progress, improving indicators and evaluating regulatory frameworks

Topics: Cooperation, Policy dialogue

There is a need for better governance to navigate digital issues

Supporting facts:

• Digital issues are becoming more complex

• Issues range from cybersecurity, tax policy, data protection, consumer protection, to regulation of new technologies such as AI

• Improvements in governance at national level is required

Topics: Governance, Cybersecurity, Data Protection

Effective digital transformation requires good governance and strategic planning

Supporting facts:

• Countries are experimenting with various governance structures, such as assigning digital transformation responsibilities to a ministry of science and technology or having a digital transformation czar close to the office of the president.

Topics: digital transformation, governance

The issue of digital infrastructure and connectivity is major in Latin America and the Caribbean

Supporting facts:

• There are major gaps in terms of the connectivity infrastructure in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Topics: digital infrastructure, connectivity

A basic digital basket can address inequality and provide access to lower-income groups

Supporting facts:

• The basic digital basket would be a subsidy to pay the cost of connectivity and the equipment for the poorest households. This can support education, social policy, and productive development.

Topics: digital access, inequality, basic digital basket

Latin America and the Caribbean are in a low-growth trap

Supporting facts:

• The region has grown at only 0.8% per year from 2014 to 2020

• This low growth is due to very low investment and almost flat productivity

Topics: Latin America, Caribbean, low growth trap

The issue of digital transformation is absolutely crucial for growth in Latin America and the Caribbean

Supporting facts:

• The lack of digital transformation is contributing to the region’s low growth rate

• Exports of modern services, which are based on the digital revolution, have tremendous potential for dynamizing growth

Topics: digital transformation, growth, Latin America, Caribbean

Focus on productive development policies and specific sectors are important for regional growth

Supporting facts:

• 14 sectors, many related to the energy transition and electrical mobility, have been identified with great potential for growth

• These sectors, which require a more focused and micro approach, can help dynamize growth and transform it in a more sustainable and inclusive direction

Topics: productive development policies, specific sectors, growth

Report

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has been actively promoting digital transformation and cooperation between stakeholders in the region. They have been supporting governments for over two decades to maximise the potential of digital technologies. Through their regional platform, ECLAC facilitates knowledge exchange and capacity building by bringing together governments, international organisations, and private stakeholders.

One of the key initiatives of ECLAC is the Ministerial Conference on the Information Society and Digital Agenda for Latin America and the Caribbean. This conference provides a platform for policymakers and stakeholders to discuss and shape the digital agenda for the region.

It serves as a forum for collaboration and dialogue to drive digital advancements in Latin America and the Caribbean. Cooperation between different stakeholders is considered crucial for effectively handling digital transformations. ECLAC has been actively collaborating with various partners to enhance the digital landscape.

This cooperation allows activities such as training, progress assessment, improving indicators, and evaluating regulatory frameworks. By fostering collaboration, ECLAC recognises the importance of working together to address the complex challenges associated with digital transformation. With the increasing complexity of digital issues, there is a pressing need for better governance at the national level.

Issues such as cybersecurity, tax policy, data protection, consumer protection, and regulation of new technologies like artificial intelligence require robust governance frameworks. ECLAC emphasises the importance of improved governance to navigate these digital issues effectively. While ECLAC has made significant contributions to promote digital advancement in the region, they acknowledge that more work needs to be done.

The demands of their member countries are enormous, and the complexity of digital issues continues to evolve. ECLAC is committed to addressing these challenges and driving further progress in digital transformation. Digital infrastructure and connectivity remain significant challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean.

There are major gaps in terms of connectivity infrastructure, hindering the region’s ability to fully benefit from digital technologies. Addressing these issues is crucial to promoting inclusive growth, reducing inequalities, and achieving sustainable development goals. To address inequality and provide access to lower-income groups, the concept of a basic digital basket has been proposed.

This subsidy would cover the cost of connectivity and equipment for the poorest households. It is seen as a means to support education, social policy, and productive development, thereby addressing inequality and promoting social inclusion. Latin America and the Caribbean are currently caught in a low-growth trap, with a growth rate of only 0.8% per year from 2014 to 2020.

This can be attributed to very low investment and almost stagnant productivity. However, digital transformation has the potential to stimulate growth in the region. Exports of modern services, which depend on the digital revolution, have the potential to significantly boost growth and productivity.

To drive regional growth, ECLAC emphasises the importance of focusing on productive development policies and specific sectors. They have identified 14 sectors, including those related to energy transition and electric mobility, as having great potential for growth. Through a more focused and micro-level approach, these sectors can help stimulate growth and transform the region in a sustainable and inclusive direction.

In conclusion, ECLAC plays a vital role in promoting digital transformation in Latin America and the Caribbean. They facilitate cooperation between stakeholders, support governments in maximising the potential of digital technologies, and advocate for improved governance to navigate digital issues effectively.

Addressing challenges related to digital infrastructure, connectivity, and inequality is crucial for inclusive and sustainable growth in the region. By focusing on productive development policies and specific sectors, ECLAC aims to stimulate growth and transform the region in a more sustainable and inclusive direction.

Arguments

AI should be developed in a bottom-up approach

Supporting facts:

• The knowledge generated belongs to the individual

• By uploading knowledge into big systems, we risk knowledge slavery

Topics: AI Governance, Data Ownership, Market Economy, Democracy

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) should guide the development of AI

Supporting facts:

• SDGs provide a concrete and specific codification of humanity’s priorities

• The use of SDGs as guidelines for AI has been overlooked

Topics: AI Development, Sustainable Development Goals

There are long-term, medium-term, and short-term risks associated with AI

Supporting facts:

• Elimination risk is a long-term concern

• Work loss and misinformation generated by AI are short-term risks

• Monopolies pose a medium-term risk

Topics: AI Risk Management, Job Loss, Monopoly

The role of small organizations, think tanks, in shaping digital policies

Supporting facts:

• Small organizations can create a digital ecosystem and bring new issues to question

• Small organizations have advantage of moving fast, tolerating risks and pushing new ideas

Topics: Digital Policies, AI, Ecosystems

SDGs could be guidelines for AI guardrail

Supporting facts:

• SDGs have not been previously mentioned in context of AI guardrails but his analysis has led to this conclusion

• It would boost the SDGs and serve as a practical tool for AI

Topics: AI, SDGs, Policy Guidelines

In partnerships, there’s need to move fast with a few and far with many

Supporting facts:

• African saying, moving fast, moving slow

Topics: Partnerships, Efficiency

Policy makers should zero in on specific issues of concern but also keep a wider perspective

Supporting facts:

• Metaphor of camera – to zoom in and zoom out

Topics: Policy Making, Focus

We should tackle what we can do instead of trying to achieve everything all at once

Supporting facts:

• Metaphor – avoid trying to boil ocean

Topics: Goals, Productivity

The world is currently facing numerous problems and the need for critical thinking is urgent

Supporting facts:

• Invites everyone to view the report with all colors

• Needed more red colors to indicate the severity of current situation

Topics: World Problems, Critical Thinking

Report

The analysis explores various perspectives on the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its relationship to sustainable development goals (SDGs). One viewpoint suggests that AI should be developed in a bottom-up approach to ensure that knowledge generated belongs to individuals and is not concentrated in large systems, thus avoiding the risk of “knowledge slavery.” Another important point raised is the need for the SDGs to guide the development of AI.

By integrating the SDGs as guidelines, AI technology can align with global goals for sustainable development, which has been overlooked thus far. The analysis also addresses the risks associated with AI, highlighting the importance of addressing these risks in the long-term, medium-term, and short-term.

Long-term risks include potential job loss and impacts on economic growth, while short-term concerns focus on work loss and misinformation generated by AI systems. Medium-term risks involve the concentration of power and the emergence of AI-driven monopolies. One speaker argues that AI can play a beneficial role if properly governed.

The development of AI should be guided by the SDGs, and risks associated with AI should be addressed at all three timeframes – long-term, medium-term, and short-term. The significance of small organizations and think tanks in shaping digital policies is also underscored.

These entities possess the advantage of agility, risk-tolerance, and innovation, making them valuable contributors to policy development. Furthermore, the analysis highlights the need to recognize small organizations, particularly in developing countries. Overcoming bureaucratic hurdles is crucial to enabling individuals from these countries to participate in shaping global AI systems.

The SDGs are identified as potential guidelines for AI guardrails, serving as a tool to boost progress towards sustainable development and ensure ethical AI practices. The analysis emphasizes the importance of creating new narratives and fostering critical reflection. Prevailing narratives are deemed outdated and in need of revision.

To challenge existing assumptions and better understand the implications and potential of AI, a system for critical reflection is necessary. Efficient policy-making and productive focus are also emphasized. In partnerships, finding the right balance between speed and careful consideration is crucial.

Policy-makers are encouraged to zoom in on specific issues of concern while maintaining a wider perspective to effectively address overarching challenges. The analysis stresses the need for productivity and focus, advising against attempting to achieve everything at once. Instead, focusing on what is realistically achievable would lead to better outcomes.

Additionally, it calls for critical thinking and a more visual representation of problems. Given the urgency of addressing global challenges, critical thinking is essential. Increasing awareness of the severity of these challenges can be achieved through a more visually impactful representation, such as including more red colors in the semaphore.

In summary, the analysis highlights the importance of a bottom-up approach in AI development, integrating the SDGs as guidelines, and addressing the risks associated with AI at different time frames. Recognizing the contribution of small organizations and think tanks, particularly in developing countries, is crucial.

The SDGs can serve as practical tools for AI guardrails, and there is a need for new narratives, critical reflection, efficient policy-making, and productive focus. Lastly, critical thinking and a visually impactful representation are essential in addressing global challenges.

Arguments

Need for ensuring everyone is equipped with the digital skills to enable an equitable future

Supporting facts:

• The future is increasingly digital

• Digital economy can’t be equitable if people lack access and skills

Topics: Digital Skills, Digital Economy, Inclusion

Emphasizes the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships

Supporting facts:

• Provided the instance of the Pacific Digital Economy Programme, which is a joint initiative by various organizations helping the Pacific region grow digitally

• Mentioned the Inclusive Digital Economy Scorecard, a tool assisting policy makers in assessing the inclusivity of their digital policies

Topics: Partnerships, E-Commerce, Digital Transformation

Even if you have a great digital infrastructure, that doesn’t mean that digital divides don’t exist.

Supporting facts:

• Countries need to focus on inclusivity and offering subsidies to lower-income groups to connect to the Internet

• A basic digital basket initiative has been proposed to subsidize cost of connectivity

Topics: Digital Divide, Digital Infrastructure

Considering the urgency and importance of digital inclusion, the pace of action needs to be both fast and far-reaching with more people.

Supporting facts:

• Given the importance of digital inclusion, she suggests taking an extra step to go fast and far with many people.

Topics: Digital inclusion, Fast and far, Policymaking

Report

The analysis underscores the importance of digital skills in ensuring an equitable future. It acknowledges the increasing digitisation of society and argues that for the digital economy to be equitable, everyone must have access to digital skills. The analysis further raises questions regarding the South Centre’s role in addressing digital gaps and advocates for more information on their support in this area.

The analysis also highlights the significance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in achieving an equitable digital economy. It provides examples such as the Pacific Digital Economy Programme, a collaborative initiative aimed at aiding the digital growth of the Pacific region. Additionally, it mentions the Inclusive Digital Economy Scorecard, which assists policymakers in evaluating the inclusivity of their digital policies.

These examples demonstrate the necessity of collaboration between stakeholders for creating an equitable digital future. Furthermore, the analysis emphasizes the need for strategic initiatives to successfully navigate the future of the digital economy. Although specific details are not provided, the analysis suggests that such initiatives are essential for ensuring equitable outcomes.

Moreover, the analysis acknowledges the existence of digital divides and the importance of inclusivity. It emphasises that despite the presence of advanced digital infrastructure, digital divides persist. To address this issue, the analysis recommends focusing on inclusivity and offering subsidies to lower-income groups to facilitate internet connectivity.

The proposal of a basic digital basket initiative is put forth as a means to subsidise the cost of connectivity. The analysis also recognises the vital role of think tanks and NGOs in shaping a fair and equitable digital future.

It highlights that both small and large NGOs can contribute to shaping policies that promote equitable digital outcomes. Additionally, the analysis highlights the urgency and significance of digital inclusion. It argues that action on digital inclusion needs to be fast and all-encompassing, involving a larger number of individuals.

It stresses the need to move beyond basic digital inclusion to ensure meaningful participation in the digital society. Finally, the analysis concludes by acknowledging and appreciating the participation and contributions of the speakers and moderator in facilitating a valuable discussion.

It commends their inputs and the overall conduct of the discussion. In summary, the analysis underscores the importance of digital skills, multi-stakeholder partnerships, and inclusivity in achieving an equitable digital future. It raises questions about the South Centre’s efforts in addressing digital gaps, emphasises the need for strategic initiatives, acknowledges the existence of digital divides, recognises the role of think tanks and NGOs, highlights the urgency of digital inclusion, and appreciates the contributions of the speakers and moderator.

Arguments

Importance of partnerships in implementing digital transformation especially in meeting Sustainable Development Goals.

Supporting facts:

• SDG 17 is essential for leveraging partnerships for achieving other SDGs

• Work is being done with all governments primarily in least developed countries to assess their readiness for the digital age

Topics: Partnership, Digital Transformation, Sustainable Development Goals

Inclusive Digital Economy Scorecard is a critical tool for policymakers in assessing the inclusivity of their policies for their economy’s digital transformation.

Supporting facts:

• The scorecard is currently used in 25 countries

• Scorecard was developed in collaboration with European Commission, GSMA, UNVESA, and UNDP

Topics: Inclusive Digital Economy Scorecard, Policy Making, Digital Transformation

The Pacific Digital Economy Programme is positively impacting the Pacific region’s inclusive digital economy.

Supporting facts:

• The programme conducted surveys on digital finance, with the first reports published for Fiji and Samoa.

• The programme combines research, capacity building, and technical assistance for all stakeholders in the digital economy.

Topics: Pacific Digital Economy Programme, Inclusive Digital Economy, Pacific Region

Report

Partnerships are essential for implementing digital transformation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 17 which emphasizes the importance of partnerships in leveraging resources and expertise to effectively achieve other SDGs. Collaboration and cooperation between stakeholders are crucial for successful digital transformation.

The Inclusive Digital Economy Scorecard is a critical tool for policymakers to assess the inclusivity of their policies in digital transformation. Developed in collaboration with the European Commission, GSMA, UNVESA, and UNDP, this scorecard is used in 25 countries. It allows policymakers to evaluate policy inclusivity and identify areas for improvement, promoting a more equitable digital economy.

The Pacific Digital Economy Programme has a positive impact on the inclusive digital economy in the Pacific region. This programme conducts surveys on digital finance and has published the first reports for Fiji and Samoa. It combines research, capacity building, and technical assistance for all stakeholders involved in the digital economy, contributing to the development of inclusive digital economies in the region.

Mourad Wahba advocates for the development of truly inclusive digital economies through collaboration and partnerships. Successful examples, such as the Inclusive Digital Economy Scorecard and the Pacific Digital Economy Programme, demonstrate the importance of collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders.

These initiatives prioritize the interests of all stakeholders and contribute to the sustainable development of digital economies. In summary, partnerships and collaboration play a crucial role in implementing digital transformation and achieving SDGs. The Inclusive Digital Economy Scorecard and the Pacific Digital Economy Programme are successful examples of partnerships that promote inclusivity and equitable development.

By fostering collaboration and harnessing the potential of digital technologies, the path towards truly inclusive digital economies becomes more attainable.

Arguments

Need for an inclusive and sustainable digital future

Supporting facts:

• Rapid pace of technological advancement presents opportunities for growth

• Significant challenges in ensuring equal access for all

Topics: Digital economy, Inclusivity, Technology Advancement

Data as a vital global resource

Supporting facts:

• Data emanates from households, consumers and citizens

• Data is processed and analyzed for valuable insights

Topics: Data management, Data storage, Data analysis

E-Trade for All as a collective achievement

Supporting facts:

• Membership has grown from 14 to 35 members

• Several partnerships under E-Trade initiative

Topics: E-commerce, Digital trade, Collaborative work

Report

The analysis explores several important topics related to the digital future, data as a global resource, e-commerce, and digital inclusivity. It emphasises the potential for growth that comes with the rapid pace of technological advancement, but also highlights the challenges in ensuring equal access for all.

When considering the digital future, it is clear that technological advancements hold great promise for economic development and innovation. The analysis points out that these advancements present numerous opportunities for growth. However, it also raises significant concerns about the need for ensuring equal access to these technologies.

There is a pressing need to address the existing inequalities in digital access and bridge the digital divide. The analysis also highlights the importance of data as a vital global resource. Data is generated by households, consumers, and citizens, and it is processed and analysed to derive valuable insights.

As such, data plays a crucial role in shaping various aspects of society, including policy-making and sustainable development efforts. Recognising its significance, partnerships and collaborations are seen as essential in effectively managing and leveraging data for the benefit of all.

In relation to e-commerce, the analysis points out the growth of membership and partnerships under the E-Trade initiative. This collective achievement reflects the commitment of multiple stakeholders to fostering economic growth and decent work. By promoting digital trade and collaborative work, these partnerships aim to create opportunities and bolster economic development in a sustainable manner.

Digital inclusivity emerges as a key theme throughout the analysis. Efforts to achieve digital inclusivity are recognised as crucial for ensuring that the benefits of the digital economy reach all individuals and communities. The analysis acknowledges that the path to digital inclusivity varies across different geographies and emphasises the importance of tailoring approaches to suit each unique context.

It calls for the development and implementation of inclusive policies and strategies that address the specific barriers and challenges faced by different regions. However, it is also important to note that the digital economy, despite its potential for growth, has the potential to deepen existing gaps between different parts of the world.

Unequal access and benefits from the digital economy contribute to the perpetuation of inequalities. This observation highlights the urgent need to address these disparities and ensure that digital advancements are leveraged to promote fairness and inclusivity. In conclusion, the analysis underscores the need for an inclusive and sustainable digital future.

It emphasises the opportunities for growth that come with technological advancements but also highlights the challenges and inequalities that need to be addressed. Efforts to achieve digital inclusivity and bridge the digital divide are crucial for ensuring that the benefits of the digital economy are accessible to all individuals and communities.

By recognising data as a global resource and fostering partnerships, the potential of digital technologies to drive economic development can be harnessed in a sustainable manner.