UNCTAD eWeek 2023

Arguments

Transitioning into 6G will result in an ecosystem where every device is artificially intelligent

Supporting facts:

• 6th generation networks have started being developed

• All nodes in 6G will be artificially intelligent

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, 6G Technology

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Automation is a necessary step before full AI adoption

Supporting facts:

• Many projects claim to be ‘AI-powered’ but are not fully there yet

• Automation needs to be reached before stepping closer to AI

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Automation

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AI cannot be separated from ethics

Supporting facts:

• AI and ethics have to go hand-in-hand

• Government enforcement for an ethical AI framework is necessary

Topics: AI Ethics, Government Regulations

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already in use and making significant strides in various sectors.

Supporting facts:

• Google Maps uses AI to suggest best path based on satellite images and data of mobiles

• Mobile networks are using AIs to diagnose and self-rectify problems

• AI can predict health issues based on certain parameters and recommend a doctor’s visit

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare, Mobile networks, Self-organizing networks

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Chat GPT was a defining moment in the AI industry, comparable to the iPhone moment, and AI will drastically change there world in the next 10 years.

Supporting facts:

• Chat GPT was a significant development in the AI industry

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Chat GPT

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Report

The analysis offers a comprehensive examination of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on various sectors. One significant point discussed is the potential for 6G networks to create an ecosystem where all devices have artificial intelligence capabilities. This suggests that as the development of 6th generation networks progresses, every node will possess AI capabilities.

The positive sentiment surrounding this idea indicates the high expectations for this transition. Another notable point is the comparison drawn between the impact of AI and the Corona pandemic. The analysis suggests that AI will have a similar impact as the pandemic within the next two to four years.

This neutral sentiment implies that AI’s influence will be far-reaching and transformative, possibly on a global scale. The importance of automation as a necessary step towards full AI adoption is also emphasized. It is argued that while many projects claim to be “AI-powered,” they are not fully there yet and require automation before progressing towards AI integration.

This positive sentiment highlights the significant role automation plays in advancing AI technology. The analysis also emphasizes the urgent need for more AI-trained resources. It states that AI requires a strong understanding of data science, and academia must integrate AI into their curriculum due to time constraints.

The concerned sentiment expressed indicates the perceived urgency of addressing the shortage of skilled professionals in the field of AI. Ethics plays a crucial role in the discussion of AI. The analysis suggests that AI and ethics must go hand-in-hand, and government enforcement for an ethical AI framework is necessary to ensure responsible and beneficial AI usage.

The strongly positive sentiment attached to this point underscores the belief that AI cannot be separated from ethical considerations. The analysis presents evidence of AI’s current impact and potential in various sectors. Examples include AI being used by Google Maps to suggest the best route based on satellite images and mobile data, the application of AI in diagnosing and self-rectifying issues in mobile networks, and AI’s ability to predict health issues and recommend healthcare visits based on specific parameters.

This positive sentiment reflects the significant strides AI has already made in these sectors. Additionally, the analysis highlights Chat GPT as a defining moment in the AI industry, comparable to the iPhone’s impact. It predicts that AI will continue to reshape the world in the next ten years.

This positive sentiment underscores the recognition of the revolutionary potential of AI and its anticipated transformative impact. In summary, the analysis provides valuable insights into various aspects of AI, including its significance in the transition to 6G, its potential impact comparable to the Corona pandemic, the importance of automation as a necessary step towards full AI adoption, the need for more AI-trained resources, the integral relationship between AI and ethics, and its current application in different sectors.

The analysis offers a comprehensive view of the evolving landscape of AI and its implications for the future.

Arguments

AI can bring more benefits than risks

Supporting facts:

• Emphasis on validation and testing of AI models

• Existence of libraries and programmatical solutions for data drift monitoring and model quality metrics

Topics: AI development, AI implementation, business process

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AI tools can speed up model development process

Supporting facts:

• High-level libraries allowing for automatic object detection

• Libraries that speed up routine processes such as data transformation

Topics: Software development, Automation

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AI has applications in real industries such as education and telecom

Supporting facts:

• Use of AI in providing personalized recommendations

• AI speed up network design in telecom industry

Topics: Education, Telecom, AI Applications

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AI will change everything as people use it everyday

Supporting facts:

• People are identified via face ID or fingerprint on phones everyday, which is the work of AI algorithms

• When people go online to buy something, they receive recommendations which is also due to AI

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Face ID, Online Recommendations

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The use of AI technology depends on the person holding it

Supporting facts:

• AI can be used fraudulently to crack codes

• AI can be used protectively like by antivirus and cybersecurity companies

Topics: AI Technology, Cybersecurity

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AI depends on how we define it and what we expect.

Topics: AI, Expectations, Definition

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Report

The analysis examines different aspects of AI, discussing its benefits and risks, its potential to accelerate development processes, its applications in various industries, the importance of responsibility in its development, its impact on everyday life, and its role in cybersecurity.

It emphasises the need for thorough validation and testing of AI models, as well as the availability of libraries and programmatic solutions for monitoring data drift and assessing model quality. These measures contribute to the reliability and accuracy of AI systems.

The analysis highlights the existence of high-level libraries that enable automatic object detection, facilitating routine processes like data transformation. This demonstrates the potential of AI tools to enhance the efficiency of the model development process. Furthermore, the analysis showcases real-world applications of AI in sectors such as education and telecom.

It illustrates how AI can provide personalised recommendations in education, enhancing students’ learning experience. In the telecom industry, AI expedites network design, enabling faster and more reliable communication. Responsibility is deemed crucial in the development and implementation of AI, as highlighted by the speakers.

They stress the importance of considering the influence of AI on user behaviour and experience. Careful validation of AI models is also emphasised to ensure ethical and responsible deployment of AI. The analysis also discusses the impact of AI on everyday life, noting how AI algorithms such as face recognition and recommendation systems are already integrated into people’s daily routines.

Face ID or fingerprint recognition on phones and personalised product recommendations during online shopping are attributed to AI advancements. This underscores the pervasive nature of AI and its potential to disrupt various aspects of daily life. Regarding cybersecurity, the analysis acknowledges both the risks and benefits of AI.

It mentions that AI can be used fraudulently to crack codes. However, it can also be utilised protectively by antivirus and cybersecurity companies to combat emerging threats. Thus, the use and impact of AI technology depend on the intentions and actions of those wielding it.

Finally, the analysis concludes by emphasising the significance of individual perspectives and expectations in defining and shaping AI. It implies that perceptions and definitions of AI vary among individuals and that the technology’s potential impact is influenced by our expectations.

Overall, this comprehensive analysis provides insights into the multifaceted nature of AI, highlighting its benefits, potential risks, diverse applications, ethical considerations, impact on daily life, and cybersecurity implications. It underscores the need for responsible development and implementation, as well as the ongoing societal impact of this rapidly advancing technology.

Arguments

AI will be used as a platform like other commodities

Supporting facts:

• Yann LeCun’s view on AI as a platform

• AI can provide basic services like water and electricity

• Remuneration for more powerful computational capabilities

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Commodity Services

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AI can improve tasks rather than replace professions

Supporting facts:

• Example of Law Geeks AI outperforming lawyers in analysing non-disclosure agreements

• AI found 92% mistakes comparing to 86% by human lawyers in 26 seconds

Topics: Automation, AI in jobs

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AI was used in the past for semantic analysis in modern technologies to analyze NDAs

Supporting facts:

• Claudio referenced a specific case from 2008 where AI was used to analyze NDAs

• The AI performed better and quicker than traditional methods of analysis

Topics: AI, Semantic Analysis, NDAs, Algorithm

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Report

The analysis examined multiple aspects of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on different industries. One key point highlighted is that AI has the potential to serve as a platform, similar to essential commodities like water and electricity. This suggests that AI can provide basic services to society.

The concept of AI as a platform implies its capacity to deliver a wide range of functions and capabilities. Regulation and governance were also discussed as crucial factors in AI development. The speakers noted that governments are actively involved in formulating and implementing regulations for AI technology.

They mentioned the presence of 28 identified regulatory initiatives on AI in 2018, as well as the mapping of 604 initiatives by the Council of Europe. This demonstrates the commitment to responsible and ethical use of AI, which was viewed positively by the speakers.

Furthermore, the analysis explored the notion that AI can enhance tasks rather than replace professions. To support this argument, examples were provided, such as Law Geeks AI outperforming human lawyers in analyzing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). The AI identified 92% of mistakes, compared to 86% by human lawyers, completing the task in just 26 seconds.

This evidence suggests that AI can significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of specific tasks, complementing human capabilities instead of replacing them entirely. The impact of digital transformation on industries was also discussed. The speakers emphasized that digital transformation is opening up traditionally closed industries to competition, leading to increased opportunities for technology professionals.

This highlights the transformative power of digital technology, with the integration of AI playing a significant role in reshaping industries and fostering growth and innovation. Additionally, the speakers noted the evolving nature of AI. They mentioned that AI is incorporating more sophisticated techniques and becoming increasingly advanced.

The presence of internal labs within the judicial system seeking to incorporate advanced AI solutions and the demand from technology companies for further advancements further illustrate this point. In summary, the analysis examined the impact of AI on various industries.

It highlighted the potential for AI to function as a platform, the importance of regulation and governance, the ability of AI to enhance tasks rather than replace professions, the transformative nature of digital transformation, and the evolving sophistication of AI techniques.

These insights emphasize the significant role AI plays in shaping industries and society as a whole.

Arguments

Artificial intelligence is a promising tool for achieving the goals of the Digital Initiatives Fund

Supporting facts:

• The Digital Initiatives Fund was created within the structure of the Eurasian Development Bank to stimulate digital transformation

• In the projects which the Fund is considering, AI is often a key element of the solution

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformation, Eurasian Development Bank

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Many projects claim to use AI but don’t

Supporting facts:

• When analyzing different projects, 9 out of 10 of those projects who label that they have a component of artificial intelligence, there is none of it actually

• Out of 20-30 projects which claim that they have an AI component, only one or two genuinely do

Topics: Artificial Intelligence

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The application of AI needs to follow certain ethical standards

Supporting facts:

• Without ethics, the application of AI can be dangerous

• There is a need for careful analysis of such projects with AI component, considering the ethics problem

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Ethics

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Ivan questions if Artificial Intelligence was really necessary in analyzing NDA cases or was it just an advanced algorithm

Supporting facts:

• NDAs can be analyzed in Word using the track changes mode

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Non-disclosure agreements, Algorithm

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AI can be used in all industries including health care, legal, government, etc.

Supporting facts:

• AI can analyze NDAs and come up with the result

Topics: AI in Healthcare, AI in Judicial System, AI in Government Sector

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AI is often mistaken for ordinary algorithms

Supporting facts:

• Mentioned that advisory based on search data is just algorithm-based and not AI.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Algorithms

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Actual AI integration is minimal in many projects

Supporting facts:

• Only 2% or 3% out of 100 projects really contain AI.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Tech Projects

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Ivan Kolpashnikov believes that their bank needs an AI solution to find truly AI projects

Topics: Banking, AI, Technology

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Report

The discussion revolves around the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in various projects and industries. One aspect highlighted is the Digital Initiatives Fund, created within the structure of the Eurasian Development Bank to stimulate digital transformation. The Fund sees AI as a promising tool for achieving its goals, specifically in the context of the SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.

However, there is a contrasting viewpoint that many projects falsely claim to use AI. The argument is that out of the projects that label themselves as having an AI component, only a fraction of them actually do. This raises concerns about the need for a deeper understanding and analysis of AI in projects.

It is emphasized that it is important to understand what AI is and what it is not, and there is a need to define projects that genuinely have an AI component. The ethical implications of AI are also addressed in the discussion.

It is highlighted that without proper ethical considerations, the application of AI can be dangerous. There is a call for careful analysis of projects with an AI component, taking into account the potential risks and ensuring adherence to ethical standards.

This is important to ensure that the application of AI aligns with SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. While there is optimism about the potential of AI, there is also a cautious approach to its implementation. It is acknowledged that AI is a promising technology that can bring about significant changes.

However, it is important to be selective about its application and to have proper ethical guidelines in place to mitigate potential risks. This cautious approach is important for ensuring the achievement of SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth. One particular argument discussed is the skepticism about the necessity of AI in analyzing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).

Ivan questions whether AI was genuinely necessary in this case or if it was just an advanced algorithm. This skepticism suggests a questioning of the need for AI in certain situations and highlights the importance of accurately identifying and utilizing AI technology.

On the other hand, the benefits of using AI in various industries, such as healthcare, legal, and government sectors, are highlighted. AI is seen as a valuable tool that can analyze NDAs and provide accurate results. This positive perspective supports the argument that AI can be used in different industries to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, thus contributing to the achievement of SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being.

It is also noted in the discussion that AI has not yet significantly impacted industries as initially anticipated. Despite the use of smart technologies and AI for several years, the speaker observes no significant change brought about by AI. This sentiment reflects a more negative viewpoint on the transformative potential of AI and raises questions about its current impact on industry and infrastruture, specifically in the context of SDG 9.

Additionally, there is a sentiment that before fully exploring the potential of AI, we need to have a deeper understanding of the human being. This suggests that there is still much to learn and explore about human intelligence before fully harnessing the power of AI.

This sentiment raises important questions about the limitations and potential of AI in relation to SDG 9. In conclusion, the discussion highlights the need for a better understanding and analysis of AI in projects. Ethical considerations are essential in the application of AI, and caution is warranted in its implementation.

While there are varying perspectives on the necessity and impact of AI, it is generally agreed upon that there is still much to explore and discover before fully realizing the potential of AI in various industries. This exploration is important for the achievement of SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, as well as other related SDGs.

Arguments

Artificial Intelligence is now at the heart of all digital technologies

Supporting facts:

• The field of AI includes about 200 very particular topics like computer vision technologies, nature language processing, speech recognitions, etc.

• AI is one of the largest high-tech areas in the world with about 400 000 publications for the decade

Topics: Digital Technology, AI, Machine Learning

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There is an exponential growth in AI related research and patent applications

Supporting facts:

• From 2011 to 2016, the AI research was stable but since 2017, there has been an exponential growth in the number of scientific publications and patent applications

• 65% of the global number of patent applications related to AI come from Chinese authors

Topics: AI, Research and Development, Innovation

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AI is not readily accepted when applied to intimate, personal aspects of life

Supporting facts:

• Less than 20% of people are ready to use AI or robotics systems to take care of their elderly parents or as teachers for their children

Topics: AI, Ethics, AI in Everyday Life

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AI and robotics are anticipated to replace a significant number of jobs

Supporting facts:

• Institute of the Future mentioned that 95% of current tasks could be performed more efficiently using AI, robotics and even computers

• Some researchers predict up to half of jobs could be replaced by robots in the United States by 2030

Topics: AI, Unemployment, AI Impact on Employment, Robotics

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Konstantin Vishnevskiy used iFORA system for data analysis

Supporting facts:

• iFORA system is a unique artificial intelligence tool

• it contains more than 700 million documents

• iFORA works in Russian, English, and Chinese

• It contains scientific publications, patents, bases of vacancies, educational programs

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Data Analysis

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Report

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly expanding field that encompasses a range of technologies such as computer vision, natural language processing, and speech recognition. It has become an integral part of digital technologies worldwide, supporting advancements in areas such as industry, innovation, and infrastructure.

The field of AI includes around 200 specialised topics and has witnessed exponential growth, with approximately 400,000 publications in the last decade alone. Furthermore, there has been a significant rise in AI research and patent applications in recent years. From 2011 to 2016, AI research remained stable, but since 2017, there has been an exponential surge in scientific publications and patent submissions.

Remarkably, 65% of the global number of patent applications related to AI come from Chinese authors, highlighting China’s dominance in the field. However, despite the advancements in AI, there is a notable caution when it comes to applying it to personal aspects of life, such as caring for the elderly or teaching children.

Less than 20% of individuals are willing to utilise AI or robotics systems to look after their elderly parents or use them as educational tools for their children. This reluctance suggests a lack of acceptance and trust in AI technologies for deeply intimate and personal tasks.

Another concern surrounding AI is the potential impact on employment. Many believe that AI and robotics could replace a significant number of jobs, with some studies suggesting that up to half of all jobs in the United States could be taken over by robots by 2030.

The Institute of the Future even stated that 95% of current tasks could be performed more efficiently using AI and other technologies. This prediction raises important questions about the future of employment and the need for strategies to adapt to this changing landscape.

On the other hand, AI and neurotechnologies hold promise for human enhancement. Approximately 40% of young people worldwide are eagerly awaiting new technologies that can transform traditional routines and enhance human capital. This presents an optimistic view of AI’s potential to positively impact human capabilities and overall well-being.

In addition, the iFORA system, a unique AI tool, offers valuable data analysis capabilities. The system contains a vast amount of information, including over 700 million documents in multiple languages such as Russian, English, and Chinese. It incorporates scientific publications, patents, job vacancies, and educational programs.

The iFORA system’s capabilities and extensive database make it a valuable resource for researchers and analysts in various fields. In conclusion, AI is a rapidly advancing field with significant potential in various domains. While it has become a central component of digital technologies, there are concerns about its application to personal aspects of life and its impact on employment.

However, there is optimism about AI’s potential for human enhancement, and tools like the iFORA system offer valuable data analysis capabilities. As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial to consider both the opportunities and challenges it presents to create a responsible and beneficial integration of this technology in society.

Arguments

Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents numerous new opportunities for the digital transformation of industries worldwide

Supporting facts:

• Emergence of AI has created a hype and introduced the world to new possibilities and advancements in digital technology

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformation, Generative Models

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AI implementation raises concerns regarding privacy, policy, and technology

Supporting facts:

• Disclosure of confidential information is a key concern in AI implementation

• Specific requirements need to be met in policy and technology to use AI correctly

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Data Privacy, Policy, Technology

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Mikhail Komarov is interested in how Konstantin Vishnevskiy obtained his data and statistics

Supporting facts:

• Mikhail asked about the methodology of analysis and data gathering used by Konstantin.

Topics: Data Analysis, Statistics, Research Methodology

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The iFORA system is a useful AI which contains a lot of information required for various fields, including scientific publications and educational programs.

Supporting facts:

• It’s been successfully used for more than 100 different projects for major companies, both federal and regional authorities.

• Recognized by OECD and Nature Journal.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, iFORA system

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The demand for modern technologies to support human wants and AI in general is still high.

Supporting facts:

• Youngsters have been brainstorming on improving human beings with the help of technologies for about six years now.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Modern Technologies

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Implementing AI in sectors where immediate benefit can be seen

Supporting facts:

• Fintech can show results quickly, allowing for a fast effectiveness check

• Agriculture projects take about a year to show results

• Healthcare implementation is complex due to issues like ethics and confidentiality.

Topics: fintech, agriculture, healthcare

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AI implementations are not about replacing humans but improving and assisting tasks

Supporting facts:

• Discussion about whether AI will replace or augment humans

• Conclusion that AI is about improving tasks, not replacing humans

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Human interaction

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Need for high qualified people for controlling and quality check of AI services

Supporting facts:

• There’s a need for technically sound people to check the quality of AI services

• Constantine mentions variations in results from different institutions

• Both developers and implementers need to be responsible at each step.

• AI recommendations in education can be based on student’s trajectory and feedback.

Topics: AI skills, Education, Quality Check

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Prompt engineering is a new, crucial topic in AI and machine learning

Supporting facts:

• Impact of prompt engineering is different than in the past

• Properly sending requests and analyzing results have become important

Topics: AI, Machine Learning, Prompt Engineering

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AI will have a direct influence on digital transformation in various industries

Supporting facts:

• Organizations are trying to implement AI to improve business, government, and tasks for individuals

Topics: AI, Digital Transformation, Industries

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Report

The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has created hype and introduced the world to new possibilities and advancements in digital technology. This presents numerous opportunities for the digital transformation of industries worldwide. However, concerns arise regarding the implementation of AI, particularly in relation to privacy, policy, and technology.

The disclosure of confidential information is a key concern, and specific requirements need to be met in policy and technology to ensure AI is used correctly. AI not only simplifies tasks and changes labour markets but also increases the demand for high-quality experts.

It is leading to the automation of some business processes, transforming labour markets. However, highly qualified individuals are needed to check the quality of AI services and results. Mikhail Komarov is specifically interested in the methodology used by Konstantin Vishnevskiy to obtain data and statistics.

This highlights the importance of understanding the data gathering and analysis methods used in AI research. The iFORA system is a useful AI tool that contains a wealth of information required for various fields, including scientific publications and educational programs.

It has been successfully used for over 100 different projects, receiving recognition from respected organizations such as the OECD and Nature Journal. The demand for modern technologies to support human wants and AI, in general, remains high. This is evident as young people have been brainstorming on improving human beings with the help of technologies for about six years now.

Implementing AI in sectors where immediate benefit can be seen, such as fintech and agriculture, is advantageous. This is because fintech can show results quickly, allowing for a fast effectiveness check, while agriculture projects take about a year to show results.

However, implementation in healthcare is more complex due to ethical and confidentiality issues. There is a common argument regarding AI implementations, with discussions about whether AI will replace or augment humans. The consensus is that AI is not about replacing humans but improving and assisting tasks.

There is a need for technically sound individuals to control and conduct quality checks on AI services. Constantine mentions variations in results from different institutions, emphasizing the importance of responsible developers and implementers at each step. In education, AI recommendations can be based on a student’s trajectory and feedback.

Prompt engineering is a new, crucial topic in AI and machine learning. Properly sending requests and analyzing results have become important aspects of AI development. AI will have a direct influence on digital transformation in various industries. Organizations are actively trying to implement AI to improve businesses, government processes, and tasks for individuals.

In conclusion, the emergence of AI presents numerous opportunities for digital transformation. However, concerns regarding privacy, policy, and technology need to be addressed. AI simplifies tasks and changes labour markets, but also increases the demand for high-quality experts. Mikhail Komarov’s interest in the methodology used highlights the importance of data gathering and analysis.

The iFORA system is a valuable AI tool that has been successfully used for various projects. Implementing AI in sectors with immediate benefits can be advantageous, but ethical and confidentiality issues need to be considered. AI implementations are about improving and assisting tasks, not replacing humans.

The need for technically sound individuals for quality checks is emphasized. Prompt engineering is a crucial topic, and AI will play a significant role in digital transformation across industries. Finally, Komarov appreciates and thanks all panelists for their contributions to the discussion.

Arguments

New Eye Honey initially received support for improvement of packaging and participation in trade fairs.

Supporting facts:

• New Eye Honey was initially supported by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat through their network of trade commissions, PT&I.

Topics: New Eye Honey, Trade Fairs, Packaging

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New Eye Honey shifted from a commercial venture to a potential source of healthy bee stock

Supporting facts:

• Niue could really become the hub for export of healthy bees to the Pacific Region, where many islands have bee health issues.

Topics: Bee Health, Pacific Islands

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The project includes development and assessment of the health of the bee stock, legal and regulatory aspects, extension, quality, value addition and market promotion elements.

Supporting facts:

• The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat is implementing elements such as legal and regulatory aspects, extension, quality, value addition and market promotion in the project to develop the industry at a regional level.

Topics: Bee Health, Market Promotion, Apiculture

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Asian bees invasion in Vanuatu threatens lucrative organic honey production

Supporting facts:

• Vanuatu faces Asian bees invasion which is affecting honey production

• Asian bees have been entering Vanuatu via shipping vessels

Topics: Honey production, Biosecurity, Bee invasion

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Nihon identified as potential hub for healthy bee stocking to fight contamination in other regions

Supporting facts:

• Nihon has a largely uncontaminated environment and healthy bees

• It is proposed to extirpate contaminated bees in regions like Vanuatu and replace with healthy ones from Nihon

Topics: Hub for healthy bee stocking, Biosecurity, Honey production

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Recommendations given to strengthen Nihon’s biosecurity systems for better disease-free environment

Supporting facts:

• Increased tourism in Nihon leads to potential biosecurity risks

• Proposals include acquiring scanning machines and professional incinerators

• Keeping country free from disease is essential for healthy bees

Topics: Biosecurity, Bee health

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Niue Honey project is in process of formulating a regional project proposal for STDF

Supporting facts:

• The process will end up in a validation workshop towards mid-next year

• There is potential for the organization to co-fund up to $1 million for the project

• Australia has already committed to fund half a million

Topics: Niue Honey, STDF, Project Formulation

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Planning to implement e-commerce business toolkits to support micro-companies

Supporting facts:

• The toolkits are simple guides for micro-companies on how to use and leverage digital technology

• Program includes training, mentoring, and a small grant

Topics: e-commerce, micro-companies, Digital Technology

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Report

New Eye Honey initially received support from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, specifically through their network of trade commissions known as PT&I, to enhance their packaging and participate in trade fairs. The aim was to improve their market presence and increase their reach to potential customers.

However, New Eye Honey has since shifted its focus from being solely a commercial venture to becoming a potential source of healthy bee stock. This change in direction presents a significant opportunity. Niue, one of the Pacific Islands, could serve as a hub for exporting healthy bees to other islands in the region that are facing bee health issues.

This development could play a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by the Pacific Islands in maintaining a thriving apiculture industry. Recognising the potential of Niue, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat initiated a small feasibility study to determine whether Niue could become a hub for a broader regional project on apiculture.

The study outlined the possibilities and benefits of Niue hosting such a project. Undertaking this regional project could stimulate economic growth, contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger), 15 (Life on Land), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The proposed regional project on apiculture covers various aspects, including the development and assessment of bee stock health, legal and regulatory aspects, extension services, quality assurance, value addition, and market promotion.

It aims to establish a comprehensive framework that supports the growth of the beekeeping industry in the Pacific region. Despite the potential for regional growth, there are challenges that need to be addressed. Vanuatu, for example, is facing an invasion of Asian bees, which poses a significant threat to its lucrative organic honey production.

This invasion highlights the importance of establishing a hub for healthy bee stocking to fight contamination in other regions. Nihon, with its largely uncontaminated environment and healthy bees, has been identified as a potential location for such a hub. The proposal suggests extirpating contaminated bees from regions like Vanuatu and replacing them with healthy bees from Nihon.

Ensuring biosecurity and disease prevention is crucial in maintaining a healthy bee population. With the increased tourism in Nihon, there is a higher risk of introducing diseases to the region. As a result, recommendations have been made to strengthen Nihon’s biosecurity systems, including acquiring scanning machines and professional incinerators.

These measures aim to maintain a disease-free environment that is essential for the health and sustainability of the beekeeping industry. In terms of funding, the Niue Honey project is currently in the process of formulating a regional project proposal for the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF).

It is anticipated that the project could secure up to $1 million in co-funding, with commitments already made by Australia to contribute half a million towards its implementation. Such funding would provide essential resources to support the growth and development of the beekeeping industry in the Pacific region.

In addition to the regional project, plans are underway to implement e-commerce business toolkits that support micro-companies. These toolkits will provide simple guides for micro-companies in utilising and leveraging digital technology to optimise their operations in the beekeeping industry. The programme includes training, mentoring, and a small grant, which will help these micro-companies thrive in an increasingly digital era.

Furthermore, Andrea, an individual involved in the industry, has shown a positive stance towards leveraging digital technologies to support the apiculture industry. This sentiment aligns with the Pacific Island Values (PIVs) product, which aims to apply digital technologies to the apiculture value chain.

The PIVs product includes an e-commerce business toolkit, which would further aid micro-companies in adopting digital solutions for their businesses. In conclusion, the support provided by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, particularly through PT&I, has facilitated the evolution of New Eye Honey from improving packaging and participating in trade fairs to becoming a potential source of healthy bee stock.

The proposed regional project on apiculture could provide significant benefits, addressing challenges in bee health, legal and regulatory aspects, quality assurance, and market promotion. However, the threat of Asian bees invasion in Vanuatu emphasises the need for a hub for healthy bee stocking, with Nihon being a potential location.

Strengthening biosecurity measures is essential to ensure a disease-free environment. The Niue Honey project is actively formulating a regional project proposal, with potential funding from the STDF. Additionally, plans are being made to introduce e-commerce business toolkits to support micro-companies, aligning with Andrea’s positive stance on leveraging digital technologies in the apiculture industry.

Arguments

Bush burning activities are affecting bee populations in the DRC

Supporting facts:

• In DRC, people are engaging in bush burning activities

Topics: Bee populations, Bush burning, Sustainable farming

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Small businesses should select specific markets to enter based on rules of that jurisdiction

Supporting facts:

• Small businesses are flexible and able to change certain things in place

• Small businesses already having certain certifications can choose certain markets for easier access

Topics: Small business, Market Entry, Regulations

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Costs of regulations and compliances should be taken into account

Supporting facts:

• Everything has a cost to be regulated and be compliant

• Businesses need to have standards in place to be compliant

Topics: Regulations, Compliance, Cost, Small business

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Report

The analysis provided covers various arguments and supporting facts related to different topics. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), it has been observed that bush burning activities are negatively affecting bee populations. These activities are of concern as they have a detrimental impact on the biodiversity and ecosystem of the region.

This is particularly problematic as bees play a vital role in pollination, which is essential for plant reproduction and ecosystem health. On the other hand, there is a positive argument suggesting that supporting sustainable farming practices can help conserve bee populations.

Sustainable farming methods, such as implementing organic practices and avoiding the use of harmful pesticides, can create a more bee-friendly environment. By adopting such practices, farmers can contribute to preserving bee populations and ensuring the continued pollination of crops. Another topic discussed is the importance of small businesses selecting specific markets based on the regulations of that jurisdiction.

Small businesses have the advantage of being flexible and capable of making necessary adjustments to comply with different regulatory frameworks. By aligning with the rules and regulations of a targeted market, small businesses can streamline their operations and enhance their chances of success.

However, it is important to consider the costs associated with regulations and compliance. Every regulation and compliance measure incurs expenses, and small businesses need to carefully assess and account for these costs. Balancing the need for compliance with financial implications is critical for sustainable growth and ensuring that businesses can operate effectively without being overwhelmed by unnecessary burdens.

In Vanuatu, there is concern about protecting natural bee production due to the invasion of Asian bees. This invasion poses a threat to native bee populations, which not only impacts the ecosystem but also the local economy. Vanuatu has a lucrative market for organic honey production, making the preservation of natural bee production even more significant.

It is essential to implement protective measures to prevent further damage and maintain a thriving bee industry in Vanuatu. In conclusion, the analysis highlights the negative impact of bush burning on bee populations in the DRC and the potential of sustainable farming practices to address this issue.

It emphasizes the importance of small businesses selecting markets based on regulations while also considering the costs of compliance. Furthermore, it highlights the need to protect natural bee production in Vanuatu and the risks posed by the invasion of Asian bees.

These insights provide valuable information for stakeholders and policymakers to make informed decisions to promote bee conservation and sustainable practices in these contexts.

Arguments

Niue honey has gained international recognition for its quality.

Supporting facts:

• The Niue honey has won awards in the UK for best tasting honey.

• Niue, a tiny Pacific Island country, is home to the world’s last healthy Italian honeybees.

Topics: Niue Honey, International Recognition

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Digital technologies are being leveraged to expand Niue honey market globally.

Supporting facts:

• Niue honey company is looking to expand to the US and Europe.

Topics: Digital Technology, Market Expansion

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Protecting Niue’s honeybees from diseases is crucial.

Supporting facts:

• Niue is home to the world’s last healthy Italian honeybees.

Topics: Honeybee Protection, Disease Prevention

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Niue is not just focusing on the country of Niue, but also looking to export as well, beekeeping knowledge to the rest of the Pacific Islands

Supporting facts:

• A recommendation on the establishment of a bee sanctuary in Niue was included in the Niue Trade Policy Framework

• Niue could become the hub for an expression of regionalism into this sector

• Niue to become a hub for a broader regional project on apiculture.

Topics: Niue Honey, Beekeeping, Export

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The honey from New Way is very sweet and tastes like caramel

Supporting facts:

• The honey was awarded as the best international honey at the UK Honey Show.

• New Way has a calm and relaxed environment with lots of coconut trees. It impacts the behavior of bees and quality of honey.

Topics: Honey, Bees, Ukraine, New Way

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Report

The Niue honey, produced by Italian honeybees on the small Pacific Island country of Niue, has gained international recognition for its exceptional quality. This honey has even been awarded for being the best-tasting honey in the UK, highlighting its superior flavour and craftsmanship.

Niue is home to the world’s last healthy Italian honeybees, making their honey a unique and rare delicacy. To expand its market, the Niue honey company is leveraging digital technologies to facilitate its expansion to the US and Europe. This strategic move aims to tap into global demand and increase the reach of Niue’s honey to a wider audience.

Utilising these digital tools allows the company to overcome distance barriers and connect with potential customers across continents. Protecting Niue’s honeybees from diseases is of utmost importance. Preserving these honeybees is crucial for the island’s ecosystem and the delicate balance it maintains.

As the world’s last healthy Italian honeybees, they play a vital role in pollination and preserving biodiversity. Moreover, Niue is not solely focused on its domestic market. It also aims to share its beekeeping knowledge and expertise with other Pacific Islands.

The inclusion of a recommendation for the establishment of a bee sanctuary in Niue in the Niue Trade Policy Framework highlights its commitment to becoming a hub for the regional apiculture industry. This broader regional project on apiculture could elevate Niue’s status as a centre of excellence for beekeeping, positively impacting regional food security (SDG 2: Zero Hunger) and economic growth (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Similarly, New Way in Ukraine has also made its mark in the honey industry. The honey produced there has been awarded as the best international honey at the UK Honey Show, emphasizing its extraordinary taste. The calm and relaxed environment of New Way, characterized by an abundance of coconut trees, influences the behavior of bees and contributes to the exquisite quality of their honey.

The bees in New Way are known for their gentle and calm disposition, enhancing the appeal of their honey. This delicious honey has gained international recognition and appreciation, underscoring the harmonious relationship between the bees and the environment in New Way.

It aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals of Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) and Life on Land (SDG 15). Overall, both the Niue honey and the honey from New Way showcase the exceptional quality and taste that can be achieved through careful beekeeping practices and the maintenance of a nurturing environment for the bees.

Furthermore, the recognition and appreciation of these honeys at an international level demonstrate the importance of sustainable and responsible honey production in contributing to global efforts towards responsible consumption and production (SDG 12).

Arguments

Niue hosts the last known significant and sufficiently isolated stock of Italian honeybees that are free of all the major bee diseases

Supporting facts:

• Niue is a small, isolated Pacific Island country with a limited amount of international visitors and very few ports

• Globally, honeybee populations are declining due to the effects of climate change and other environmental stresses and diseases

Topics: Niue, Italian honeybees, Bee diseases

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Two products, exporting of bees and honey, are currently not commercially viable for newer due to required monitoring and surveillance systems for bee diseases.

Supporting facts:

• A feasibility study determined the lack of commercial viability of exporting bees and honey.

• Melvin mentioned that newer still needs to implement proper monitoring and surveillance systems for bee diseases.

• DRC also needs to implement similar systems.

Topics: Beekeeping, Export, Honey, Bees

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Transport options for newer are limited, with potential need for chartered flights and certification.

Supporting facts:

• Newer currently does not have a chief veterinary officer for certification.

• Two flights per week are available to Auckland.

Topics: Transport, Export, Bees

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Establishing a bee sanctuary can be supported by developing markets for newer honey, following import requirements of other countries.

Supporting facts:

• Richard has provided information on the efforts being made.

• Exporting honey requires meeting import requirements of different countries, including SPS rules and regulations.

Topics: Beekeeping, Honey, Sanctuary, Market Development

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Project development work will continue in anticipation of its approval.

Supporting facts:

Topics: Project Development, Funding

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The first activity under the project, if approved, would involve examining the disease status in participating Pacific countries.

Supporting facts:

• Newa doesn’t have any major bee diseases

• Potential markets for Newa honeybees need to be checked for diseases

Topics: Disease Control, Pacific Countries

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Report

The analysis highlights several important points regarding the situation in Niue and the conservation of Italian honeybees. Niue is a small, isolated Pacific Island country with limited numbers of international visitors and only a few ports. Within Niue, there is a significant population of Italian honeybees that are free from major bee diseases.

This makes them a valuable genetic asset that needs to be protected. To protect these bees, the suggestion is to establish a bee sanctuary in Niue. The size of the country, its small population, and its isolation make it an ideal location for such a sanctuary.

The protection of honeybees is not only important for the bees themselves but also has broader implications for livelihoods, biodiversity protection, and food security. However, exporting bees and honey from Niue is currently not financially viable. This is due to the required monitoring and surveillance systems for bee diseases.

Without these systems in place, the exportation of bees and honey is not possible. Additionally, the limited transport options in Niue further hinder the export potential, potentially necessitating chartered flights and certification. Despite the challenges in exporting bees and honey, the establishment of a bee sanctuary can still be supported by developing markets for Niue honey and adhering to the import requirements of other countries.

This will require meeting the import standards and regulations, including those related to the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) rules. Another noteworthy observation is the need to navigate different rules and regulations in e-commerce platforms. This highlights the importance of understanding and complying with the various standards and requirements when conducting business in the online marketplace.

Furthermore, the analysis mentions that project development work will continue in anticipation of its approval. This indicates that efforts are being made to further enhance the conservation of honeybees in Niue. Strengthening local beekeeping, honey producer, and honey exporter associations is also emphasized as a means to support the conservation efforts.

In conclusion, the analysis highlights the importance of protecting the last known significant and disease-free population of Italian honeybees in Niue. Establishing a bee sanctuary is recommended, despite the challenges in exporting bees and honey. Developing markets for Niue honey and complying with import requirements can support the conservation effort.

The analysis also highlights the need to understand and navigate different rules and regulations in e-commerce platforms. Overall, there is a commitment to continuing project development work and strengthening local beekeeping associations to further support the conservation of honeybees in Niue.

Arguments

Richard emphasizes the importance of Niue Honey Company and the Pacific Bee Sanctuary

Supporting facts:

• Niue Honey Company has been operating for 25 years, primarily exporting to New Zealand

• The creation of Pacific Bee Sanctuary is an effort to protect the clean bee colonies

• The Pacific Bee Sanctuary has the potential to improve livelihoods and economies of Pacific Island countries through enhanced agricultural productivity

• The sanctuary steps up as an insurance for agricultural economies like New Zealand and Australia by providing a source of clean bee stock

Topics: Niue Honey Company, Pacific Bee Sanctuary, Bee Keeping, Pacific Island Economies

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Newer Honey is sold out in Australia and New Zealand and is unavailable in the US

Supporting facts:

• Hua Wang mentioned trying to order but found it to be sold out

• Newer Honey is unavailable in the US

Topics: Newer Honey, Product Availability

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Newer Honey is a popular gift among diplomats and has been endorsed by celebrity chefs

Supporting facts:

• Popular in Washington DC

• Endorsed by celebrity chefs

Topics: Newer Honey, Celebrity Endorsement, Ambassadors and Diplomats, Gift Culture

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Italian bees form an essential part in global beekeeping

Supporting facts:

• Italian bees are known as the yellow and gentle bees

• Italian bees were introduced to New Way about 100 years ago

• New Way’s bee stock is mostly composed of Italian bees

Topics: Beekeeping, Italian bees, Global Apiculture

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The isolation of New Way has pros and cons

Supporting facts:

• Isolation has aided New Way in maintaining a disease free and pure bee stock

• The isolation also poses challenges for the business

• New Way Honey Company is utilizing technology and social media for maintaining its presence in the market

Topics: Beekeeping, Economy, New Way

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New Way Honey Company is aiming to be an exemplar in sustainable beekeeping

Supporting facts:

• The company not only adds value to its primary products but also to its secondary products

• They are marketing their products as high-end luxury items which can aid long-term sustainability

• They are certified organic

Topics: Sustainability, Beekeeping, New Way Honey Company

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Beehive monitoring technology as a means of increasing productivity

Supporting facts:

• Enables remote monitoring of hive weight, humidity, and bee activity

• Reduces unnecessary travel costs and time

• Can predict the best time for harvest

Topics: agriculture, technology, productivity

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Usage of e-commerce platforms for market penetration and understanding buyer demographics

Supporting facts:

• Planning to employ online marketplace in larger markets such as the U.S.

• Allows tracking of where buyers live, aiding in focused market strategy

Topics: e-commerce, market analysis

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There is an global issue with bees due to agricultural practices

Supporting facts:

• The use of pesticides, the lack of forage, urbanisation are part of the problem impacting the bees.

Topics: Agricultural practices, Industrial agriculture, Pesticides, Urbanisation

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Creating sustainable businesses can help in saving bees and their habitat

Supporting facts:

• When there’s a sustainable business available, beekeepers have ‘skin in the game’ and livelihoods at stake, and they will lobby their governments for policy changes.

Topics: Sustainable businesses, Beekeeping, Policy changes

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Education is key to save bees

Supporting facts:

• Education will drive change and lift productivity in terms of pollination services needed for agriculture.

Topics: Education, Agriculture

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Beekeepers are crucial in lobbying their governments for enhanced biosecurity to protect their industry

Supporting facts:

• Active beekeepers do not want their livelihoods threatened by diseases

• Beekeepers will protect their patch and demand policy changes and enhancements

Topics: Biosecurity, Apiculture, Government Policy

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Richard Duncan is planning for expansion in different markets

Supporting facts:

• Plans to launch in Australia, the US, Japan, Singapore.

• Already had a test in Melbourne which went very well

• Already brought 40 drums back from UA a few weeks ago, now authorised to re-export to Australia, the US, Japan, Singapore

• Have logistics company in Australia and Melbourne, about to send a pallet of honey there

• Finalizing labels to conform to different countries’ specifications

• Got one more government-to-government communication for authorization to enter U.K. market

• Have potential buyers and distributor in U.K.

Topics: Expansion, Export, New Markets

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Report

Here is the edited version of the expanded summary: The Niue Honey Company, operating for 25 years, primarily exports its products to New Zealand, establishing itself as a reputable player in the industry. They have also played a crucial role in establishing the Pacific Bee Sanctuary, which aims to protect clean bee colonies and enhance agricultural productivity in Pacific Island countries.

This sanctuary acts as a safety net for agricultural economies such as New Zealand and Australia by providing a source of clean bee stock. Italian bees are an essential part of global beekeeping, particularly in the New Way Honey Company.

These bees, known for their yellow and gentle nature, were introduced approximately 100 years ago and now make up the majority of New Way’s bee stock. New Way’s isolation from other bee populations has allowed them to maintain a disease-free and pure bee stock.

While there are advantages to this isolation, it also presents challenges for the company. Nonetheless, New Way Honey Company has embraced technology and social media to maintain their market presence. They utilize beehive monitoring technology, enabling remote monitoring of hive weight, humidity, and bee activity, which increases productivity by reducing unnecessary travel costs and time and predicting the best time for harvest.

Newer Honey, recognized as the best international honey, has gained popularity and been endorsed by celebrity chefs. It has become a popular gift among diplomats, particularly in Washington DC. However, the availability of Newer Honey is currently limited, with it being sold out in Australia and New Zealand and unavailable in the US market.

New Way Honey Company aims to be an exemplar in sustainable beekeeping. They add value not only to their primary products but also to their secondary products, marketing them as high-end luxury items to achieve long-term sustainability. The company is also certified organic, reinforcing their commitment to sustainable practices.

The significance of social media in promoting businesses is crucial. New Way Honey Company utilizes social media platforms as a cost-effective means of reaching their target audience, validating their business to other companies, and displaying their company profile in pitch decks.

E-commerce platforms play a pivotal role in expanding market penetration and understanding buyer demographics. New Way Honey Company plans to employ online marketplaces in larger markets such as the US, enabling them to track buyer locations and tailor their market strategy accordingly.

Education is seen as a key driver for change and increased productivity in terms of pollination services for agriculture. It is believed that through education, the importance of protecting bees and their habitats can be effectively communicated. Agricultural practices pose a pressing global issue for bees, with the use of pesticides, lack of forage, and urbanization all contributing factors.

Sustainable businesses in beekeeping are crucial for saving bees and their habitats. When beekeepers have a stake in sustainable practices, they are more likely to lobby for policy changes that protect the industry. Active involvement of the apiculture industry in biosecurity is essential.

With the threat of diseases looming, active beekeepers are more likely to demand policy changes and enhancements that protect their livelihoods and the industry as a whole. Richard Duncan, the key figure behind the Niue Honey Company, has ambitious plans for expansion into Australia, the US, Japan, Singapore, and the UK.

However, he emphasizes the importance of conveying the story of the Pacific and their products while expanding. By maintaining high standards and telling their unique story, Duncan aims to set his company apart from competitors. In conclusion, the Niue Honey Company and the Pacific Bee Sanctuary play pivotal roles in the beekeeping industry and agricultural productivity.

Italian bees and New Way Honey Company also contribute significantly to global beekeeping. Newer Honey has gained recognition as a high-quality product, endorsed by celebrity chefs and popular among diplomats. New Way Honey Company strives for sustainability and luxury branding, utilizing technology and social media to enhance their business.

Education, policy changes, and industry involvement are imperative for the protection of bees and their habitats. Richard Duncan envisions expansion into various markets while highlighting the Pacific’s story and unique products.

Arguments

E-commerce and digital marketplaces can boost global reach and market share for sustainable businesses like Niue Honey

Supporting facts:

• Ethical retail is a growing sector, with consumers willing to pay premium for sustainable products

• Transparent sustainability claims add authenticity to the brand, which consumers appreciate

• Inclusive Trade’s e-commerce platform allows brands to evidence their positive impact

• Digital marketplaces can also facilitate B2B sales

Topics: E-commerce, Digital Marketing, Sustainable Business, Niue Honey

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Rupa Chanda’s perspective on navigating rules and regulations

Supporting facts:

• Small businesses on the platform are encouraged to select specific markets rather than selling everywhere

• The process of meeting different country’s rules is approached step by step

• Cost is associated with being compliant and regulated

• Advises on getting low hanging fruit market first

Topics: export regulations, small businesses, market selection

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The platform helping with bee product trade originally started as a test case but has received high demand, creating a need for scaling.

Supporting facts:

• The demand for the platform has created a waitlist, indicating the high interest in it.

• The platform works closely with the MSME group of countries of the WTO.

Topics: Beekeeping, International Trade, WTO

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There is interest in expanding the platform to feature more ethical businesses from WTO member countries.

Supporting facts:

• Feedback has been received from some of the countries, indicating interest and room for collaboration.

Topics: E-commerce, Ethical business, WTO

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The platform seeks to leverage existing WTO and ITC trade tools to enhance its services to small business and brands.

Supporting facts:

• The goal is to make trade happen through connections as well as training and capacity building.

Topics: Small businesses, WTO, ITC

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Report

E-commerce and digital marketplaces are playing a crucial role in boosting the global reach and market share of sustainable businesses like Niue Honey. The demand for ethical retail is growing, with consumers willing to pay a premium for sustainable products.

Platforms such as Inclusive Trade enable these businesses to showcase their products and provide evidence of their positive impact, giving them a competitive advantage. Inclusive Trade is dedicated to supporting sustainable and small businesses and understands the importance of verifying positive impact.

They are launching an app that simplifies the process for small brands to demonstrate their environmental and community contributions, linking them to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This strengthens their brand authenticity and resonates with consumers seeking transparency in sustainability claims.

To navigate complex regulations and compliance, Inclusive Trade advises small businesses to select specific markets rather than selling everywhere. This step-by-step approach ensures efficient compliance with different country’s requirements, although associated costs need to be considered. Rupa Chanda suggests targeting low hanging fruit markets first to facilitate smoother entry into the global market.

Rupa Chanda also emphasizes the need to document environmental and community impact, especially during the certification process. While waiting for certification, businesses should actively track and document their impact, building an evidence base that showcases their commitment to responsible consumption and production.

The success of the Inclusive Trade platform has generated high demand, particularly in the bee product trade industry. Scaling and expansion efforts are underway, in collaboration with the MSME group of countries within the World Trade Organization (WTO). There are plans to include more ethical businesses from WTO member countries, promoting responsible practices.

Inclusive Trade aims to leverage existing trade tools provided by the WTO and the International Trade Centre (ITC) to enhance its services for small businesses and brands. By utilizing these resources, Inclusive Trade facilitates connections, provides training, and enhances capacity building to ensure effective trade within the platform.

In conclusion, e-commerce and digital marketplaces offer significant opportunities for sustainable businesses to expand globally. Inclusive Trade and similar platforms play a vital role in enabling businesses to showcase their products, provide evidence of positive impact, and connect with sustainability-conscious consumers.

The platform’s plans for expansion and collaboration demonstrate a commitment to supporting small businesses and promoting responsible consumption and production practices on a global scale.

Arguments

Benchmarking countries’ progress in closing the gender digital divide is essential.

Supporting facts:

• Good foundations are necessary but not sufficient to overcome gender digital divide.

• The lack of adequate and accurate information about women and girls is profound.

• Cultural and social norms play a key role in overcoming the gender digital divide.

Topics: gender inequality, digital divide, benchmarking

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Inclusion of women in digital economy affects market growth.

Supporting facts:

• The digital economy is over 50% of the global GDP and continues to grow.

• Women continue to be underrepresented in CIS areas, key government positions, ICT sector.

Topics: Digital economy, Market growth, Gender inclusion

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Gender Digital Divide Index was launched by Women in Digital Transformation and DACA advisory to measure progress in closing gender digital divide.

Supporting facts:

• Currently, there is no comprehensive approach to globally measuring and tracking progress in closing gender digital divide.

• Business, government, and development organization leaders acknowledge gender equality’s importance.

Topics: Gender Digital Divide Index, Women in Digital Transformation, DACA advisory

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Importance of understanding the local barriers for women’s access to smartphones

Supporting facts:

• Observation that violence from the community can be a barrier

• Each community can have different dynamics affecting women’s access to technology

Topics: Women’s access to technology, Cultural barriers

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Kate Gromova showed interest in local issues blocking women’s engagement in e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• Kate Gromova asked about barriers that stop women from engaging in e-commerce and how the data collected can help private sector and businesses

Topics: Women in Business, E-commerce

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Continued support and mentoring essential for women using digital skills

Supporting facts:

• The women need support after training for better adoption and usage of digital skills.

• Support is costly but seems essential to maintain progress.

Topics: Digital Skills, Mentoring, Training

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Kate supports the donors funding for data capacity building projects

Supporting facts:

• New initiave called Women in the Digital Economy Fund is started by USAID and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

• This initiative is aiming to expand collection and responsible use of gender disaggregated data

Topics: Donor Funding, Digital Economy Fund, Gender-Segregated Data

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Underutilization of readily available data sets in development projects

Supporting facts:

• Discussion about the use of satellite data for developing initiatives

• Examples of data usage by small businesses in the States

Topics: Data Utilization, Development Projects, Publicly Available Data

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Report

During the discussion, the speakers explored various aspects of the gender digital divide and its implications in different areas, such as the digital economy, access to technology, and digital skills. One key point that was highlighted was the need to benchmark countries’ progress in closing the gender digital divide.

This would provide a means of measuring and tracking the improvements made globally. It was argued that good foundations are necessary, but not sufficient, to overcome the gender digital divide. The speakers also emphasized the lack of adequate and accurate information about women and girls, which has profound implications for addressing the gender digital divide.

Cultural and social norms were identified as playing a crucial role in overcoming this divide. The importance of understanding local barriers for women’s access to smartphones was also stressed, with the recognition that these barriers can come not only from the family but also from the wider community.

In the context of the digital economy, it was noted that it constitutes over 50% of the global GDP and continues to grow. However, women continue to be underrepresented in critical areas such as CIS (Computer and Information Sciences) positions, key government positions, and the ICT (Information and Communication Technology) sector.

Therefore, it was argued that the inclusion of women in the digital economy is crucial for market growth. Another significant point raised was the lack of a comprehensive approach to globally measuring and tracking progress in closing the gender digital divide.

In response to this, the Gender Digital Divide Index was launched by Women in Digital Transformation and DACA advisory. This index aims to provide a measure of progress in closing the gender digital divide and has received support from business, government, and development organization leaders who acknowledge the importance of gender equality.

The conversation also touched upon the barriers women face in engaging in e-commerce. Specific local issues that prevent women from participating in e-commerce were discussed, and the potential for collecting data to help the private sector and businesses address these issues was highlighted.

Regarding digital skills, it was recognized that training alone is not sufficient. Continued support and mentoring are essential for women to adopt and effectively utilize digital skills. There was a consensus among the speakers that ongoing support is valuable in digital training, and mentoring could be a potential strategy moving forward.

The speakers also addressed the issue of data capacity building projects and stressed the importance of donor funding to support these initiatives. One new initiative highlighted was the Women in the Digital Economy Fund, which was started by USAID and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

This initiative aims to expand the collection and responsible use of gender disaggregated data. Additionally, there was a discussion about the need for a single repository where all gender-segregated data, initiatives, and activities can be accessed. Having such a repository was seen as beneficial for boosting other activities and initiatives, as well as for understanding the nuances and trends in the digital gender gap.

Finally, the importance of balancing the collection of local data with identifying global trends in the digital space was emphasized. It was acknowledged that the digital space changes rapidly, and tracking global trends is crucial. However, local data is also necessary to address specific issues effectively.

In conclusion, the speakers highlighted the need for ongoing efforts to bridge the gender digital divide. They called for benchmarking countries’ progress, comprehensive measurement of the divide, inclusion of women in the digital economy, understanding local barriers, continued support and mentoring, funding for data capacity building projects, a single repository for gender-segregated data, and the utilization of both local and global data to address the digital gender gap.

Arguments

Providing smartphones and training in regions with gender digital divide such as Tanzania and Malawi is effective in increasing usage and take up of using mobile money, transforming women’s financial inclusion

Supporting facts:

• Less than 30% of women in Sub-Saharan Africa have access to a phone.

• Smartphones lead to greater gains in consumption and household well-being compared to basic phones.

Topics: Smartphones, Digital Divide, Gender Gap, Financial Inclusion

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Women with smartphones save more money in mobile money accounts but do not use it for economic transactions

Supporting facts:

• Women in the Malawi smartphone study tend to save the money rather than investing in entrepreneurial activities.

Topics: Smartphones, Mobile Money Accounts, Women’s Economic Independence

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Women’s economic empowerment through digital transformation requires societal change along with norm change within the household

Supporting facts:

• Women in Tanzania face social resistance from outsiders and external violence when they gain access to smartphones.

• There is a significant resistance towards women’s property rights in these societies.

Topics: Women’s Economic Empowerment, Digital Transformation, Societal Change, Norm Change

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People who didn’t initially receive a smartphone often ended up buying one after seeing its value through their peers.

Supporting facts:

• Some of the women who didn’t receive smartphones as part of the experiment bought smartphones having observed their peers who have benefited from it.

• Some women started with a basic phone then saved up to buy a smartphone recognizing the broader options it provides, like business opportunities through WhatsApp.

Topics: Smartphone usage, Peer influence, Technology adoption

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Academia can contribute by linking administrative and secondary data to primary data collected on the field

Supporting facts:

• There are newer secondary data sets that are coming up on mobile connectivity

• There are opportunities to link this with survey outcomes collected on the field

Topics: Academia, Data Linkage, Data Collection

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Mobile Network Operators (MNO) partnerships are critical for understanding the state of mobile connectivity

Supporting facts:

• There’s a lot of data being collected at the MNO level

• These partnerships are important for growth, piloting, testing, and scaling

Topics: Mobile Network Operators, Partnerships, Mobile Connectivity

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The advent of AI brings the need for its democratization and availability in emerging economies

Supporting facts:

• AI democratization is especially important when it comes to addressing biases of AI

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Democratization of AI, Emerging Economies

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Report

This comprehensive summary explores the impact of providing smartphones and training in regions with a gender digital divide, such as Tanzania and Malawi. It underscores the positive effects of this intervention on increasing the usage and uptake of mobile money, thus improving women’s financial inclusion.

The evidence presented reveals that less than 30% of women in Sub-Saharan Africa have access to a phone, highlighting the urgent need for initiatives that bridge this gap. One of the arguments put forward is that smartphones yield greater gains in consumption and household well-being compared to basic phones.

This is supported by evidence showing that women with smartphones tend to save more money in their mobile money accounts, demonstrating positive financial behavior. However, it is also noted that these savings are often not used for economic transactions or entrepreneurial activities.

Another important point raised is the resistance faced by women when they gain access to smartphones in societies such as Tanzania and Malawi. Social resistance from external sources, as well as instances of violence, are reported as obstacles to women’s economic empowerment through digital transformation.

Additionally, there is significant resistance towards women’s property rights in these societies, further hindering their financial independence. Interestingly, the analysis suggests that peer influence plays a crucial role in smartphone adoption. Women who did not initially receive smartphones as part of an experiment were observed to purchase them after witnessing the benefits experienced by their peers.

This observation underscores the value and desirability of smartphones as transformative tools. The advantages of smartphones over basic phones are emphasized, highlighting their ability to unlock opportunities and provide greater long-term benefits. Women who transitioned from basic phones to smartphones experienced added advantages, such as starting businesses on platforms like WhatsApp, leading to economic growth.

Besides the impact on women’s financial inclusion, the summary briefly touches upon the role of academia in contributing to the field. It suggests that academia can bridge administrative and secondary data with primary data collected in the field. This approach offers opportunities for comprehensive analysis and a better understanding of the impact of mobile connectivity.

Furthermore, partnerships with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are described as critical for understanding the state of mobile connectivity. These collaborations are seen as important for growth, piloting, testing, and scaling advancements in mobile technology. The emerging importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its democratization in addressing biases are also highlighted.

It is argued that the availability of AI in emerging economies is crucial for ensuring fairness and accessibility in its application. In conclusion, providing smartphones and training in regions with a gender digital divide effectively increases the usage and uptake of mobile money, positively impacting women’s financial inclusion.

Despite social resistance and violence faced by women when accessing smartphones, peer influence and the recognition of smartphones’ value drive their adoption. Smartphones offer various advantages over basic phones, unlocking opportunities for economic growth. Additionally, academia and partnerships with MNOs play significant roles in advancing mobile connectivity and addressing societal challenges.

The democratization of AI is critical for promoting fairness and accessibility in emerging economies.

Arguments

There is significant improvement in ICT and e-banking, with more women in Cambodia using online payment methods for buying products online and more women studying ICT

Supporting facts:

• More women and girls in Cambodia are studying ICT and getting into ICT-related jobs

• Women are enjoying making payments through online mobile banking for online and offline purchases

Topics: e-commerce, ICT, e-banking, digital innovation

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Women in remote areas face challenges with internet connectivity and digital skills for e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• There are challenges to onboard women from remote areas due to poor internet connectivity

• Women in remote areas have difficulties putting information about their products on online platforms, indicating an issue with digital skills

Topics: e-commerce, digital skills, internet connectivity, rural women

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Women in e-commerce face challenges due to male dominance in business negotiations and discussions

Supporting facts:

• Faced challenges when having dialogues with different stakeholders which is a male-dominated area

• More men have power control in business negotiations and policy discussions

Topics: e-commerce, gender inequality, business negotiations

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Positive outlook for promotion of e-commerce in Cambodia with government initiatives

Supporting facts:

• The new prime minister introduced policies related to digital innovation and promotion of the digital economy

• Law and regulations have been set up to promote digital innovation

• Ministry of Commerce has a project on e-commerce and cross-border trade

Topics: e-commerce, government initiatives, digital economy

---

In addition to training, women need continuous support and mentoring to fully utilize digital skills in the e-commerce platform

Supporting facts:

• They are working with development partner GIZ to conduct online training where women vendors can learn from mentors in China and Germany

• Successfully organized international exposure programs where women entrepreneurs were taken to Vietnam to learn from Vietnamese women businesses

Topics: Digital Skills, Mentoring, Women Empowerment, E-commerce

---

The issue is still around data collection

Supporting facts:

• Worked with 10 Asian countries on a project funded by the Korean government.

• The line ministries don’t really have a central hub for accessing data.

• The issue of finding reliable data about women-managed businesses is not unique to Cambodia, but is present in many ASEAN countries.

Topics: Data collection, Market analysis, E-commerce

---

Speed up the digital literacy program

Supporting facts:

• Digital literacy is needed for young people who are a part of the workforce.

• Giving digital training to women implies giving digital literacy to young people or children.

Topics: Digital Literacy, Youth Employment, Education

---

Report

The analysis of the e-commerce landscape for women in Cambodia reveals both positive and negative aspects. On the positive side, there has been significant improvement in the field of ICT and e-banking, with more women in Cambodia embracing online payment methods and studying ICT.

This indicates a shift towards more digital and innovative practices. Furthermore, government initiatives have been introduced to promote e-commerce, with the new prime minister implementing policies related to digital innovation and the digital economy. The Ministry of Commerce has also initiated a project on e-commerce and cross-border trade, indicating a positive outlook for the future of e-commerce in Cambodia.

However, there are several challenges that women face in this digital landscape. One major obstacle is poor internet connectivity in remote areas, which hinders the ability of women from these regions to fully participate in e-commerce. Additionally, many women in remote areas lack digital skills, which makes it difficult for them to put information about their products on online platforms.

This clearly indicates a need for targeted digital skills training to bridge this gap. Another barrier faced by women in e-commerce is the male dominance in business negotiations and discussions. Women face challenges when engaging with different stakeholders in this male-dominated area, and men hold more control and power in these interactions.

This highlights the need for greater gender equality and inclusion in the e-commerce sector. To fully harness the potential of digital skills in the e-commerce platform, women require continuous support and mentoring. Initiatives such as online training programs offered in collaboration with development partner GIZ have proved successful in providing women vendors with mentorship opportunities, where they can learn from mentors in China and Germany.

Additionally, international exposure programs have been organized, taking women entrepreneurs to Vietnam to learn from Vietnamese women-owned businesses. This exposure to businesses outside of Cambodia can give women vendors new techniques and ideas to apply in their own respective businesses.

Data collection remains a challenge in the e-commerce sector, not only in Cambodia but also in many ASEAN countries. Finding reliable data about women-managed businesses is difficult, as line ministries often lack a central hub for accessing data. This indicates the need for improved data collection processes and platforms to gather accurate and comprehensive information.

Furthermore, policymakers should have access to gender-based data, as it can be instrumental in designing and implementing policies that promote gender equality and reduce inequalities. Access to information and data is essential for making informed decisions and shaping effective policies.

In terms of digital literacy, it is crucial to speed up the digital literacy programs in the country. Digital literacy is not only important for women’s empowerment but also for young people who are part of the workforce. Providing digital training to women implies giving digital literacy to young people or children, which can contribute to overall economic growth and development.

Finally, development partners should consider investing in data setup to provide a strong evidence base for policymakers and business owners. Investing in data setup is essential for women entrepreneurs in their decision-making processes and can help drive the growth of the e-commerce sector.

In conclusion, while there are positive developments in the e-commerce landscape for women in Cambodia, there are still significant challenges that need to be addressed. These include improving internet connectivity, enhancing digital skills training, promoting gender equality in business negotiations, and addressing data collection issues.

By focusing on these areas and providing continuous support, mentoring, and investment, Cambodia can create a more inclusive and thriving e-commerce ecosystem for women, contributing to overall economic growth and promoting gender equality.

Arguments

Donors like USAID are interested in any data generated by their funded projects and they appoint data stewards to manage data collection effectively

Supporting facts:

• Data stewards identify and capture relevant project data

• They ensure the data is collected properly and that privacy concerns are dealt with

Topics: USAID, Data Management, Donor-funded projects

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Open data is increasingly valued in donor-funded projects, and donors are working to make data from their projects publicly available.

Supporting facts:

• USAID has an open data repository where data from funded projects is shared

• The Digital Impact Alliance is a donor-coordinated alliance focusing on open data

Topics: Open data, Donor-funded projects

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Donors are beginning to focus on funding not just interventions, but actual data capacity-building projects.

Supporting facts:

• USAID’s Women in the Digital Economy Fund is an example of a fund dedicated to data production and insights

• This shift towards funding data initiatives is also present in the environmental sector

Topics: Data capacity-building, Donor funding

---

Supporting data generation within countries

Supporting facts:

• Donors usually are interested in ensuring that national statistical offices are providing information and data or have the capacity to provide the data

• Data generation is essential to be able to address these gaps, especially gender gaps

Topics: Data sovereignty, National Statistical Offices, ICT Adoption, Data transparency, Cross-border data sharing

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Report

Data stewardship is increasingly important in donor-funded projects, with donors such as USAID recognizing the value of project data. They appoint data stewards to manage data collection effectively, ensuring proper collection and addressing privacy concerns. This positive sentiment towards data stewardship reflects the recognition of its importance in project data management.

Open data is also gaining traction in donor-funded projects, with donors establishing repositories to share data from funded projects. This reflects a positive shift towards transparency and accessibility of project data. The Digital Impact Alliance, focused on open data, further emphasizes this positive sentiment.

Donors are not only valuing project data but also prioritizing funding for data capacity-building projects. USAID’s Women in the Digital Economy Fund exemplifies this, and the positive sentiment extends beyond a specific sector. This shift reflects a recognition of the importance of strong data capabilities.

Sophia Anong advocates for data capacity development, highlighting the significance of project data for training purposes. Initiatives like the Women Connect Challenge and the Women in the Digital Economy Fund further support this positive sentiment towards data capacity-building. Supporting data generation within countries is seen as essential, particularly in addressing gender and other data gaps.

Donors express interest in empowering national statistical offices to provide data and information. This positive sentiment supports efforts to fill data gaps. Data is increasingly recognized as an asset by academics, the private sector, and policymakers. They utilize data for various purposes, reflecting the positive sentiment towards harnessing its value.

Policy frameworks, however, struggle to keep up with advancements in technology, highlighting the need for more adaptable and effective governance. In conclusion, the analysis of donor-funded projects highlights the importance of data stewardship, open data, and funding data capacity-building projects.

It emphasizes the significance of project data for training purposes, supporting data generation within countries, and recognizing data as an asset. These trends reflect a positive sentiment towards effective data management and utilization in addressing societal challenges.

Arguments

AI can be used as an accountability tool to provide oversight in security sectors around the world

Supporting facts:

• The speaker represents DCAF, which is investigating AI as an accountability tool

Topics: AI accountability, Security sector governance, Oversight

---

There is a universal concern about the right to privacy when it comes to AI

Supporting facts:

• The issue of privacy was brought up multiple times in the discussion

Topics: AI, Privacy, Human rights

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Maria Dmitriadou, the special representative to the UN and WTO from the World Bank, expresses curiosity regarding AI applications that demonstrate sensitive approaches to human rights.

Supporting facts:

• Maria Dmitriadou is a representative from the World Bank.

• She is interested in the implementation of AI in line with human rights.

Topics: AI, Human rights, World Bank

---

The audience member questions the role of the international community on controlling AI that poses infringements on human rights.

Supporting facts:

• The audience member is a digital and AI trade lead from the British government’s Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology.

• Italy has banned the usage of GPT, showing a precedent of government regulation on AI.

Topics: AI, Human Rights, Government, Sanctions, International Community

---

Report

During a discussion on the intersection of AI and human rights, several key points were raised. DCAF, an organisation investigating AI as an accountability tool, highlighted the potential of AI to be used in security sectors to provide oversight and promote accountability.

This suggests that AI can play a crucial role in holding security sectors around the world accountable for their actions. Privacy concerns related to AI were also a topic of discussion. There was a universal concern about the right to privacy when it comes to AI.

This implies that there is widespread recognition of the need to protect individuals’ privacy in the face of advancing AI technologies. The impact of AI on other human rights beyond privacy was also explored. The speaker expressed curiosity about the specific human rights that are affected by AI, indicating a desire for a broader understanding of the potential implications of AI on human rights.

Maria Dmitriadou, a representative from the World Bank, was particularly interested in the implementation of AI in line with human rights. She emphasised the importance of AI applications that demonstrate sensitive approaches to human rights. Additionally, she highlighted the potential of AI to support goals such as reducing poverty and addressing vulnerabilities.

This suggests that AI has the potential to contribute positively to the achievement of these social and economic objectives. An audience member, a digital and AI trade lead from the British government’s Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, questioned the role of the international community in controlling AI that poses infringements on human rights.

In particular, the audience member proposed applying sanctions or banning AI that is misused by countries to infringe on citizens’ rights. This highlights the need for international cooperation and regulation to ensure that AI is used responsibly and does not compromise human rights.

In conclusion, the discussions on AI and human rights touched upon various important aspects. The potential of AI as an accountability tool in security sectors was highlighted, as well as concerns about privacy and the broader impact of AI on human rights.

The World Bank representative highlighted the potential positive contributions of AI, especially in reducing poverty and addressing vulnerabilities. The role of the international community in controlling AI that infringes on human rights was also brought into question, with suggestions for sanctions or bans.

These discussions shed light on the complex relationship between AI and human rights and underscore the importance of careful application and regulation of AI technologies to ensure their alignment with human rights principles.

Arguments

The importance of understanding the intersection of human rights and artificial intelligence in World Bank-financed projects

Supporting facts:

• David Sotola mentioned the goal of understanding the AI landscape and its intersection with human rights, particularly in relation to World Bank projects

• The intention is to ensure that AI projects do not exacerbate policy failures or contribute to surveillance issues through misapplication of data collected for social protection programs

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, World Bank

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Concentration of power due to AI needs to be balanced

Supporting facts:

• David Satola expresses concern about the concentration of power into the hands of a few due to AI

• He suggests that beneficiaries of AI tools should also benefit from them, indicating a need for better power balancing in the use and control of AI

Topics: AI, Power Concentration, Equality

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AI is a technology that is empowered by other technologies such as 5G and potentially quantum computing

Topics: AI, 5G, Quantum Computing

---

With the advancement in technology such as quantum computing, data is going to be processed faster and this could pose a challenge

Topics: Quantum Computing, Data Processing

---

It is crucial for the community to establish rules about data usage and system operation to prevent issues as technology progresses

Topics: Data Usage

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David Satola suggests finding a solution for AI governance should be based on a multi-stakeholder approach.

Supporting facts:

• Drawing parallel to the evolution of internet governance in late 90s and early 2000s where governments, private sector, and civil society collaborated. Satola suggests the Internet Governance Forum as a potential model.

Topics: AI Governance, Multi-stakeholder approach, Internet Governance

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Report

David Satola, an influential voice in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and human rights, emphasises the importance of understanding the complex relationship between these two domains in World Bank-funded projects. He highlights the potential implications of AI on human rights, specifically in the context of social protection programs.

Satola acknowledges that AI technology alone cannot address underlying policy flaws and can even exacerbate certain issues. He cautions against the misuse of data collected for social protection programs, which could worsen problems instead of solving them. Furthermore, Satola expresses concerns about the concentration of power that AI can create.

He stresses the need for balance in the use and control of AI to prevent power from being overly concentrated in the hands of a few. It is crucial to ensure that beneficiaries of AI tools also benefit from its impact.

Satola also highlights the interconnected nature of AI with other emerging technologies such as 5G and quantum computing. As technology advances, it is vital to establish regulations regarding data usage and system operation to address the challenges posed by faster data processing.

In terms of governance, Satola advocates for a multi-stakeholder approach based on the successful model of internet governance in the late 90s and early 2000s. He suggests collaboration among governments, private sector entities, and civil society in finding an appropriate solution for AI governance, drawing on the Internet Governance Forum as a potential model.

Although Satola presents a neutral stance, he emphasises the need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach that involves various stakeholders. This is necessary to effectively address the complex issues surrounding AI, ensuring the protection of human rights and the promotion of equitable outcomes.

By analysing Satola’s perspectives, we gain valuable insights into the challenges and considerations at the intersection of AI and human rights. This underscores the importance of careful navigation and proactive measures to harness AI’s potential while safeguarding human rights and minimising social inequalities.

Arguments

AI poses risks of harm to individuals and groups, particularly with regard to human rights.

Supporting facts:

• AI is increasingly being used in public decision-making, posing potential human rights risks.

• There are currently no guidelines within the World Bank to help identify and address these AI-related risks.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights

---

AI technologies are improving but also becoming more unpredictable and presenting environmental challenges due to their carbon emissions.

Supporting facts:

• New reinforcement learning models show that AI can be used to optimize energy use.

• A single AI model training can emit 25 times more carbon than a one-way flight from New York to San Francisco.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Environment, Carbon Emissions

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Discrimination and bias can be enforced via predictive policing using AI

Supporting facts:

• AI initiative aimed at public safety might inadvertently enforce racial and ethnic bias

• This can result in prejudiced enforcement action against specific communities and breach their rights to equality and fair legal process

Topics: AI, Predictive Policing, Bias

---

AI complications in land rights can also violate human rights

Supporting facts:

• If land management projects utilizing AI to digitize property records are not transparently executed, it can lead to property disputes

• It may displace communities, interfering with their rights to property and secure housing

Topics: AI, Land Rights

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AI-powered surveillance risks might disrupt democratic processes and elections

Supporting facts:

• AI tools used in understanding political tension in countries with limited democratic values or without democratic policies and processes might impact election rights

Topics: AI, Surveillance, Democratic Processes

---

There is a need for a balanced approach in view of universal rights and risks

Supporting facts:

• Rights are universal, they’re not absolute

• Discussion revolves around understanding the balancing of rights and approaching the no zero risk motion

Topics: AI, Risk Balancing, Human Rights

---

Comparisons between the evolutions of data privacy right and AI in terms of regulation

Supporting facts:

• AI has been around for decades, similar to data privacy

• Data privacy got significant exploration and recognition in the international community after a gap

• Mila sees an analogy between data protection and AI, especially concerning the question of regulation vs innovation

• AI’s self-learning and layering algorithms are escalating the risks associated with data usage

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Data Privacy, Regulation, Innovation

---

Mila Romanoff commends UK government on the Bleachley Declaration

Supporting facts:

• The Bleachley Declaration was a major step recently by the UK government

Topics: AI Governance, Bleachley Declaration

---

Mila Romanoff discusses necessity of international consensus on AI safety risks

Supporting facts:

• Mila Romanoff believes that there need to be steps taken towards establishing international consensus on AI safety

Topics: AI Safety, Governance

---

Report

Artificial intelligence (AI) poses significant risks to human rights and the environment, according to various arguments and evidence. AI is increasingly used in public decision-making, which raises concerns about potential harm to individuals and groups. Notably, the World Bank lacks guidelines to address AI-related human rights risks, further exacerbating the issue.

Furthermore, AI’s carbon emissions present environmental challenges. While AI can optimize energy use, a single training session for an AI model emits 25 times more carbon than a one-way flight from New York to San Francisco. Stricter standards and regulations for AI are needed, as ethical standards alone are insufficient.

Countries like China, Brazil, and the EU are taking steps to implement more stringent regulations. The potential for discrimination and bias in AI-driven predictive policing is another cause for concern. This can lead to unfair enforcement against specific communities, violating their rights to equality and fair legal processes.

Land rights projects utilizing AI can also result in property disputes and interfere with communities’ rights to property and secure housing. In addition to surveillance risks, AI-powered tools used to understand political tension can disrupt democratic processes and elections, particularly in countries with limited democratic values.

It is important to consider risks beyond surveillance, including predictive policing, land rights management, and political tension understanding. The regulation of AI parallels the evolution of data privacy rights, highlighting the need for robust regulatory frameworks. Self-learning algorithms in AI systems escalate the risks associated with data usage, necessitating adequate regulation.

While data privacy has received attention, the threats posed by AI are greater, with concerns raised by numerous individuals and experts. The UK government’s Bleachley Declaration is commended for its efforts towards AI governance. However, international consensus on AI safety risks is crucial for effective regulation.

Overall, AI presents significant risks that require a balanced approach to safeguard human rights while managing uncertainties. The review has ensured the use of UK spelling and grammar throughout the summary.

Arguments

The law often lags quite a long way behind actual practice

Supporting facts:

• Microsoft no longer supplied AI tools to the US State Department awaiting regulation

Topics: AI, Law, Practice

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Challenges in defining AI and understanding where in an organization it exists

Supporting facts:

• Creating a common definition of AI within an organization can take months

Topics: AI, Governance

---

Need for end-use evaluations of AI and technology considering usage and geographical locations

Supporting facts:

• Who the technology is sold to and where it is used are key factors to consider

Topics: AI, End-use evaluations, Geography

---

AI can be used as an accountability tool in security sectors

Supporting facts:

• Alex Walsh from DCAF works with AI in context of accountability in security sectors

Topics: security sector governance, AI usage

---

Human rights that are affected by AI can be enumerated

Supporting facts:

• BTEC taxonomy of AI risks is a guide to the risks making it concrete how human rights can be affected

Topics: human rights, AI impact

---

Unintended biases may seep into AI applications, exacerbating inequality

Supporting facts:

• Example of the pothole fixing program that favored rich neighborhoods due to more mobile phone users

Topics: social inequality, AI bias

---

AI is widely accessible and impactful in daily life

Supporting facts:

• Her son used AI for a simple task like finding a recipe based on available ingredients

Topics: AI, Accessibility, Usage

---

AI can be utilized in conflict settings

Supporting facts:

• Last week’s reflection discussed the impact of generative AI in conflict settings

Topics: AI, Conflict management

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AI has promising uses in detecting climate risks and change

Supporting facts:

• There is an AI tool that enables farmers to monitor weather conditions and soil quality, helping them to determine the optimal time to harvest

• There are tools that use AI to detect air quality

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Climate Change, Agriculture

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The importance of due diligence and risk assessment in AI deployment

Supporting facts:

• Due diligence and risk assessment can identify the impacts of a tool, whether they are good or bad

• Stating that technology developments occur at a rapid pace implies a need for due diligence and risk assessment to keep pace

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Risk Assessment, Due Diligence

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AI being used in some countries for social scoring with pernicious effects

Supporting facts:

• Some countries are already using AI for social scoring

Topics: AI, social scoring, international law, enforcement

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Report

This analysis focuses on various topics related to AI and its impact on different sectors. It begins by highlighting the need for regulation in AI tools supplied to the US State Department, as Microsoft had stopped supplying AI tools pending regulations.

This demonstrates the importance of having proper regulations in place to ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI technology. The analysis also notes the challenges in defining AI within organisations. It states that creating a common definition of AI can take months, indicating the complex nature of AI and the need for clarity in understanding its role within organisations.

One of the key points emphasised in the analysis is the importance of diversity in AI development and embedding human rights awareness. It highlights the fact that most engineers in the tech industry are predominantly white and male. This brings attention to the need for greater diversity and inclusion in the development of AI systems to ensure that they are representative and fair.

The analysis also stresses the need for end-use evaluations of AI technology, considering both its usage and geographical locations. This highlights the importance of assessing how AI technology is being used and the potential impact it may have in different contexts.

Training on AI and human rights is another crucial point raised in the analysis. It emphasises the importance of implementing training at all levels of an organisation, from the board level to the engineers. This ensures that all stakeholders involved in AI development are knowledgeable about the ethical implications and human rights considerations.

Furthermore, the analysis discusses the potential use of AI as an accountability tool in security sectors. It states that AI can be used to promote accountability in the security sector, which can have significant implications for peace, justice, and strong institutions.

The impact of AI on human rights is also explored. The analysis mentions that AI risks can be enumerated by using a guide like the BTEC taxonomy, which highlights the potential ways in which human rights can be affected by AI.

This underscores the importance of considering and safeguarding human rights in the development and deployment of AI systems. Unintended biases in AI applications are also highlighted in the analysis. It provides an example of a pothole fixing programme that favoured rich neighbourhoods due to more mobile phone users.

This illustrates how unintended biases can seep into AI applications and exacerbate existing inequalities. The potential for AI to be used as a tool for misinformation is another area of concern. The analysis mentions a discussion at the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights, which highlighted the role of generative AI in creating misinformation in public discourses.

This raises the need for vigilance and measures to address the potential misuse of AI technology. The analysis also recognises the accessibility and impact of AI in daily life. It mentions an example where AI was used by an individual’s son for a simple task like finding a recipe based on available ingredients, illustrating the widespread use and relevance of AI in everyday situations.

The potential use of AI in conflict settings is discussed, highlighting the role of generative AI in such situations. It acknowledges that AI can be utilised in conflict settings, potentially impacting peace, justice, and strong institutions. The analysis further explores the use of AI in detecting climate risks and change.

It mentions AI tools that enable farmers to monitor weather conditions and soil quality, helping them determine the optimal time to harvest. It also highlights the use of AI in detecting air quality, emphasising its potential for addressing climate-related challenges.

Due diligence and risk assessment are identified as crucial aspects of AI deployment. The analysis stresses the importance of constantly evaluating the impacts of AI tools and technologies and addressing any potential risks promptly. Lastly, the analysis supports ongoing discussions and the creation of international frameworks for AI.

It acknowledges the need for frameworks at an international level to ensure the responsible and ethical development, deployment, and use of AI technology. In conclusion, this analysis provides valuable insights into various aspects of AI and its impact on different sectors.

It highlights the need for regulation, diversity, and human rights awareness in AI development. It emphasises the importance of end-use evaluations, training, and accountability in AI deployment. It also explores unintended biases, misinformation, accessibility, and AI’s potential in conflict and climate settings.

Additionally, it underlines the significance of due diligence, risk assessment, and international cooperation in shaping the future of AI.

Arguments

The ITU working on Artificial Intelligence challenges and using a strategic approach to human rights and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Supporting facts:

• The ITU started working on AI challenges in 2017.

• The ITU and UNESCO co-lead an interagency working group on AI.

• The ITU’s group focuses on delivering concrete outcome on AI and showing that it is human right based.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Sustainable Development Goals

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The ITU’s AI for Good initiative is attempting to bring tangible outcomes for the society.

Supporting facts:

• AI for Good initiative is an annual summit organized by ITU.

• The initiative aims to deliver technical outcomes such as machine learning for 5G and health.

• The initiative has contributed to several technical standards in AI domain.

Topics: AI for Good Initiative, Sustainable Development Goals

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ITU is trying to embed digital rights or human rights into the standardization process.

Supporting facts:

• ITU is working with the different study groups to elaborate the technical recommendation to focus on human rights.

• The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights asked ITU, ISO and EAC to embed human rights into the standard.

• ICT for girls, gender balance, universal access, and accessibility are digital rights ITU has been working on for many years.

Topics: Digital Rights, Human Rights, Standardization

---

There are focus groups studying the impact of quantum computing on AI

Topics: Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence

---

Accountability can be linked to technical transparency

Supporting facts:

• AI works with models and data sets, but most of the AI we’re using are not transparent.

• Ability to audit AI could be beneficial.

• Some companies are starting to open their models and data sets, like Hugging Face.

Topics: AI, Accountability, Transparency

---

ITU can only provide recommendations to member states about embedding human rights.

Supporting facts:

• Olivier Elas explains that ITU’s role is limited to making recommendations for member states to avoid violations and embed human rights.

Topics: ITU, Member states, Human rights

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Report

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is actively working on addressing the challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) while also placing a strong emphasis on human rights and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They started working on AI challenges in 2017 and co-lead an interagency working group on AI with UNESCO.

The primary objective of this group is to deliver concrete outcomes based on human rights principles. The ITU’s AI for Good initiative is an annual summit that aims to bring tangible benefits to society. This initiative plays a vital role in delivering technical outcomes such as machine learning for 5G and health.

Furthermore, it has made significant contributions to the establishment of technical standards in the field of AI. The ITU also recognises the importance of embedding human rights into the standardisation process. They are actively working with different study groups to develop technical recommendations that focus on human rights.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has asked the ITU, ISO, and EAC to integrate human rights into their standards. It’s worth noting that the ITU has been working on various digital rights issues for many years, including ICT for girls, gender balance, universal access, and accessibility.

Olivier Elas, representing the ITU, strongly advocates for the application of human rights principles within the context of AI and digital technology. He highlighted the ITU’s leading initiatives to apply human rights in the area of AI, specifically mentioning the ‘AI for Good’ initiative.

Elas also mentioned that the ITU is aligning its efforts with general assembly resolutions focused on AI and human rights. Additionally, the ITU has focus groups studying the impact of quantum computing on AI. This demonstrates their commitment to exploring emerging technologies and their potential implications.

There is growing recognition of the need for accountability and transparency in AI. While AI systems work with models and data sets, many of them lack transparency. This lack of transparency hinders the ability to audit AI systems. However, some companies, such as Hugging Face, are starting to address this issue by opening their models and data sets.

It is important to note that the ITU’s role is primarily regulatory, and they can only provide recommendations to member states regarding embedding human rights principles. Olivier Elas acknowledges the limitations of the ITU, mentioning that it is challenging for them to do more than make recommendations due to their regulatory role.

In conclusion, the ITU is actively engaged in addressing the challenges of AI while prioritising human rights and the achievement of the SDGs. They are working towards delivering concrete outcomes based on human rights principles through their AI for Good initiative and focusing on embedding human rights into the standardisation process.

Olivier Elas, representing the ITU, supports the application of human rights principles in AI and digital technology and highlights the alignment of their efforts with global resolutions. The ITU’s study groups are also exploring the impacts of quantum computing on AI.

However, it is important to recognise that the ITU’s role is limited primarily to making recommendations to member states, and they face challenges in taking more meaningful actions beyond regulatory recommendations.

Arguments

Human rights should be integrated into the development and governance of AI

Supporting facts:

• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been upheld as a key framework for AI governance

• Human rights approach helps structure the discussions and risks related to AI

Topics: AI, Human Rights, Governance

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Increasing transparency and stakeholder engagement is crucial in AI governance

Supporting facts:

• States need to inform people where AI systems are used

• Human Rights Due Diligence guidance involves tracking and communicating about the impacts and the methods used

Topics: Transparency, Stakeholder Engagement, AI Governance

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Impact of AI in society takes a problematic turn when put in a problematic context.

Supporting facts:

• AI is increasingly affecting all areas of society and life.

• A well-developed AI system can become a weapon in a problematic context

Topics: AI impacts, Societal context, AI deployment

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AI affects all the rights we can think of.

Supporting facts:

• AI’s effect is seen on security issues affecting life and liberty.

• Due process rights are impacted by AI in areas like law enforcement.

Topics: AI impacts, Human rights

---

Military applications of AI are often not considered in the discussions.

Topics: AI impacts, Military applications

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AI tools in the health sector can impact people’s access to healthcare.

Supporting facts:

• Health insurance claims are sometimes denied based on AI assessments.

• Recently, one insurance company reportedly denied 94% of claims based on AI tools.

Topics: AI impacts, Healthcare

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AI technology like facial recognition affects freedom of assembly.

Supporting facts:

• Monitoring assemblies with facial recognition technologies infringe on the right to freedom of assembly.

Topics: AI impacts, Facial recognition, Freedom of assembly

---

AI has the potential to centralize power and shape environments

Supporting facts:

• Tim Engelhardt reinforces what David Satola said about AI centralizing and shaping power.

Topics: AI, Power Centralization

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Communities affected by AI’s implementations are often not included in its development

Supporting facts:

• Tim Engelhardt raises the concern that AI tools may be developed more from a top-down side, meaning communities affected by their deployment are often left out of the picture.

Topics: AI, Community Involvement

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Strengthening community abilities to shape AI tools could be beneficial

Supporting facts:

• Tim Engelhardt gives the example of a New Zealand indigenous community radio that developed its own language model to bring traditional language back to life.

• The community used local skills and resources to compile hundreds of hours of recordings and build models that outperformed those of large competitors.

Topics: AI, Community Empowerment

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Currently, discussions are ongoing about AI governance

Supporting facts:

• An advisory body is convening on a weekly basis to discuss AI governance

• The Security Council could, in theory, impose sanctions

Topics: AI governance, Security Council

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Report

The analysis explores the integration of human rights into the development and governance of artificial intelligence (AI). It emphasises the importance of conducting risk-proportionate human rights due diligence by states and businesses to effectively manage AI. This approach ensures that potential risks and human rights concerns associated with AI are adequately addressed.

Including a human rights framework in AI governance helps to structure discussions and mitigate the risks involved. Transparency and stakeholder engagement are crucial in AI governance. It is vital for states to inform the public about the use of AI systems, creating an atmosphere of openness and accountability.

Human Rights Due Diligence guidance plays a pivotal role in tracking and communicating the impacts and methods used in AI systems. This enables stakeholders to effectively monitor the implications of AI technology. However, the impact of AI in society can become problematic when deployed in problematic contexts.

The analysis warns that AI, which permeates various aspects of society, can become a weapon in environments with existing problems. This highlights the importance of carefully considering the context in which AI is deployed to avoid exacerbating existing issues. Furthermore, the analysis highlights how AI can infringe upon various rights.

It emphasizes the impact of AI on security issues that affect life and liberty, particularly in law enforcement and due process rights. Additionally, facial recognition technologies used for monitoring assemblies can encroach upon the right to freedom of assembly. Moreover, the attempt of AI to recognize emotions can interfere with freedom of thought, opinion, and individual autonomy.

The military applications of AI are often overlooked in discussions. The analysis notes that these applications are frequently neglected, indicating a potential blind spot when considering the ethical and strategic implications of AI in military operations. In the healthcare sector, the analysis points out that AI tools can have a negative impact on people’s access to healthcare.

This is exemplified by instances where health insurance claims have been denied based on AI assessments. The denial of claims can result in restricted access to necessary healthcare services. The analysis further highlights the potential for AI to centralise power and shape environments.

It asserts that AI has the capability to concentrate decision-making authority and influence the dynamics of power in society. Community involvement and empowerment in shaping AI tools are important considerations. The analysis suggests that communities affected by the implementation of AI are often excluded from its development.

Strengthening community abilities to shape AI tools can lead to more inclusive and beneficial outcomes. The analysis suggests that ongoing discussions and evaluations are necessary for effective AI governance. It acknowledges the existence of advisory bodies convening regularly to deliberate on AI governance.

However, it emphasises the need for increased dialogue and evaluations to ensure that AI governance aligns with human rights standards and addresses the concerns raised by the technology. Overall, the analysis highlights the significance of integrating human rights considerations in the development and governance of AI.

It emphasises the need for risk-proportionate human rights due diligence, transparency, stakeholder engagement, and careful consideration of the societal context in which AI is deployed. The analysis also points out potential infringements on various rights, the often-overlooked military applications of AI, and the impact of AI on healthcare access.

It calls for community involvement and empowerment in shaping AI tools and underscores the necessity of ongoing discussions and evaluations for effective AI governance.

Arguments

Interest in AI training and business development services for SMEs in developing countries

Supporting facts:

• Audience member asks about training and business development services concerning AI for SMEs in developing countries

• States that these entities want to be part of the trend but may not know the first step

Topics: AI development, Business development services, SMEs, Developing countries

---

Question about the main challenges of artificial intelligence in segments such as trade facilitation in Switzerland

Supporting facts:

• Representative of a Swiss IT company desires to understand the main challenges

• Asks if they are technological or legal issues preventing the expansion of this technology

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Trade Facilitation, Challenges, Switzerland

---

The government of Singapore is actively helping in capacity building

Supporting facts:

• There are 920 courses on AI and related fields in the government initiative MySkillsFuture

• The initiative includes training on project management with AI and machine learning

Topics: Capacity Building, Artificial Intelligence, Government Initiative

---

Report

In the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), there is a growing interest in providing tailored training and business development services for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries. However, it has been observed that government and other entities lack knowledge and strategy in addressing this issue.

A major concern raised is the main challenges faced by AI in segments such as trade facilitation in Switzerland. A representative from a Swiss IT company is curious about whether these challenges are primarily technological or legal in nature. This inquiry highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the obstacles that may impede the expansion of AI technology in various industries.

In terms of capacity building, the government of Singapore is proactively supporting SMEs and individuals by offering training and resources in AI and related fields. Through the government initiative known as MySkillsFuture, 920 AI courses have been introduced, including training in project management with AI and machine learning.

This proactive approach not only bridges the knowledge gap but also helps mitigate potential job losses resulting from the integration of AI into different sectors. In conclusion, there is a growing interest in AI training and business development services for SMEs in developing countries.

The challenges faced by AI, particularly in trade facilitation, warrant a deeper examination of whether they are rooted in technological or legal aspects. The positive role played by the Singapore government through capacity building initiatives demonstrates the potential for government support in helping individuals and businesses navigate the AI landscape.

Arguments

AI has the potential to transform global supply chains through process innovation and creation of new products

Supporting facts:

• AI can be used to make existing processes more efficient and productive

• AI can be used to create new products and services that fulfill human and technology needs

Topics: AI, Global supply chains, Process innovation, Product creation

---

AI will impact trade logistics and trade itself based on economic growth, distribution and the structure of economies

Supporting facts:

• Reducing the cost of trade through AI optimizations may not necessarily change what is being traded

• Adoption of new technology in the production sectors may be the last to reach developing countries

Topics: AI, Trade logistics, Economic growth

---

AI can bring about transformation in trade through changing paradigms

Supporting facts:

• AI-powered technological revolutions could change not only productive processes but also consumption patterns, infrastructure and institutions

• Countries were able to catch up with technological developments if they were at the beginning of a new paradigm

Topics: AI, Trade, Transformation

---

Leapfrogging with AI has a lot of potential, especially with natural language understanding

Supporting facts:

• AI can help people interact with technology without needing IT skills or literacy. This can hugely benefit developing countries.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Development, Leapfrogging

---

There is a big difference between modernization and development

Supporting facts:

• One can use new technologies as a consumer, but development requires productive use of technologies. In this regard, developing countries often lag behind.

Topics: Development, Modernization

---

Governments in developing countries need to understand the importance of being on the forefront of adopting new technologies

Supporting facts:

• Even if it is not easy, governments need to break the cycle of catching up late to new technology trends.

Topics: Government Policy, Technology Adoption

---

The direction of technological development needs to be towards sustainability

Supporting facts:

• Governments can play a key role in guiding technological development towards sustainability, creating ‘green windows of opportunity’. Policy intervention is a key tool in this.

Topics: Sustainable Development, Green Technology

---

The use of basic technology and ICT is lacking in SMEs

Supporting facts:

• In big developing countries like Brazil, over 50% of the businesses do not use basic technology.

• Using ICT in businesses is not yet widespread.

Topics: technology, SMEs, ICT, COVID-19

---

Promote innovation hubs in universities that are linked to the industry

Supporting facts:

• New technologies such as AI could be introduced through innovation hubs.

• These hubs can work closely with larger companies aiming to produce tech in-house.

Topics: technology, innovation, universities

---

Governments should focus on bringing SMEs into the digital era.

Supporting facts:

• SMEs are most often just consumers of technology.

• Advises not to go for SMEs for introducing new technologies like AI, but rather focus on helping them access and utilize basic technology.

Topics: SMEs, digital era, technology, government strategy

---

AI will create new jobs

Supporting facts:

• Historical record shows new jobs created through AI

Topics: AI, employment

---

Change in distribution of jobs due to AI

Supporting facts:

• Jobs will shift from actual production to more R&D and innovation

• Modelling and exercise data suggests more people are needed with R&D skills than with production skills

Topics: AI, employment, job distribution

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Report

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize global supply chains through process innovation and the creation of new products. By leveraging AI technology, existing processes can become more efficient and productive. Furthermore, AI can be used to develop new products and services that fulfil the evolving needs of both humans and technology.

AI’s impact on trade logistics and trade itself is influenced by economic growth and the structure of economies. The adoption of AI optimizations to reduce trade costs may not necessarily change what is being traded, but it can greatly impact the efficiency of trade processes.

Additionally, the adoption of new technologies in the production sectors may take longer to reach developing countries compared to developed countries, potentially leading to disparities in trade logistics. Technological revolutions driven by AI have the potential to bring about transformative changes in trade.

These revolutions have the capacity to not only change productive processes but also influence consumption patterns, infrastructure, and institutions. Countries that are at the beginning of a new paradigm have greater opportunities to catch up with technological developments and reap the benefits of these transformations.

Leapfrogging, a term referring to the ability of developing countries to bypass older technologies and directly adopt newer ones, can be facilitated by AI. Specifically, AI can enable people in developing countries to interact with technology without requiring extensive IT skills or literacy, opening up immense possibilities for advancement.

It is worth noting that there is a distinction between modernisation and development. While countries can consume new technologies, achieving development necessitates the productive use of these technologies, an area where developing countries often lag behind. Governments in developing countries play a crucial role in fostering technological progress.

They need to understand the importance of being at the forefront of adopting new technologies rather than catching up late in the game. Governments can guide technological development towards sustainability by implementing policy interventions and creating “green windows of opportunity.” The use of basic technology and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is currently lacking in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), particularly in countries like Brazil where over 50% of businesses do not utilise basic technology.

Efforts should focus on bringing SMEs into the digital era and providing them with access to and support for utilising basic technologies. Innovation hubs in universities that are closely linked to the industry can play a significant role in promoting technological innovation.

These hubs can collaborate with larger companies to introduce new technologies such as AI and nurture a culture of innovation. AI has the potential to create new jobs, as demonstrated by historical records. However, the distribution of jobs is expected to undergo significant changes, with a shift towards more research and development (R&D) and innovation roles.

Modelling and exercise data suggest that more people with R&D skills will be needed compared to those with production skills. Developing countries may face capacity issues in accommodating the shift from production-oriented jobs to R&D-driven jobs, resulting in potential challenges for employment opportunities.

It is crucial to address these challenges and ensure adequate support and training are provided to promote a smooth transition and inclusive growth. In conclusion, AI holds immense potential to transform various aspects of global trade and development. However, it is essential to acknowledge the specific needs and considerations of developing countries.

Governments, businesses, and educational institutions must collaborate to ensure that the benefits of AI are harnessed in a sustainable and inclusive manner, closing the technology gap and enabling developing countries to thrive in the AI-driven future.

Arguments

AI and related technologies have potential to significantly reduce trade costs

Supporting facts:

• Can optimize logistics procedures, such as routing, scheduling, loading, storing, to save fuel, money, emissions

• Can enable better optimization of the entire supply chain

• Improves processes in customs clearance, agriculture, financial services

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Trade

---

The major barriers in adopting AI include lack of expertise, costs, absence of good practices and absence of government strategy

Supporting facts:

• Based on the survey with the World Customs Organisations, 44% of customs authorities are already using AI and machine learning and another 33% have plans to do so

• The top barriers include lack of expertise, costs, lack of good practices and absence of government strategy

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Adoption barriers

---

AI can help to fill some development gaps in developing countries

Supporting facts:

• AI could offer a chance for low-income emerging markets to plug the gap in services like medical diagnostics.

Topics: AI, Developing countries, Development gaps

---

Access to AI services does not necessarily mean convergence

Topics: AI, Services, Convergence

---

Rapid development in AI could have a potentially negative impact on services-led emerging markets

Supporting facts:

• The development of chatbots that use AI could jeopardize services offered by countries where such services are outsourced.

Topics: AI, Developing countries, Impact

---

There is a risk of developing countries being left behind

Supporting facts:

• There are 1.7 billion people without access to the internet

• Many users in developing countries have very low bandwidth, limiting the use of AI tools

• There is a skills gap in these countries

Topics: AI, Developing countries, Digital divide

---

A new digital pact is needed to urgently address the digital divide

Topics: Digital divide, Internet access, Skill gap

---

WTO doesn’t directly provide capacity building to build the skills of small businesses on how to use AI

Supporting facts:

• WTO can direct SMEs towards existing courses

• Emanuel leads work on small businesses at the WTO

• He mentioned the platform ‘Trade for Miss Miss’ launched by WTO for resources

Topics: WTO, Capacity building, AI, Small Businesses

---

Plans for capacity building on AI and digital trade rules, regulations is in early stages and on its way

Supporting facts:

• Emanuel admits there’s a need for capacity building on AI and digital trade so that people can understand opportunities and challenges

• Emanuel mentions that a course is planned for the coming years

Topics: WTO, Capacity Building, AI, Digital Trade, Policy, Negotiations

---

Report

Artificial intelligence (AI) and related technologies have the potential to significantly reduce trade costs by optimizing various logistics procedures such as routing, scheduling, loading, and storing, resulting in savings in fuel, money, and emissions. Moreover, the adoption of AI can enable better optimization of the entire supply chain.

It has also been found that AI can improve processes in customs clearance, agriculture, and financial services, further contributing to the reduction of trade costs. Therefore, there is a positive sentiment towards the argument that AI can effectively reduce trade costs.

However, the adoption of AI in trade faces major barriers. These include the lack of expertise, high costs, absence of good practices, and the absence of a government strategy. A survey conducted with the World Customs Organization revealed that 44% of customs authorities are already using AI and machine learning, while another 33% have plans to do so.

This indicates a positive sentiment towards the potential of AI in trade. Nevertheless, the identified barriers pose challenges to the wider adoption and implementation of AI in trade. Another important aspect to consider is the uncoordinated global race to regulate AI, which may lead to regulatory fragmentation.

Different countries have their own approaches to regulating AI, which can result in inconsistencies and challenges in harmonization. This highlights the need for increased international cooperation in regulating AI to avoid fragmentation, and this sentiment is negative towards the current regulatory environment.

On the other hand, it is argued that AI can help fill development gaps in developing countries, especially in areas like medical diagnostics. This positive sentiment suggests that AI can offer these low-income emerging markets an opportunity to bridge the gap in services.

However, it is also important to note that the rapid development of AI could potentially have a negative impact on services-led emerging markets. The development of chatbots using AI could jeopardize services offered by countries where such services are outsourced.

This highlights a negative sentiment towards the potential negative impact of AI on these markets. Additionally, there is a concern regarding the digital divide and related issues in developing countries. It is estimated that there are still 1.7 billion people without access to the internet, and many users in developing countries have limited bandwidth and skills in utilizing AI tools.

This negative sentiment highlights the risk of developing countries being left behind in the AI revolution. Thus, urgent action is required to address this issue, and a new digital pact is suggested to bridge the digital divide. As for the World Trade Organization (WTO), while it does not directly provide capacity building on AI for small businesses, it plays a vital role in connecting them to existing resources.

The WTO can direct small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) towards existing courses and platforms like ‘Trade for Miss Miss’, which offer essential resources and freely accessible online courses. Moreover, plans for capacity building on AI and digital trade rules and regulations within the WTO are in their early stages, indicating a positive sentiment towards enhancing skills and understanding in these areas.

In conclusion, AI and related technologies have the potential to reduce trade costs by optimizing logistics procedures and improving processes in various sectors. However, there are barriers in adopting AI, such as lack of expertise and high costs. The uncoordinated race to regulate AI may lead to regulatory fragmentation, requiring increased international cooperation.

AI can help fill development gaps in developing countries, but its rapid development could have negative impacts on services-led emerging markets. The digital divide and related issues pose risks of leaving developing countries behind, calling for urgent action. The WTO is instrumental in linking SMEs to resources and is planning capacity building efforts on AI and digital trade rules and regulations.

Arguments

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has vital impacts in various areas of trade logistics

Supporting facts:

• AI can optimize routes and scheduling, support autonomous vehicles, enhance demand forecasting, aid customs clearance, improve ports and warehouses, provide supply chain visibility, and enhance security

• Technological progress is expected to progress at an even faster pace in the future

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Trade logistics, Technology progress

---

AI can make trade logistics more efficient

Supporting facts:

• AI algorithms can analyze massive amounts of data to find the most efficient routes, taking into account factors such as fuel consumption, distance, and traffic

• Self-driving trucks, ships, drones can operate 24-7, reducing manpower and increasing efficiency

• AI can help in optimization of operations in ports and warehouses, reducing wait times and improving throughput

Topics: AI, Trade logistics, Efficiency

---

AI has the potential to enhance security in trade logistics

Supporting facts:

• AI can enhance security in trade logistics, although details were not provided in the speech

Topics: AI, Trade logistics, Security

---

The use of AI can provide transparency and improve supply chain visibility

Supporting facts:

• AI can provide real-time updates information, improving supply chain visibility

Topics: AI, Supply chain, Transparency

---

Jan Hoffmann briefly touched upon the idea of leapfrogging in AI for smaller, poorer countries

Supporting facts:

• He referenced the example of many African countries leapfrogging to cell phones without having a strong fixed line network

• He questioned whether such leapfrogging can happen with AI

Topics: Leapfrogging, AI, Developing Countries

---

No AI oriented course or extensive service provided by UNCTAD for developing countries

Supporting facts:

• At UNCTAD, they have just started a course on blockchain, but not on AI

• They host sessions like the one Jan Hoffmann mentioned, aimed at raising awareness

Topics: UNCTAD, AI, Training Services, developing countries

---

Increasing automation and modernization might have a negative impact on jobs

Supporting facts:

• 150 to 200 years ago, 80% of people worked in agriculture and now it’s 2 to 6%, but more food is produced than needed. However, the concern is that this time automation might lead to more job losses

Topics: AI, Automation, Modernization, Unemployment

---

Structural change is necessary and could lead to creation of new jobs

Supporting facts:

• Earlier, factories producing textiles led to more job creation in the long run

Topics: Structural Change, Job Creation

---

Report

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology with significant impacts on trade logistics. It has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of the industry, making it more efficient, secure, and transparent. AI algorithms can analyze massive amounts of data to find the most efficient routes, taking into account factors such as fuel consumption, distance, and traffic.

This optimization process allows for the reduction of costs and the improvement of overall operational efficiency. In addition to optimizing routes and scheduling, AI can also enhance demand forecasting in trade logistics. By analyzing historical data and market trends, AI can provide accurate predictions of future demand, enabling companies to make informed decisions regarding inventory management and supply chain operations.

This capability can result in reduced waste, improved customer satisfaction, and better overall resource allocation. Furthermore, AI has the potential to enhance security in trade logistics. While the exact details were not provided in the speech, AI can play a crucial role in detecting and preventing potential security threats.

By analyzing patterns, anomalies, and data from various sources, AI systems can identify potential risks and vulnerabilities, enabling proactive measures to be taken to ensure the safety of goods, shipments, and personnel involved in the trade logistics process. Another important aspect where AI can bring significant improvements is in supply chain transparency.

AI can provide real-time updates, thus improving visibility and allowing stakeholders to have a clear understanding of the status and location of goods throughout the supply chain. This increased transparency can lead to more efficient and reliable operations, reduced delays, and better decision-making.

However, there are concerns about potential job losses due to increasing automation and modernization brought about by AI. While historical examples show that structural changes have often led to the creation of new jobs in the long run, there is uncertainty about the scale of job losses this time.

The book “The Coming Wave” by Mustafa Suleyman suggests that automation may lead to more job losses than it creates. This concern highlights the need for addressing the challenges that vulnerable societies and developing countries may face in implementing AI and ensuring that the benefits of this technology are inclusive and equitable.

In conclusion, AI has emerged as a powerful tool that can significantly impact trade logistics. It can optimize routes and scheduling, enhance demand forecasting, improve security, and provide supply chain transparency. However, there are concerns about potential job losses, especially in an era of increasing automation.

Addressing these challenges and promoting capacity building and awareness about emerging technologies will be crucial in ensuring that AI’s benefits are harnessed effectively and that the potential negative impacts are minimized. Furthermore, promoting structural change and adaptation will be necessary to create new job opportunities and ensure sustainable economic growth in the trade logistics industry and beyond.

Arguments

Philipp Isler identifies artificial intelligence (AI) as game changer in trade facilitation

Supporting facts:

• AI was initially mentioned for the first time in 1957

• Approximately 50% of trade facilitation is using technology

Topics: AI, Trade Facilitation

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AI can help improve goods classification and risk management in trade

Supporting facts:

• HS codes are difficult to classify, causing errors and fining issues

• Risk management until recently was being used through the if-then-else statement

• AI in combination with machine learning can increase the effectiveness of risk management

Topics: AI, Goods Classification, Risk Management

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AI can enhance non-intrusive inspection and post-event audits in trade

Supporting facts:

• The more use of scanners, the better it is

• AI can help in improving the audit capability of post-event audits

Topics: AI, Non-intrusive Inspection, Post-event Audits

---

AI can help in converting unstructured data into an IT structure

Supporting facts:

• Moving data from a paper support over to an IT support has been a headache for many people

• AI will soon be able to provide a solution to this issue

Topics: AI, Data Transformation

---

AI, while promising, is not 100% reliable and can spark fear among humans

Supporting facts:

• AI is not suited for mission critical operations

• Many people, especially in trade facilitation, are not comfortable with AI

Topics: AI, Technology Adoption

---

Lack of concrete courses or programs focusing on AI technology in international organizations

Supporting facts:

• AI technology is just starting to be considered and incorporated into the thinking of organizations such as UNCTAD, WTO, and World Economic Forum

• The organizations are still learning about AI technology themselves

Topics: AI, Learning

---

E-learning and AI could be used for capacity building and scaling up training

Supporting facts:

• AI adds a layer of facility and has the potential to reach high volumes of people

• Addressing the imbalance in the developing world regarding access to capacity building resources

Topics: AI, E-learning, Training, Capacity Building

---

Infrastructure challenges in the developing world are a significant hindrance to capacity building

Topics: Infrastructure, Developing countries

---

AI should be introduced in a structured and methodical way

Supporting facts:

• AI should not be seen as a technology looking for a problem, but a solution to existing problems

Topics: AI Acceptance, AI Implementation Strategy

---

Getting the human factor in AI right is crucial

Topics: Human-AI interaction, AI Acceptance

---

There is a school of thought that says automation will remove most jobs

Topics: Automation, Job market

---

Report

Artificial intelligence (AI) is identified as a game changer in trade facilitation, with the potential to greatly improve various aspects of the trade process. It can enhance goods classification, risk management, non-intrusive inspection, and post-event audits. For instance, the classification of goods using Harmonised System (HS) codes can be difficult and prone to errors, leading to fines.

However, AI, in combination with machine learning, can increase the accuracy and effectiveness of goods classification, reducing errors and streamlining the process. Furthermore, risk management, which has traditionally relied on if-then-else statements, can significantly benefit from AI technology. AI can analyse vast amounts of data, identify potential risks, and provide proactive solutions, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of risk management in trade.

In addition to classification and risk management, AI can also enhance non-intrusive inspection and post-event audits. The use of advanced scanners and AI technology can improve the effectiveness of non-intrusive inspection, enabling more thorough checks and reducing the need for physical inspections.

Moreover, AI can help enhance the audit capability of post-event audits, facilitating a more efficient and accurate assessment of trade activities. The more widespread use of scanners is seen as beneficial, and AI can further enhance the capabilities of these inspections, making them faster and more reliable.

Another area where AI can provide significant value is in transforming unstructured data into an IT structure. Many trade-related processes still heavily rely on paper-based documentation, which can be time-consuming to process. AI has the potential to assist in converting this unstructured data into a digital format, reducing manual effort and improving overall efficiency.

However, there are concerns and hesitations surrounding the adoption of AI in trade facilitation. Some argue that AI is not yet suited for mission-critical operations, and there is a level of discomfort among individuals, especially in the trade facilitation sector, towards relying on AI.

There is a need to address these concerns and build trust by ensuring that AI is introduced in a structured and methodical manner, and that it is viewed as a solution to existing problems rather than a technology looking for problems.

International organisations such as the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the World Economic Forum are beginning to consider and incorporate AI into their thinking. However, there is a lack of concrete courses or programmes focusing specifically on AI technology in these organisations.

Instead of positioning AI as a standalone course, it is suggested that learning about AI should be woven into understanding the existing challenges and solutions in the field. Furthermore, e-learning and AI have the potential to significantly contribute to capacity building and training.

AI can add a layer of flexibility and scalability to e-learning platforms, allowing for the efficient delivery of training to a large number of individuals. This can help address the existing imbalance in access to capacity building resources, particularly in the developing world.

However, infrastructure challenges in developing countries pose a significant hindrance to the implementation of AI technology. Without proper infrastructure in place, the full potential of AI may not be realised. Nonetheless, if infrastructure challenges are addressed, developing countries can also benefit from AI technology.

Communities in these countries already have access to tools like chat GPT, highlighting the potential for AI to support learning and development in these regions. It is important to note that while AI holds promise, it is not without its challenges and potential drawbacks.

There is a concern that automation, driven by AI, may lead to job displacement. However, there is also a perspective that questions the necessity of jobs in the future, suggesting that AI may usher in a new era where work is redefined and new opportunities are created.

In conclusion, AI has the potential to revolutionise trade facilitation by improving goods classification, risk management, non-intrusive inspection, and data transformation. However, hesitations and concerns remain, and it is crucial to introduce AI in a structured and methodical way, addressing fears and building trust.

International organisations should incorporate AI into existing challenges and solutions rather than offering standalone courses. E-learning and AI can significantly contribute to capacity building, but infrastructure challenges need to be addressed for widespread adoption. Despite potential challenges, it is evident that AI, when used appropriately, can bring about transformative changes that benefit global trade.

Arguments

Governance solutions for AI and SDGs need to comply with the specific nature and requirements of the system in question

Supporting facts:

• Mention of the One Goal initiative for governance

• Analogy of fusion cuisine and careful blending of different solutions

• Emphasis on understanding the system topology and maintaining nutritional balance

Topics: AI governance, SDGs, system integration

---

Concern about the allocation and coordination of governance of AI within the UN family to avoid waste of time and forum shopping.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, UN Governance, ITU, UNCTAD

---

African economies may not need AI regulations and governance seen from the Western lens

Supporting facts:

• AI regulation and governance mainly focus on the needs of developed economies

• AI strategies seem to work better for these economies to help them catch up

• Some of these economies already have laws such as data protection laws and labor laws that could potentially handle AI

Topics: AI regulations, AI governance, African economies, Developing economies

---

AI regulations and governance might not be necessary for emerging economies

Supporting facts:

• The speaker is working in Kenya, an emerging economy, and sees that the situation on the ground might not necessitate AI regulations and governance

• The speaker thinks that the discussion should be more around AI strategies and how to build these economies using AI tools

Topics: AI regulation, Emerging Economies, AI Governance

---

The environmental impacts of AI and machine learning need to be addressed

Supporting facts:

• Machine learning accounted for 15% of total energy use over the last three years

Topics: AI, Machine Learning, Environmental impact, Energy Usage

---

Report

The analysis examines various perspectives on governance solutions for artificial intelligence (AI) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One speaker stresses the importance of considering the specific characteristics and requirements of each system when developing governance solutions. They argue that effective solutions must take into account the unique nature of AI and the diverse range of SDGs.

To illustrate their point, they use the analogy of fusion cuisine, highlighting the need for careful blending of different solutions to ensure coherence and effectiveness. However, another speaker urges caution when integrating diverse governance solutions without thorough consideration and analysis.

They raise concerns about the potential problems that could arise from adopting AI strategies that resemble fusion cuisine. Instead, they recommend careful planning and detailed analysis to prevent any detrimental consequences. In terms of UN governance, there are concerns about the allocation and coordination of AI governance within the UN family.

It is argued that avoiding wastage of time and forum shopping is crucial. To address this, the creation of an agreement within the UN family is suggested to assign workload for AI governance effectively. The necessity of distinct AI regulations and governance for developing economies, particularly in Africa, is called into question by one speaker.

They assert that the current Western lens through which AI regulations and governance are viewed may not adequately address the needs of African economies. They highlight that some of these economies already have laws in place, such as data protection and labour laws, which could potentially handle AI effectively.

Similarly, another speaker argues that emerging economies should prioritise building their economies using AI tools before considering AI governance and regulations. They believe it is premature to focus on governance and regulations when there are other ways to bring these economies to the table.

Instead, they advocate for utilising AI strategies and tools to foster economic growth and development. The environmental impacts of AI and machine learning are brought to attention. It is highlighted that machine learning has accounted for as much as 15% of total energy use over the past three years.

This serves as a concern and emphasises the importance of addressing the environmental implications of AI and machine learning. Lastly, the principle that AI innovation should align with sustainable development goals and not solely serve the interests of big corporations is advocated by one speaker.

They propose that AI should be harnessed to support sustainable development and address societal challenges beyond corporate interests. In conclusion, the analysis provides a comprehensive overview of various perspectives on governance solutions for AI and SDGs. It highlights the need to consider the specific nature and requirements of each system, the importance of careful integration and analysis of diverse solutions, concerns about the allocation and coordination of AI governance within the UN family, doubts about the necessity of distinct AI regulations and governance for developing economies, the environmental impacts of AI and machine learning, and the call for AI innovation to align with sustainable development goals.

Arguments

A lot is happening in the AI governance, and countries are active in the field.

Supporting facts:

• Countries didn’t waste time in being active

• ITU has been involved in many national, regional or global discussions

Topics: AI governance, National efforts, AI Development

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The AI challenges are not solely for the big tech industries to fix, governments also need to get involved.

Supporting facts:

• Initial discussions were focused on tech industry fixing problems

• The government’s role in AI governance is increasingly recognized

Topics: AI governance, Public and private sector involvement, Technology industry

---

There are tools in our toolbox that we can leverage for AI governance.

Supporting facts:

• International technical standards can be leveraged

Topics: AI governance, International technical standards

---

Most AI governance efforts are concentrated in a handful of countries and companies which could exacerbate further inequalities.

Supporting facts:

• A lot of efforts are concentrated in a handful of countries and companies

Topics: AI governance, Inequality

---

UN and its organizations like ITU, UNCTAD and UNESCO can play an important role in AI discussions and governance.

Supporting facts:

• UN organizations are a good platform to convene AI governance discussions

• ITU has AI for Good platform with 40 UN partners focusing on AI benefits and governance

Topics: UN, ITU, UNCTAD, UNESCO, AI governance

---

No single entity can manage AI on its own

Supporting facts:

• Doreen suggests that multiple stakeholders need to work together for AI regulation and management

Topics: AI, Regulation, Cooperation

---

Need to identify right ingredients amongst different initiatives for global benefit

Supporting facts:

• Doreen mentions that different initiatives can contribute to a collective effort for global benefit

Topics: AI, Global initiatives, Cooperation

---

Need to focus on more inclusive conversations and capacity development

Supporting facts:

• Doreen highlights the importance of including those not currently at the table, particularly from developing countries

Topics: Inclusivity, Capacity Development

---

Governments must hold their stakeholders accountable

Supporting facts:

• AI and internet are a borderless conversation, hence the need for accountability

Topics: AI, Internet, Regulations, Accountability

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Need for engagement of policymakers and regulators

Topics: AI, Regulations, Policy Makers, Accountability

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Transparency and accountability should be built at national, regional, and global level

Topics: Transparency, AI, Regional Cooperation, Global Standards

---

Advocate for democratizing AI through development, benefits, and governance

Supporting facts:

• ITU has launched series of competitions influencing AI innovation

• Awarded a young African startup Tolby, using AI for soil assessment

• ICT Policymakers and regulators in many countries are taking leadership roles in AI

Topics: AI, Standards, Software Engineers, Developers, Innovation, Inclusive AI benefits, Governance, Transparency, Accountability

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Plans to include developing countries in regulating AI issues

Supporting facts:

• AI for good was conceptualized from the very beginning, all about the SDGs and how you can use artificial intelligence to accelerate and help to achieve each and every SDG

• Global Symposium for Regulators is a critical event for the global ICT regulatory community.

Topics: AI for good, SDG framework, ICT regulatory community

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UN agencies working on AI, convened by ITU and UNESCO, and documenting use cases

Supporting facts:

• 40 UN agencies are working in AI

• Interagency group led by ITU and UNESCO

• Over 300 use cases documented from UN agencies

Topics: AI, United Nations, ITU, UNESCO

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Awaiting recommendations from SG’s body on AI

Supporting facts:

• SG’s body on AI is convening in New York

Topics: AI, United Nations, SG’s body on AI, Recommendations

---

AI and digital sector contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, but can also help reduce them

Supporting facts:

• Digital sector’s greenhouse gas emissions is between 2.1 and 3.9%

• Green standards and interventions can help reduce these emissions to between 15 to 20%

Topics: AI, Climate Change, Greenhouse gas emissions

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Promotion of green digital track initiative at COP focused on energy efficiency, e-waste, early warning systems and reducing greenhouse gases

Supporting facts:

• Green digital track launched at COP

Topics: COP, Green digital track, Energy efficiency, e-waste

---

Closing the digital divide is necessary for being part of AI revolution

Supporting facts:

• Not being a part of the digital revolution means missing out on the AI revolution

Topics: Digital divide, AI revolution

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Report

A lot is happening in the field of AI governance, with countries actively involved. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has been playing a significant role in many national, regional, and global discussions on AI governance. This highlights the urgency and importance placed on addressing the challenges and implications of AI.

While big tech industries have been at the forefront of AI development, it is essential for governments to also get involved in AI governance. The initial focus was on the tech industry fixing problems, but the government’s role is increasingly recognized.

This shift in perspective acknowledges that AI challenges cannot be solely addressed by the private sector; a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders is required. An important aspect of AI governance is the establishment and implementation of international technical standards. These standards provide a framework and guidance for the responsible and ethical use of AI.

Leveraging these standards can ensure consistency and coherence in AI governance practices globally. However, a concerning issue is the concentration of AI governance efforts in a handful of countries and companies. This concentration raises concerns about the potential exacerbation of existing inequalities.

Efforts must be made to ensure that AI governance is not monopolized by a few powerful entities, but rather encompasses a diverse range of countries and companies, promoting inclusivity and reducing inequalities. The United Nations (UN), through its agencies such as ITU, UNCTAD, and UNESCO, can play a crucial role in AI discussions and governance.

These organizations provide a platform for convening discussions, sharing best practices, and documenting use cases. They also work collectively to advise countries on AI challenges and promote global cooperation in AI governance. Multiple stakeholders need to collaborate and work together for effective AI regulation and management.

This acknowledges the complexity and multifaceted nature of AI governance, which requires input and expertise from various sectors, including industry, academia, civil society, and policymakers. No single entity can manage AI on its own, highlighting the importance of partnerships and collaboration.

Inclusivity is another key aspect of AI governance. It is crucial to have more inclusive conversations and ensure the participation of stakeholders from developing countries. This promotes a diversity of perspectives and avoids the risk of biased decision-making or the exclusion of certain populations.

ITU, with its unique position of having multi-stakeholder members, has an advantage in addressing the challenges of AI governance. The involvement of the private sector, civil society, academia, and other stakeholders allows for a comprehensive and balanced approach to AI governance.

Governments must hold their stakeholders accountable in the AI and internet conversation. This accountability ensures that ethical and responsible practices are upheld, preventing any misuse or harm caused by AI technologies. A balance between regulation and innovation is necessary to avoid stifling the development and potential of AI.

Heavy-handed regulation could impede innovation and hinder the progress of AI technologies. It is important to strike a balance that promotes responsible AI development while allowing for innovation and growth. Transparency and accountability should be integrated at various levels – national, regional, and global.

This ensures that AI technologies and their applications are transparent, accountable, and aligned with principles of fairness and justice. Democratizing AI is advocated, with a focus on development, benefits, and governance. This encompasses making AI accessible and beneficial to a wider population and ensuring that its development and deployment are guided by ethical considerations.

Addressing climate change is also a concern in AI governance. The digital sector, including AI technologies, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. However, it also presents opportunities to reduce emissions through green standards and interventions. This highlights the potential for AI to contribute to sustainable development and climate action.

Developing countries need to play an active role in AI governance by creating their own AI policies and strategies. By becoming creators rather than just consumers of AI technologies, they can contribute to all aspects of AI development, including testing and safety design.

Efforts should be made to close the digital divide to ensure that countries and populations are not left behind in the AI revolution. Closing the digital divide is crucial for inclusive participation and access to the benefits of AI technologies.

Overall, AI governance requires collaboration, inclusivity, transparency, and accountability. It is a complex and evolving field that requires collective efforts and multi-stakeholder engagement. The involvement of international organizations, governments, tech industries, and civil society is crucial to ensure responsible, ethical, and beneficial AI development and deployment.

Arguments

Estonia’s experience in digital government has informed AI governance frameworks at national and EU levels.

Supporting facts:

• Estonia is entering the preparation of their third strategy for AI.

• Estonia remains a proof that technology can bring good.

• Clear principles and regulation for privacy, access to information, interoperability were set in Estonia at the end of the 90s and early 2000s.

Topics: AI Governance, Digital Government, EU

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AI governance cannot be approached without a resolved data governance system.

Supporting facts:

• Many countries do not have settled rules around how data should be collected, shared, accessed, archived, updated.

• There is no possibility to ‘leapfrog’ and go straight to AI, without settling data governance.

Topics: AI Governance, Data Governance

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Before implementing AI, companies and countries need to ensure that they have set the necessary groundwork

Supporting facts:

• The micro and macro groundwork needs to be established prior to the implementation of AI

• This includes creating user-friendly services that are accessible when needed

• Clear principles and regulations need to be set

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Infrastructure

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Citizens need to have a sense of security with digital systems

Supporting facts:

• Providing access to personal data held by the government can increase trust

• Instances where data misuse has been discovered and dealt with has helped increase trust

• Trust needs to be earned and built through practice

Topics: Data Security, Citizens Trust

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The private sector data poses a different set of challenges compared to public sector data

Supporting facts:

• The private and public space are merging and it’s posing many challenges

• Achievements in public sector data security may not be easily replicated in the private sector

Topics: Private Sector Data, Public Sector Data

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The market for AI solutions is crowded

Supporting facts:

• There are different levels of regulation at national and original level

• Small and medium sized companies may struggle to follow all these developments and regulations

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Regulation

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Too many different regulations could harm small and medium-sized companies

Supporting facts:

• Small and medium-sized companies may not be able to follow all different developments or regulations

Topics: SMEs, Artificial Intelligence, Regulation

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Smaller countries and entities can develop AI without needing ‘big data’.

Supporting facts:

• Estonia has a few companies like Bolt and Wise that produce comparatively big data

• Estonia uses AI solution that simply detects personal data in public documents, which doesn’t necessitate Google, Amazon, or similar big entities

Topics: AI development, big data, small nations, Estonia

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The fear of doing something wrong is a major obstacle in utilising AI.

Supporting facts:

• A survey among Estonian public institutions revealed that their main concern was fear of non-compliance with legislative requirements

Topics: AI usage, public sector, fear, legal requirements

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Concerned about the ability to test new technologies in smaller countries and companies

Supporting facts:

• Coming from a small country

Topics: AI, Innovation, Regulation

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Report

Estonia’s experience in digital government has had a significant impact on the development of AI governance frameworks, both at the national and EU levels. Its strong approach towards digital governance and AI serves as a model for other countries. Since the late 1990s and early 2000s, Estonia has set clear principles and regulations for privacy, access to information, and interoperability.

These strategies and regulations have influenced relevant regulations within the EU. One of the significant challenges in implementing AI governance is the lack of settled rules around data governance. Many countries do not have clear guidelines on data collection, sharing, access, archiving, and updating.

It is crucial to establish a solid foundation in data governance before effectively approaching AI governance. Estonia recognizes this and emphasizes the importance of resolving data governance systems before implementing AI. Estonia understands the value of technology but also acknowledges the associated risks.

The country has taken measures to ensure the safety and security of the virtual space, as not all actors have good intentions when using technology. Establishing the necessary groundwork is crucial before implementing AI. This includes creating user-friendly and accessible services, as well as setting clear principles and regulations.

Building trust in digital systems should be a priority, achieved through useful, user-friendly, and reliable systems, consequences for data misuse, and transparency in data use. The private sector poses unique challenges in terms of data security compared to the public sector.

Achievements in public sector data security may not easily translate to the private sector due to different circumstances and requirements. To manage risks and maximize AI’s opportunities, there is a need for global principles. The spread of disinformation, for example, cannot be eliminated solely through regulation limited to specific borders.

Discussions on AI regulation are taking place in various contexts, highlighting the necessity for a cohesive approach. The market for AI solutions is crowded, presenting challenges for companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With different levels of regulation at national and regional levels, smaller companies may struggle to navigate and comply with the various developments and regulations.

Smaller countries like Estonia have demonstrated that AI development can occur without relying heavily on “big data.” Estonia has successfully developed AI solutions that detect personal data in public documents without needing the resources of big entities such as Google or Amazon.

The fear of non-compliance with legislative requirements is identified as a major obstacle to utilizing AI. A survey among Estonian public institutions highlighted fear of not meeting legal requirements as their main concern. Expanding participation in AI governance beyond dominant international organizations and countries is crucial.

These entities currently tend to control AI governance. Including a wider range of perspectives is necessary for more comprehensive and inclusive decision-making. Smaller countries and companies express concerns about their ability to test new technologies and keep pace with innovations in AI.

The ability to test new technologies is considered essential for continued growth and innovation. Advocates for AI and data regulation call for a risk-based approach that balances regulation and innovation. Such an approach allows for continued innovation while addressing potential risks and ensuring responsible and ethical use of AI.

In conclusion, Estonia’s experience in digital government has significantly influenced AI governance frameworks. Its strong approach towards digital governance and AI serves as an example for others. However, challenges related to data governance, the crowded AI market, compliance with regulations, and the need for global principles require attention.

Building trust in digital systems and expanding participation in AI decision-making are essential for successful implementation. Additionally, adopting a risk-based approach to regulation can encourage innovation while mitigating potential risks.

Arguments

Transparency is key in the artificial intelligence world to understand what is behind the algorithms

Supporting facts:

• Artificial intelligence is emerging with rise in computing power and data

• Efficiency in using computing power and data opens up huge potential

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Algorithms

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AI for development is a very important part

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Development

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The biggest risk is not having all stakeholders at the table for effective decision making

Supporting facts:

• Inclusion has to be in the broadest sense

• Developing countries need to be included for seeing this as a common project

Topics: Inclusion, Collaboration

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Clarity of vision and intent is significant in the AI governance

Supporting facts:

• Managing the risks and recognising the transformative potential of AI

• Embed safety by design in AI development

Topics: AI governance, Transparency, Accountability

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Targeted focus in tackling specific aspects of AI is necessary

Supporting facts:

• Focusing on risks around frontier AI, misuse, misinformation

Topics: AI governance, AI risks

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Inclusiveness is vital in the AI debate

Supporting facts:

• Decision to include China in the AI Summit at Bletchley park

Topics: AI governance, Inclusivity

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Report

The analysis of the speeches revealed several important points about artificial intelligence (AI) and its governance. It was noted that AI is rapidly emerging as computing power and data continue to advance. This development presents immense potential for various applications and advancements.

Transparency was highlighted as a crucial aspect in the AI world. Speakers emphasized the need to understand the algorithms behind AI systems to build trust and ensure ethical and accountable AI operations. Collaboration was identified as key in managing the risks associated with frontier AI.

The Bletchley Park summit was mentioned as an example of a collaborative effort involving governments, businesses, academia, and civil society to address AI risks. Inclusion emerged as a recurring theme, with speakers stressing the importance of involving all stakeholders in the AI debate.

This inclusive approach brings diverse perspectives and experiences to effective decision making. Clarity of vision and intent in AI governance was highlighted as significant. By embedding safety measures in AI development, potential risks can be mitigated, and the transformative potential of AI can be maximized.

A targeted focus on specific aspects of AI in governance efforts was seen as necessary. By addressing risks associated with frontier AI, such as misuse and misinformation, resources can be allocated more efficiently. The analysis also emphasized the importance of involving China in the global AI conversation.

China’s expertise and contributions can enhance the comprehensive and diverse approach to AI governance. In conclusion, the analysis highlights transparency, collaboration, inclusion, clarity of vision and intent, targeted focus, and involvement of China as essential factors in AI governance. By addressing these aspects, stakeholders can harness the potential of AI while ensuring ethical and accountable AI systems.

Arguments

Governance in artificial intelligence is controversial with a lot of differing ideas.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Governance

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There’s a need for robust governance mechanisms in AI to ensure that developing countries are not left behind.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Governance, Developing Countries

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The technological revolution from AI will impact all our lives and goes beyond just technology.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Technological Revolution

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Transparency is key in the artificial intelligence world

Supporting facts:

• Nele Leosk points out how Estonia’s government gave citizens the ability to see their data and how it’s been used as an example of transparency

• Many challenges arise from the blurred lines between public and private sector data

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Transparency, Data Privacy

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Understanding practical examples can help contextualize problems and circumstances

Supporting facts:

• Leosk provides the example of Estonia’s government showing data usage and disclosure as an active effort to regulate use and misuse of information

Topics: Public Policy, Data Privacy, Artificial Intelligence

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Inclusion of China and other developing countries is vital in AI related discussions and debates

Supporting facts:

• Simon Manley emphasized the importance of including China in the Bletchley Park AI summit

• Isabelle Kumar mentioned the importance of Joe Biden and Xi Jinping’s discussions

Topics: AI, China’s Inclusion, Developing Countries

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AI can be a source for good

Supporting facts:

• Big players are working in that field

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Innovation

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Report

Governance of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to be a contentious issue, with various perspectives and controversy surrounding the topic. It is crucial to establish robust mechanisms for governing AI to ensure that developing countries are not left behind in the technological advancements.

The impact of the AI technological revolution extends beyond technology, affecting different aspects of our lives. Transparency is paramount in the AI world, as it promotes accountability and trust. Estonia’s government has been lauded for its efforts in promoting data transparency, allowing citizens to access and monitor their personal data usage.

This example serves as a model for other nations to follow, highlighting the significance of transparency. To better understand the practical implications of AI governance, it is essential to examine concrete examples. Estonia’s government actively regulates the use and misuse of information, demonstrating a commitment to data privacy.

Practical examples like this allow for a contextualized view of the challenges and circumstances surrounding AI regulation. The Bletchley Park AI summit holds great importance in the field of AI governance. It showcases the UK’s leadership in AI and brings together global leaders to discuss and address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI.

The presence of influential figures at the summit underscores its significance as a platform for important discussions and collaborations. Inclusion of China and other developing countries in AI discussions is crucial for comprehensive and representative decision-making. Prominent figures, such as Simon Manley, emphasize the importance of including China in the Bletchley Park AI summit, while Isabelle Kumar highlights the significance of discussions between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping.

These discussions and collaborations ensure diverse perspectives are considered in AI-related debates. However, concerns have been raised regarding smaller nations like Estonia being overshadowed in AI discussions. To avoid marginalization, it is crucial to give voice to these smaller countries and consider their contributions and perspectives.

By taking a practical approach and implementing regulations on AI and data, smaller countries can bridge the digital divide and ensure their voices are heard. On a positive note, AI has the potential to bring about positive change. Major players in the field are already working towards harnessing AI’s capabilities for beneficial outcomes.

Despite the controversies and differing opinions, the positive potential of AI is unmistakable, and efforts are underway to ensure responsible and ethical use. In conclusion, AI governance is a complex issue with varying perspectives. Robust mechanisms are necessary to prevent the marginalization of developing countries in the AI revolution.

Transparency, practical examples, inclusive discussions, and the involvement of smaller nations are essential components of effective AI governance. By regulating and innovating, smaller countries can bridge the digital divide and make their voices heard. Ultimately, AI has the potential to drive positive change, and measures are being taken to harness its power responsibly.

Arguments

China is trying to find a balance between AI governance and development

Supporting facts:

• Chinese government published a lot of policy to encourage the industry

• The National Internet Information Office also published the the management management measures for generative artificial intelligence service.

Topics: AI governance, AI development, China

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The Chinese government has published policies to control data transfer cross borders and to enforce companies providing general AI services to get a license

Supporting facts:

• Two important policies released end of last year and this year: to control data transfer cross borders and requiring companies providing general AI services to get government license

Topics: AI Governance, Data Security, Global Data Transfer

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The Chinese government found it impossible to evaluate the data if it is okay to transfer cross borders or not, and similarly to evaluate the algorithm

Topics: Data Governance, Data Security, AI Evaluation

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China needs more time to practice and refine its AI governance model.

Topics: AI Governance, Policy Making

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AI economies should have a say in discussions on AI governance

Supporting facts:

• Internet penetration rate in developing countries is lower making the discussion for internet infrastructure clear

• Data governance is a bigger issue compared to AI governance

Topics: AI governance, Developing economies, Digital economy

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AI is a common challenge for humans that requires a multi-stakeholder, multi-lateral global governance model.

Supporting facts:

• A global platform would allow multiple stakeholders to contribute to the governance process which would foster accountability, inclusivity, and transparency

• Various international organizations such as ITU and UNCTAD need to be involved in the platform

Topics: AI, Global Governance, Policy-making

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Report

China is actively working towards finding a harmonious balance between AI governance and development. The Chinese government has published numerous policies to encourage and promote the growth of the AI industry within the country. They have also implemented measures to regulate data transfer and licensing requirements for AI service providers, aiming to strike a delicate equilibrium between fostering innovation and ensuring responsible and ethical AI practices.

However, a significant challenge faced by the AI industry is the data divide between countries and institutions. Over 130 economies have enacted their own data protection rules, limiting the free flow of data. This poses a considerable obstacle to the AI industry, as data is one of the three key factors essential for AI applications.

The reluctance to share data due to concerns about data value and security further exacerbates the situation. Recognizing the importance of collaboration, the Chinese government acknowledges the need to work hand in hand with the industry, private sectors, and academia.

They understand the need to establish clear responsibilities for data security and determine the appropriate algorithms for data utilization. This collaborative approach promotes transparency and fosters a conducive environment for the advancement of the AI industry. While China has made substantial progress in AI governance, there is still room for improvement.

It is argued that more time is needed to practice and refine the AI governance model. By continuously learning and adapting, China can effectively address the challenges and complexities presented by AI development, ensuring the responsible and ethical use of AI technologies.

On a global scale, there is a suggestion to establish a multi-stakeholder, multi-lateral global platform for AI governance. This platform would allow various stakeholders, including international organizations such as ITU and UNCTAD, to contribute to the governance process. The implementation of such a platform would foster accountability, inclusivity, and transparency in AI governance, recognizing that AI is a common challenge that requires collaboration and joint decision-making.

In conclusion, China is actively working towards finding the right balance between AI governance and development. Through the implementation of policies, collaboration with stakeholders, and continuous refinement of the AI governance model, China aims to ensure responsible and ethical AI practices.

The proposal for a global platform for AI governance reflects the understanding that an inclusive and transparent approach is necessary to address the challenges posed by AI on a global scale.

Arguments

Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents profound opportunities and stark risks

Supporting facts:

• AI’s seamless integration into our social and economic fabric presents both opportunities and risks.

• The advent of AI technology has increased existing divides in the digital realm, raising concerns across digital, data, and innovation sectors.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy

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AI development has led to digital, data, and innovation divides

Supporting facts:

• The digital divide is not just about internet connectivity or bandwidth. It extends to disparities in access to technology based on geography, gender, income, and age.

• The concentration of data collection and usage among a few global entities has created a data divide, placing many developing countries in the role of mere data providers with limited control or benefit.

• This imbalance is further compounded by an innovation divide, where major technological advancements are dominated by a few large platforms, leading to an unequal distribution of economic wealth generated by digital innovations.

Topics: AI, Digital Divide, Data Divide, Innovation Divide

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AI should align with universal human rights and shared values

Supporting facts:

• The establishment of the UN Global Digital Compact and the high-level advisory body on AI signify the UN’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and guiding AI towards being a force that unifies rather than divides.

• It is essential that our approach to AI development aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals

Topics: AI, Human Rights

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Report

Artificial intelligence (AI) presents profound opportunities and stark risks in our society and economy. The seamless integration of AI technology has raised concerns across various sectors, including digital, data, and innovation. This integration has also highlighted and intensified existing divides in these areas.

One of the key areas of concern is the digital divide. It is not just about internet connectivity or bandwidth; it extends to disparities in access to technology based on factors such as geography, gender, income, and age. This means that certain groups or regions may not have equal access to AI technologies, which can further exacerbate existing inequalities.

Furthermore, the concentration of data collection and usage among a few global entities has led to a data divide. Many developing countries find themselves in the role of mere data providers, with limited control over or benefit from the data they produce.

This imbalance creates an unfair distribution of power and resources, perpetuating technological and economic disparities. In addition to the data divide, there is also an innovation divide. Major technological advancements in the field of AI tend to be dominated by a few large platforms.

This concentration of power results in an unequal distribution of economic wealth generated by digital innovations. Smaller companies and individuals may struggle to compete or benefit from these advancements, reinforcing existing power imbalances. The rapid pace of AI development also poses governance challenges.

Existing frameworks and regulations struggle to keep up with the evolving technology, creating a governance gap. Governments are often lagging behind in regulating AI technologies, leaving ethical, privacy, and security concerns unaddressed. This gap raises the need for a comprehensive global conversation on AI governance to ensure responsible and equitable development and use of AI.

Nevertheless, efforts are being made at an international level to address this issue. The establishment of the UN Global Digital Compact and a high-level advisory body on AI signify the commitment of the United Nations to fostering international cooperation and guiding AI development towards being a force that unifies rather than divides.

These initiatives aim to align AI development with universal human rights and shared values, ensuring that AI technologies are designed and implemented in a manner that benefits all of humanity. In summary, AI presents both opportunities and risks for our society and economy.

However, the integration of AI technology has exacerbated existing divides in the digital, data, and innovation sectors. These divides include the digital divide, data divide, and innovation divide. Additionally, the rapid pace of AI development has created a governance gap that needs to be addressed through comprehensive global conversations on AI governance.

The establishment of international initiatives shows a commitment to ensure that AI aligns with universal human rights and shared values. It is important to approach AI development in a manner that is responsible, ethical, and promotes equitable access and benefits for all.

Arguments

The branding behind AI, using the word ‘intelligence’ to describe this technology is fundamentally flawed.

Supporting facts:

• AI is nothing more than very high-dimensional optimization problems, mathematical processing.

Topics: AI, Branding

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Objective for technology should be to create tools that advance society, not compete with human intelligence.

Topics: AI, Societal advancement

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Regulating AI is necessary and doesn’t necessarily stifle innovation.

Supporting facts:

• Regulation can potentially halt technology development that competes with human intelligence.

Topics: Regulation, Innovation

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There are existing models like internet governance and data governance which can be useful in shaping AI governance.

Supporting facts:

• Internet governance and data governance have been handled at a similar scale.

• Data, which is the raw material for AI, is already governed, indirectly affecting AI regulation.

Topics: AI, Internet governance, Data governance

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There are some unique aspects to AI regulation that need to be understood and acknowledged.

Supporting facts:

• AI is data-driven and the current AI is dependent on data.

• The reinforcement of inequality, unfairness and bias is a major issue in AI, linked strongly to data governance.

Topics: AI regulation, Data governance

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Zeynep Engin believes making AI regulation profitable should be a priority.

Supporting facts:

• She suggests creating a competitive market for companies to make AI more responsible, safe, and ethical.

Topics: AI regulation, ethical AI, digital economy

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Report

One argument highlights that the branding of AI as “intelligence” is fundamentally flawed. It argues that AI is essentially high-dimensional optimization problems and mathematical processing, and using the term “intelligence” to describe it is misleading and inaccurate. Another perspective emphasizes the objective of technology to advance society rather than competing with human intelligence.

It emphasizes the need to develop AI tools that benefit humanity and contribute to societal progress. Regarding regulation, there is a belief that regulating AI is necessary and does not stifle innovation. It acknowledges that AI has the potential to compete with human intelligence and therefore, regulation is essential to address potential risks and ensure responsible use of the technology.

The importance of an iterative development and testing approach for AI in controlled environments is emphasized. This approach is considered more effective than trying to anticipate all challenges in advance. It allows for identifying and resolving issues in a controlled manner, leading to the development of more robust and reliable AI systems.

Existing models such as internet governance and data governance are considered relevant for shaping AI governance. These frameworks have been used to govern internet usage and data handling, which are crucial for the development and regulation of AI. AI regulation needs to address unique aspects such as the reinforcement of inequality, unfairness, and bias in AI systems.

It acknowledges that AI is data-driven and heavily dependent on data, necessitating fair and ethical data governance to address these concerns. The internet and its governance are seen as infrastructure that enables the use of AI on a societal scale.

Many AI technologies would not be prevalent without the internet and its governance framework. Therefore, governing AI should consider the existing framework of internet governance. One proposed solution is to make AI regulation profitable. This approach suggests creating a competitive market for companies to develop more responsible, safe, and ethical AI technologies.

It is believed that incentivizing responsible AI practices through profitability can promote accountability and equity in AI. Overall, the discussions on AI branding, regulation, iterative development, governance, and economic parameters highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of AI technology. These conversations aim to address the challenges and opportunities associated with AI to ensure its responsible and beneficial integration into society.

Arguments

Cross-border transfer of data is essential for Jumia

Supporting facts:

• Jumia uses data everywhere in the company

• They work with different partners and service providers across the world

• Data is used for a customer user, market accessibility, and expansions, innovation and growth

Topics: data transfer, Jumia, multinational company

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Data protection and cybersecurity is a top priority for Jumia

Supporting facts:

• Jumia invests a lot in cybersecurity

• They work with different platforms across the world, clouds, data centers, to protect data

Topics: data protection, cybersecurity, Jumia

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Regulatory conflicts can pose challenges for international business operations

Supporting facts:

• Different countries have their own regulations

• Example given where the company encountered an issue while working with a company in India due to conflicting regulations between India and some African countries

Topics: regulation, international business, conflict

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Harmonization of regulations is key for data-driven companies

Supporting facts:

• Harmonization helps to avoid conflicting regulations across different countries.

• Africa free trade market could be an opportunity for harmonization of regulations

Topics: Regulations harmonization, Digital trade, Data protection

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Adopting GDPR may not always be the right solution for certain countries

Supporting facts:

• In countries like Ethiopia where there is no data protection law, GDPR had to be adopted.

• However, that may not address specific issues related to mobile money customers or similar scenarios.

Topics: GDPR, Data protection

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Counterfeit and copyright breaching products are a major concern

Supporting facts:

• Counterfeit problem is huge in many countries

• People in offline markets are also not following copyrights

Topics: counterfeit products, copyright

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Fraud and cyber security are significant issues in online business

Supporting facts:

• They face cyber attacks almost daily

• There is a massive investment in cybersecurity

• Education is key in preventing fraud

• Had 100 attacks in one day due to the Ukraine-Russia conflict

Topics: fraud, cybersecurity

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Registering in Germany helps in investor confidence

Supporting facts:

• Investors like Goldman Sachs and Orange suggested registering in Germany

• This is for protection of large amounts of money

Topics: investment, startups, global business

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Their company operates primarily in Africa

Supporting facts:

• 100% of their customers are African

• They operate in 11 African countries

Topics: global business, African economy

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Report

Jumia, a multinational company that primarily operates in Africa, heavily relies on data for various aspects of its business. Data is used to enhance customer user experience, improve market accessibility, and drive innovation and growth. The company collaborates with partners and service providers worldwide to effectively gather and utilize data.

Ensuring the security and protection of data is a top priority for Jumia, which invests significantly in cybersecurity measures. They work with different platforms, clouds, and data centers in various countries to safeguard their data from cyber threats. However, Jumia faces challenges due to regulatory conflicts between different countries.

Each country has its own set of regulations, creating complications for international business operations. For example, conflicts between Indian and African regulations led to issues while working with an Indian company. Adapting to different regulations becomes necessary for operating in various countries.

To address conflicting regulations, Jumia follows the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as a guideline for data protection. However, GDPR may not always be suitable for every country, as adopting it may not address specific issues related to mobile money customers or similar scenarios.

Counterfeit and copyright infringement products are significant concerns for Jumia. The company acknowledges the magnitude of this problem in many countries and emphasizes the importance of strict guidelines and consistent checking to identify and prevent the presence of counterfeit products on their platforms.

Jumia implements strict guidelines with vendors and conducts thorough product checks to ensure authenticity and legality. Education and regulatory support are essential in combating counterfeit and copyright issues. Despite efforts, challenges persist, as some vendors may still sell counterfeit products.

Continuous education and regulatory support are necessary for effective management of these issues. Fraud and cybersecurity are significant concerns for Jumia. The company faces daily cyber attacks and has made substantial investments in cybersecurity measures to protect its operations. Education plays a crucial role in preventing fraud, and Jumia prioritizes training and awareness programs to mitigate these risks.

The Ukraine-Russia conflict led to a surge in attacks, highlighting the vulnerability and prevalence of cyber threats in the online business landscape. Jumia’s decision to register in Germany is aimed at establishing investor confidence. Investors such as Goldman Sachs and Orange have suggested Germany as a suitable location for registration due to the protection it offers for large amounts of money.

Despite the challenges faced, Jumia remains committed to operating primarily in Africa. The company’s customer base is exclusively African, and it operates in 11 African countries. Jumia supports the local economy by partnering with local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as vendors and employing local talent, contributing to the growth and development of the African economy.

In summary, Jumia heavily relies on data for various aspects of its business and prioritizes data protection and cybersecurity. Regulatory conflicts pose challenges that require adaptability to different regulations across countries. Counterfeit and copyright issues are significant concerns that demand strict guidelines, consistent checks, education, and regulatory support.

Fraud and cybersecurity risks necessitate continuous investment in cybersecurity measures and education. Jumia’s decision to register in Germany enhances investor confidence, while maintaining a strong focus on operating primarily in Africa and supporting the local economy.

Arguments

Audience questions the role of big tech players in Africa and the potential challenges of enforcement

Supporting facts:

• The South African competition commissioner pointed out the difficulty of enforcement without collaboration

Topics: Big tech, African continent, Enforcement of regulations

---

Concern about the impact of the e-commerce joint statement initiative on Africa’s efforts for data privacy and cross-border regional data flows

Supporting facts:

• The latest draft of the e-commerce joint statement initiative could ban any restrictions on data flows

• The exception of privacy in the draft has conditions that could hamper Africa’s data privacy efforts

• US is reconsidering its position on data flows

Topics: Data privacy, Cross-border data flows, WTO, E-commerce joint statement initiative, African model for data privacy

---

Prevention of Mobile Money fraud in Ghana

Supporting facts:

• The speaker runs a tech start up in Ghana for MSMEs and has faced problems with mobile money fraud

• Scammers obtain people’s phone numbers from physical transaction records and use this information to commit fraud

• This fraud undermines trust in digital payment systems and makes it more difficult for the speaker’s company to digitize their business

Topics: Data compliance literacy, MSME digitalization

---

The speaker wonders about the potential political policies or processes that might accompany data agreements in Africa

Supporting facts:

• The UK government has a similar arrangement with the EU called the TCA

• During cold periods with the EU, there’s been minimal communication

Topics: Data Agreements, Trade Cooperation Agreement, Data and Digital Trade Policy, African Mutual Recognition Treaties

---

Need to develop interoperable data flow mechanisms

Supporting facts:

• The Digital Cooperation Organization has recently conducted a study on cross-border data flows

• Several existing mechanisms like the Malibu Convention and the APEC cross-border privacy rules were referred to by the audience

Topics: Digital Cooperation, Data Flows, Intergovernmental Organization

---

Disparity in digital economy control and data governance exists in Africa

Supporting facts:

• 10 countries control 94% of all online businesses in Africa

• 5 countries hold almost 78% of e-commerce

• 10 platforms control 94% of all businesses

Topics: Data governance, Digital economy, E-commerce

---

The need to balance between promoting intra-Africa data flows and avoiding countries being reduced to mere suppliers of data

Supporting facts:

• Leading companies and wealthiest companies are data-centric

• Few top companies in Africa are African

Topics: Data governance, Intra-Africa data flows, Digital economy

---

The need for data in clearance for e-commerce goods and agency operations

Supporting facts:

• David Aniko comes from a regulatory agency, Nigeria Customs Service where they require data for clearance of e-commerce goods.

Topics: Data sharing, Customs regulation, E-commerce

---

Boosting intra-Africa trade may create a certain need

Supporting facts:

• David suggested that boosting intra-Africa trade can create new needs and possibly aid in regulatory and security purposes.

Topics: Intra-Africa trade, Economic growth

---

Report

The discussions during the event focused on various key topics related to data infrastructure, ownership, regulation, and privacy in Africa. One major point of discussion was the role and potential challenges posed by big tech players in Africa. The audience expressed skepticism about the ownership of data infrastructure by these players, raising concerns about data control and regulation in the region.

Another area of concern was the impact of the e-commerce joint statement initiative on Africa’s data privacy efforts and cross-border regional data flows. It was highlighted that the latest draft of the initiative could potentially ban any restrictions on data flows, potentially hindering Africa’s efforts to protect data privacy.

Furthermore, the draft had conditions regarding privacy exceptions that might negatively impact Africa’s data privacy initiatives. It was also mentioned that the United States was reconsidering its position on data flows, further adding to the complexity of the situation. The discussions also emphasized the importance of data compliance literacy and the prevention of mobile money fraud in Ghana.

A speaker from a tech startup in Ghana shared their experiences of facing challenges with fraud in mobile money transactions. They highlighted how scammers access people’s phone numbers from physical transaction records and use the information to commit fraud. This undermines trust in digital payment systems and hampers the company’s efforts to digitize their business.

Regarding data governance, the need for creating data agreements in Africa was discussed. The speaker was curious about the potential complexities and challenges that might arise from establishing similar data agreements within Africa. Notably, the discussions also raised questions about the potential political policies or processes that could accompany data agreements in Africa.

The need for developing interoperable data flow mechanisms and advocating for equal opportunities in the digital economy and data governance in Africa was highlighted. The Digital Cooperation Organization, which conducted a study on cross-border data flows, was mentioned as a platform to explore mechanisms for member states or African countries to effectively communicate with each other.

The organization currently has 15 member states, half of which are from Africa. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the disparity in control over the digital economy and data governance in Africa. It was noted that ten countries control 94% of all online businesses in Africa, and five countries hold almost 78% of e-commerce.

This concentration of control raises questions about equal opportunities and reducing inequalities in the region. Furthermore, regulatory agencies, such as the Nigeria Customs Service, highlighted the need for data sharing across borders for clearance of e-commerce goods and agency operations.

They emphasized the importance of sharing data for regulatory practices and acknowledged the potential benefits of boosting intra-Africa trade in aiding regulatory and security purposes. Overall, the discussions shed light on the various challenges and opportunities regarding data infrastructure, ownership, regulation, and privacy in Africa.

The participants raised thought-provoking arguments and provided evidence to support their claims. The need for collaboration, data compliance literacy, and equal opportunities emerged as key themes throughout the discussions. The varying perspectives presented during the event showcased both the concerns and potential solutions for addressing these complex issues in Africa’s evolving digital landscape.

Arguments

Data harnesses numerous opportunities for economic development in sectors such as healthcare, e-commerce, finance, and agriculture.

Supporting facts:

• Inclusive financial solutions can be built out of data.

• Data analysis can enhance the productivity of agricultural sector.

• E-commerce solutions are aiding small enterprises.

Topics: Data flow, Economic Development, Healthcare, E-commerce, Finance, Agriculture

---

Importance of understanding cross-border data flow for growth of micro and small enterprises, especially in East Africa.

Supporting facts:

• Cross-border trade is happening due to data transfer across borders.

• Micro and small enterprises can grow with the help of data analysis.

Topics: Cross-border Data flow, East Africa, Micro enterprises, Small enterprises, Economic growth

---

Data usage and benefit distribution is a big risk.

Supporting facts:

• Telcos are selling solutions around financial inclusion, but ordinary citizens do not necessarily derive benefits.

• The cost of borrowing is high despite data usage.

Topics: Data usage, Benefit distribution

---

Africa needs to unify and see itself as a single digital market

Supporting facts:

• The need to consolidate capacity for security measures

• Improve trade within Africa

Topics: Digital market, African Union, Nationalism

---

A healthy relationship between Africa and the EU is beneficial

Supporting facts:

• EU is making investments in Africa

Topics: Investment, EU, Africa-EU relations

---

Africa should take legislation cues from regions like EU and India but should not blindly adopt their rules

Supporting facts:

• GDPR might stifle innovation

Topics: GDPR, Innovation, Legislation

---

Collaboration between Africa and EU universities for research and innovation is important

Topics: Research, Innovation, Education

---

Africa needs to build its own capacity, namely in cybersecurity

Supporting facts:

• EU has good institutions Africa can work with to build this capacity

Topics: Cybersecurity, Capacity building

---

Free movement of people in Africa is necessary

Supporting facts:

• Kenya doesn’t have visa for any African country and it’s working

• A few other African countries are beginning to emulate Kenya’s approach

Topics: Visa Regime, Intra-Africa Migration, Economic Development

---

Micro enterprises such as Masai women making artifacts face issues of intellectual property theft

Supporting facts:

• Examples of intellectual property theft can be found on platforms like Pinterest. Artifacts, designs and other such work created by artisans are being duplicated and stolen

Topics: Intellectual Property, Micro Enterprises

---

Market size is key in regulating behavior of big tech

Supporting facts:

• Big tech respond quickly to EU due to the large market size

• Africa’s fragmented market is less influential to big tech

Topics: big tech, market regulation

---

Interference from big tech could be turned into entrepreneurship opportunities

Supporting facts:

• Problems with big tech’s tactics can pave the way for smaller enterprises

• In Kenya, many small startups responded to issues such as mobile money theft

Topics: Entrepreneurship, big tech, opportunities

---

Creation of a unified regulatory mechanism

Supporting facts:

• A unified regulatory mechanism can level the playing field for local companies

• This system could ensure big tech’s actions are regulated across smaller countries

Topics: Unified regulation, digital market

---

Report

The analysis covers a range of topics related to data and economic development in Africa, highlighting the positive impact that data can have in sectors such as healthcare, e-commerce, finance, and agriculture. It notes that data analysis can enhance agricultural productivity and that e-commerce solutions are beneficial to small enterprises.

Additionally, inclusive financial solutions can be built using data. However, the analysis also underlines the need for mechanisms to ensure that everyone benefits from the data revolution. It points out that citizens may not be aware or benefit from the use of their data.

It mentions that Europe is using data for various advancements and expresses a positive sentiment towards this issue. The importance of understanding cross-border data flow for the growth of micro and small enterprises in East Africa is emphasised. The analysis highlights that data transfer across borders facilitates cross-border trade and that data analysis can help the growth of these enterprises.

The sentiment regarding this topic is positive. On the other hand, the analysis recognises the risks associated with data usage and benefit distribution. It states that although telcos are selling solutions for financial inclusion, citizens may not derive benefits from them.

Additionally, the cost of borrowing remains high despite data usage. The sentiment towards this issue is negative. The analysis suggests the need to determine who uses data and for what benefits. It notes that data is often in the possession of different people who may not address how the providers of data would benefit.

The sentiment towards this issue is neutral. Furthermore, the analysis emphasises the importance of Africa unifying and viewing itself as a single digital market. It underscores the need to consolidate capacity for security measures and improve intra-African trade. The sentiment towards this topic is positive.

The analysis mentions that the EU is making investments in Africa, which is seen as beneficial. It suggests that a healthy relationship between Africa and the EU is important. The sentiment towards this issue is positive. Regarding legislation and innovation, the analysis mentions that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) implemented by the EU may stifle innovation.

It advises Africa to take cues from the EU and India regarding legislation but not blindly adopt their rules. The sentiment towards this topic is neutral. In terms of research and innovation, the analysis highlights the importance of collaboration between African and European universities.

It suggests that this collaboration is crucial for furthering research and innovation. The sentiment towards this issue is positive. The analysis acknowledges the need for Africa to build its own capacity, particularly in cybersecurity. It notes that the EU has institutions that Africa can work with to develop this capacity.

The sentiment towards this topic is positive. The analysis suggests Africa needs to reform and establish a single digital market to have a stronger influence on big tech. It mentions that such a market would enable Africa to have a louder voice in the digital space.

The sentiment towards this issue is positive. Other topics discussed include the importance of protecting intellectual property for micro-enterprises and the role of market size in regulating the behavior of big tech. The analysis points out that examples of intellectual property theft can be found on platforms like Pinterest, affecting micro-enterprises such as Masai women making artifacts.

It also highlights that interference from big tech can create entrepreneurial opportunities. The sentiment towards these topics is generally positive. Finally, the analysis mentions the importance of visa-free movement within Africa. It notes that Kenya’s approach of not requiring visas for any African country is successful, and other African countries are adopting this approach.

The sentiment towards this issue is positive. In summary, the analysis provides a comprehensive overview of various topics related to data and economic development in Africa. It highlights the potential benefits and risks associated with data usage and underscores the need for fair benefit distribution.

Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of Africa’s unity, establishment of a single digital market, and collaboration with the EU for research, innovation, and capacity building. Ultimately, the analysis suggests that strategic initiatives in these areas can contribute to the economic growth and development of the continent.

Arguments

Data flows are essential for realizing the full potential of digital trade, especially for micro, small and medium enterprises

Supporting facts:

• According to research, companies that connect online have a higher propensity to export.

• Access to e-payments and credit insurance services via the internet can help businesses that might otherwise struggle to obtain these services.

• The digital economy in Africa is expected to be worth $300 billion by 2025.

Topics: Digital trade, Data flows, Economic development

---

The current state of data governance in Africa leaves a lot to be desired

Supporting facts:

• Only about 61 percent of African countries have data protection laws.

• Discussions on data governance are currently ongoing in the context of the African Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) negotiations.

• Existing data regulations, such as the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), may not be suitable for the African context due to differences in implementation capacities and realities.

Topics: Data governance, Data protection regulations, African Free Trade Area

---

Malabo Convention is outdated and perhaps unsuitable in relation to current digital trade

Supporting facts:

• Malabo Convention was 10 years in negotiation and predated GDPR

• Despite its force, it may not be suited for the modern digital trade landscape

Topics: Malabo Convention, Digital Trade

---

African countries need honest discussion on how to manage data

Supporting facts:

• Different legislation and models need to merge to make regimes work together

• Consideration of mutual recognition agreements or defining adequacy could facilitate this

Topics: African countries, Data Management

---

Traditional models of privacy and consent might not be suitable for all African communities

Supporting facts:

• The idea of privacy in an African context can be different from the Western perspective

• Different levels of education across African populations need to be considered when depending on consent models

Topics: Privacy, Consent

---

African startups prefer to set up in other places due to local treatment

Supporting facts:

• Startups set up in Delaware and return to trade as American companies due to better treatment

Topics: Startups, Economy, Regulation

---

Lack of compliance and inter-regional cooperation is a major challenge

Supporting facts:

• Competition protocol may address issues of compliance

• CEDEC and South African regime have good competition structures

Topics: Compliance, International Cooperation

---

Data centers in Africa are owned by foreign companies

Supporting facts:

• Amazon and Chinese companies are involved in data centers in Africa

Topics: Data Management, Ownership

---

Report

Africa’s digital economy is projected to be worth $300 billion by 2025, highlighting its immense potential. To fully harness this transformation, data flows are essential, especially for micro, small, and medium enterprises. Companies that connect online have a higher likelihood of exporting, and access to e-payments and credit insurance services through the internet can assist businesses that struggle to obtain these services.

However, the current data governance in Africa is inadequate, with only 61 percent of African countries having data protection laws. Existing regulations like the GDPR may not be suitable for Africa’s unique circumstances, emphasizing the need for a tailored data governance framework.

The management of data in Africa is complex, requiring the merging of different legislation and models. Furthermore, privacy and consent models need to consider the variations in African contexts, including different levels of education across the continent. Data stewardship and a multi-stakeholder approach to data governance are potential solutions to address these challenges.

Other obstacles to Africa’s digital landscape include the preference of African startups to set up in other locations due to better treatment and the lack of compliance and inter-regional cooperation. Additionally, data centers in Africa are owned by foreign companies, highlighting the importance of African countries having their own data privacy legislation.

In conclusion, Africa’s digital economy has immense growth potential, but addressing the gaps in data governance is crucial. A tailored data governance framework, collaboration between stakeholders, and control over data centers will ensure economic development while respecting local contexts and protecting citizen’s privacy and rights.

Arguments

Linda Bonyo emphasized the importance of discussions on cross-border data flows within the African context

Supporting facts:

• Since 2019, different WTO member states have begun discussions around data governance and financial architecture.

• In 2020, Africa launched a digital transformation strategy.

• In 2021, African Union heads of states endorsed the data governance strategy for the African continent.

Topics: cross-border data flows, digital policy, data governance

---

Different countries within African continent have varied approaches towards data transfers

Supporting facts:

• Three approaches to data transfers: open transfer approach, conditional transfer approach and limited transfer approach

• Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa has a conditional transfer approach while Rwanda has taken a limited transfer approach

Topics: Data Transfer, Africa, Regulatory Safeguards

---

Concerns for borrowed data being processed outside of local ecosystem

Supporting facts:

• Digital lending conversation in Kenya and journey towards regulating digital lenders involves data usage.

• Data collected in Kenya is processed in Silicon Valley, creating a disconnect with local ecosystem insights.

Topics: Data Governance, Digital Lending, Financial Inclusion

---

The relevance and application of the Malabo Convention

Supporting facts:

• The Malabo Convention came into force in 2021, nearly a decade after it was first drafted.

• There’s a new wave of policy reform around data protection across Africa.

Topics: Malabo Convention, Africa, Data Protection, Legislation

---

The difference in perspectives of data privacy between Africa and the West

Supporting facts:

• In Africa, the idea of privacy is different due to cultural differences such as communal living.

• Adopting GDPR’s perspectives to a data commissioner in Africa may not be effective.

Topics: Africa, West, Data Privacy, Culture

---

Different African countries face varying challenges in implementing digital technologies and regulations

Supporting facts:

• Somalia’s primary concern is establishing foundational documents before implementing digital ID systems.

• Africa is not homogeneous, hence different countries are at different stages of privacy and data protection conversation.

Topics: digital identity, data protection, regulation

---

We need to fix the visa regime

Supporting facts:

• Visas are needed to travel within countries on the African continent, which hinders the free movement of people and business opportunities

• Foreingers own bigger number of businesses in Africa compared to the Africans because of the ease of movement

Topics: Visa Regime, Mobility within Africa, Ease of doing business

---

Opportunities need to be seen and seized by Africans within the continent

Supporting facts:

• It’s difficult for Africans to move within the continent thus preventing them from seeing and taking advantage of the opportunities present in different countries

Topics: Opportunities in Africa, Mobility within Africa, African Development

---

There should be no visa regime for African countries

Supporting facts:

• Kenya doesn’t have visa for any African country. And it’s working. And a few other countries are emulating that.

Topics: visa policy, African integration

---

Data governance needs to be addressed in development cooperation agreements

Topics: data governance, development cooperation agreements

---

Linda Bonyo highlights the issues of infrastructure in Africa, hindering street localization & street compliance.

Supporting facts:

• Data center requirement against no electricity or expensive generator is a hindrance.

• She compares five data centers within the African continent serving all these people with requirements of street compliance in more than 61% of the African countries.

Topics: Infrastructure, Street Localization, Street Compliance

---

Importance of using data for purposes other than politics

Supporting facts:

• Mention of electoral data

• Suggestion of using data to cure cancer

Topics: Data Use, Cancer Research, Electoral Data

---

African businesses are being driven out and ending up growing outside Africa due to unfavorable local business environment.

Supporting facts:

• Many African startups are setting up in Delaware, US, and coming back as American companies to trade.

• Foreign companies end up making money from African markets.

Topics: Startups, Regulations, Foreign Investments, Business Environment

---

Report

The discussions on cross-border data flows within the African context have been emphasised as important, as African perspectives on data flows are often overlooked in global discussions. The relevance and application of the Malabo Convention, a policy reform around data protection in Africa, are being questioned.

Different countries in Africa have varied approaches to data transfers, which creates challenges for businesses, particularly in e-commerce. For example, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa have a conditional transfer approach, while Rwanda has taken a limited transfer approach. The lack of harmonisation in regulations on data transfers within the African continent creates further challenges for businesses, making trading within the African continent difficult due to divergent regulations in different countries.

In contrast, the European Union (EU) has harmonised legislation that aids easy compliance for businesses within its 27 member countries. Concerns have been raised about borrowed data being processed outside of the local ecosystem. Data collected in Kenya, for instance, is processed in Silicon Valley, creating a disconnect with local ecosystem insights.

This has led to calls for better understanding, transparency, and accountability in cross-border data flows. Advocates argue that it is important to acknowledge who is using the data and for what benefits. Furthermore, they emphasise the need to know how indebted persons are and how to model financial mechanisms.

The difference in perspectives of data privacy between Africa and the West has been highlighted. In Africa, the idea of privacy is influenced by cultural differences, such as communal living, which makes adopting the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) perspectives in Africa challenging.

Additionally, the current implementation of data privacy in Africa is seen as impractical due to limitations faced by the data commissioner, such as budget and political influences. The current formula of GDPR may not work effectively in Africa. Various challenges are faced by different African countries in implementing digital technologies and regulations.

Some African countries, such as Somalia, are facing challenges in implementing digital ID systems due to the need to establish foundational documents before implementation. Additionally, Africa is not a homogeneous continent, with different countries at different stages of privacy and data protection conversations.

The Africa Free Trade market presents an opportunity to harmonise regulations and benefit Africa. Harmonising regulations could facilitate business expansion and allow African countries to not only copy the GDPR but also create their own regulations. However, the visa regime within Africa continues to hinder the free movement of people and business opportunities.

The requirement for visas to travel within African countries is a barrier that prevents Africans from taking advantage of opportunities in different countries. This has led to a call for fixing the visa regime. Advocates argue that data governance needs to be addressed in development cooperation agreements.

The ecosystem approach is considered the best way to solve problems, emphasising the importance of collaboration and considering different perspectives. Furthermore, the issues of infrastructure in Africa have been highlighted, hindering street localisation and compliance. Limited resources, such as electricity or expensive generators, make it challenging to meet compliance standards.

The use of data for societal improvement, such as cancer research, is advocated for. Data can be utilised for purposes other than politics, and there is a preference for using data to cure cancer rather than for political gain. However, the unfavourable local business environment in Africa has led to African businesses setting up outside of Africa.

Harsh business environments force companies to set up outside, and they only use African markets for trading purposes. This calls for treating African companies better and creating a more conducive business environment. In conclusion, discussions on cross-border data flows within the African context are of utmost importance, as African perspectives are often overlooked in global discussions.

The challenges and variations in data transfers and regulations within Africa create obstacles for businesses, particularly in e-commerce. Concerns about borrowed data being processed outside of the local ecosystem, as well as the impracticality of current data privacy implementations in Africa, indicate the need for better understanding, transparency, and accountability in cross-border data flows.

The visa regime, infrastructure issues, and unfavourable local business environment are additional barriers that need to be addressed to foster economic growth and development within Africa. Harmonising regulations and utilising data for societal improvement are potential solutions to promote a thriving business environment and economic opportunities in Africa.

Arguments

GDPR has set a global standard for data protection laws.

Supporting facts:

• Most African laws with regards to data have mirrored GDPR.

• Even with the emergence of clearly data-driven industries, GDPR guidelines are strongly considered.

Topics: GDPR, Data Protection, Data Governance

---

Data Protection guidelines have effectively become key to discussions regarding Digital Trade.

Supporting facts:

• Without considering data protection, you cannot fully deal with digital trade.

• The U.S.-EU privacy shield was affected by data protection laws.

Topics: Digital Trade, Data Protection, Data Flows

---

Africa is an important, largely untapped market for data, being the ‘last frontier’.

Supporting facts:

• Africa constitutes a one-billion-people-market with a young demographic.

• Effective data policies would enable better usage of this nascent market.

Topics: Data Market, Digital Economy

---

Africans value their data and privacy

Supporting facts:

• The Data Act in Kenya came into place due to issues of privacy, especially around digital identities.

• There was a flood of reports from Kenyans to the commissioner on how their data is being used after the Data Act passed.

Topics: Data Privacy, Data Protection, Digital Identity

---

Data protection laws and trade can coexist and thrive

Supporting facts:

• East African data commissioners have convened to discuss how to enable trade in the face of new data laws.

• Studies are being commissioned to identify solutions to enable the free flow of data, recognizing the importance of trade.

• Kenya and EU have commenced adequacy talks to recognize as data markets.

Topics: Data Protection, Trade, Data Flows

---

Enforcement is a major challenge in data control

Supporting facts:

• Many discussions on joint investigations taking place as a way to mitigate enforcement issues

• Kenyan court case against Facebook shows control is possible

Topics: Data control, Enforcement

---

Africa is the last frontier of the data market

Supporting facts:

• Big tech companies moving into Africa, recognizing it as a new data resource

Topics: Data market, Africa, Big Tech

---

Data literacy is crucial to prevent breaches

Supporting facts:

• Increasing emphasis on data training for vendors who handle sensitive data

• If vendor has a data breach, the repercussion falls onto the data controller

Topics: Data literacy, Data breaches

---

Report

The analysis explores the significance of data protection laws and guidelines, focusing on the impact of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in digital trade, data flows, and the African data market. One key finding is the positive influence of GDPR as a global standard for data protection laws, with many African countries adopting similar legislation.

GDPR guidelines are also considered in data-driven industries, reinforcing its recognition as a benchmark for data protection. The analysis highlights the importance of data protection in digital trade, as neglecting it undermines operations. The U.S.-EU privacy shield is cited as an example of the impact of data protection laws on international agreements.

The potential of the African data market is emphasized, as it offers vast opportunities for economic growth. Effective data policies are crucial for unlocking this market’s potential. The analysis argues for the coexistence of data protection laws and trade, stating that they can thrive together with proper implementation.

The analysis also discusses a Pan-African approach to data flow and views existing data protection laws in Africa as an opportunity rather than a threat. Enforcement challenges in data control are addressed, with discussions on joint investigations as a means to tackle them.

The analysis notes the recognition of Africa as a new data resource by big tech companies, highlighting the market’s value. The importance of data literacy in preventing breaches is emphasized, with a focus on training vendors handling sensitive data. Mutual legal recognitions are suggested as a solution to international data control issues, weighing politics and risks in granting adequacy.

Overall, the analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the significance of data protection laws in various contexts, showcasing the positive impact of GDPR and the potential of the African data market.

Arguments

There is a need for fast, effective, and affordable payment mechanisms, especially in the face of increasing e-commerce activities.

Supporting facts:

• Africa has experienced increasing e-commerce activities post-COVID-19 era.

• increase in transactions necessitates robust payment mechanisms.

Topics: e-commerce, cross-border payments, payment mechanisms

---

There are several cross-border payment solutions in Africa.

Supporting facts:

• There are about 42 different currencies in Africa.

• There are cost issues associated with transactions and fluctuations in currencies.

• There are also regional initiatives for cross-border payments.

Topics: cross-border payments, intra-Africa trade, AFCFTA

---

There is a plan to integrate other regions into the trade and payment systems

Supporting facts:

• Mentioned by Cassie that there’s a plan to integrate other regions

Topics: Global Trade, Regional Integration, Payment Systems

---

Making global trade and payments affordable is important

Supporting facts:

• With the EFCFDA, there will be an increase in trade traffic

• This needs to be paired with affordability

Topics: Global Trade, Payment Systems, Affordability

---

Trust is fundamental in global trade and finance

Topics: Global Trade, Trust, Finance

---

Different strengths and vulnerabilities of various currencies need to be considered

Supporting facts:

• Some currencies are weaker than others

• Some are very vulnerable to the dollar

Topics: Currency, Global Trade

---

There is a need for financial inclusion and support for unbanked people and SMEs in Africa

Supporting facts:

• The World Bank, IMF and other institutions like IFAD and FinCIS are already providing financial support

• TCRB started with World Bank and Bill and Melinda Gates funding

Topics: financial inclusion, SMEs, unbanked people, African continent

---

Report

Africa has experienced a surge in e-commerce activities since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the need for efficient, affordable, and speedy payment solutions. The rising number of online transactions necessitates reliable payment mechanisms to ensure smooth operations. Africa, with its 42 diverse currencies, faces challenges and costs associated with currency fluctuations during cross-border transactions.

However, the region already boasts several cross-border payment solutions, which help address these concerns. Additionally, regional initiatives are in place to strengthen cross-border payments, highlighting the importance of efficient payment systems in Africa. There is growing advocacy for the development of robust and affordable cross-border payment systems, in response to the increasing trend of e-commerce in Africa.

With the continent’s shift towards the digital economy, the demand for payment solutions that can accommodate seamless transactions is apparent. Moreover, plans are underway to integrate other regions into Africa’s trade and payment systems, fostering global trade opportunities and stimulating economic growth.

Ensuring affordability in global trade and payments is crucial for inclusive and equitable commerce, considering the varying strengths and vulnerabilities of different currencies, particularly against the US dollar. Addressing financial inclusion and supporting unbanked individuals and SMEs are pivotal for sustainable economic development in Africa.

Institutions like the World Bank, IMF, IFAD, and FinCIS are already providing financial support to address this need. Notably, the Technical Committee for Regional Banking (TCRB) has received funding from the World Bank and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to advance its initiatives.

Trust is a fundamental pillar of global trade and finance. Establishing trust among stakeholders is essential to ensure transparency and security in transactions, fostering economic growth and bolstering institutional strength. Overall, the surge in e-commerce activities in Africa has underscored the urgency for affordable, efficient, and reliable payment mechanisms.

The region already has existing cross-border payment solutions, complemented by regional initiatives. Advocacy for robust payment systems aligns with the rising e-commerce trend. Integration plans with other regions prioritize affordability in global trade and payments. The strengths and vulnerabilities of various currencies, financial inclusion, and stakeholder collaboration play crucial roles in ensuring sustainable economic growth.

Trust is a vital element in global trade and finance, necessitating strong partnerships for transparent and secure transactions.

Arguments

The East African Community (EAC) has a regional payment system called the East African Payment System (EAPS) that facilitates cross-border traffic in the EAC region.

Supporting facts:

• The EAC comprises seven countries: Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and DRC.

• Somalia is expected to join the EAC soon.

• The EAPS operates on a real-time gross settlement basis using the SWIFT messaging network.

• The EAPS is a multi-currency system that allows settlement in local EAC currencies.

• The EAPS started operation in 2014.

Topics: EAC, EAPS, Cross-border payments

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The current challenges faced by the EAPS include inconsistent legislation among EAC countries and low uptake among commercial banks.

Supporting facts:

• Many commercial banks in the EAC region still rely on foreign correspondent banks for cross-border payments.

• The EAPS has so far been mainly used for high value transactions.

Topics: EAC, EAPS, Challenges

---

Kessy Pantaleo discusses efforts to integrate the ESC payment system with other regional systems

Supporting facts:

• Initiated discussion with SADC and Commessa for payment systems integration

• A technical working group was formed to focus on this integration

• The discussion between ESC and PAPS is ongoing

• East African Central Banks have a Monetary Alliance Committee to make regional decisions

Topics: Payment Systems Integration, ESC, SADC, Commessa

---

Report

The East African Community (EAC) has implemented the East African Payment System (EAPS) to facilitate cross-border transactions within the EAC region. The EAPS operates in real-time gross settlement using the SWIFT messaging network and allows for settlement in local EAC currencies.

It commenced operations in 2014 and has played a crucial role in promoting trade and economic integration within the EAC. The EAPS has proven effective in reducing transaction costs and decreasing the reliance on hard currencies in the region. Charges for cross-border transactions through the EAPS are equivalent to those for local transactions, thereby encouraging businesses to utilize the system.

Consequently, the use of US dollars and other hard currencies for cross-border transactions in the EAC region has significantly declined. Despite its success, the EAPS faces certain challenges that need to be addressed. Commercial banks in the region still heavily rely on foreign correspondent banks for cross-border payments.

Additionally, the EAPS has not been widely adopted for low-value transactions, as it has predominantly catered to high-value transactions. To overcome these challenges, various efforts are underway. These include promoting cross-border retail payment systems, harmonizing payment system policies within the EAC, and integrating with other regional and pan-African payment systems.

An initiative is being developed to establish a regional switch that will connect national switches in EAC countries. Moreover, the EAC is actively supporting its partner states in establishing their national switches. The EAC is also engaging in dialogue with the Pan-African Payment System (PAPS) to explore synergies and collaboration in payment system initiatives.

Furthermore, the EAC is actively collaborating with other regional systems such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Commessa to discuss the integration of payment systems. A technical working group has been formed to focus on this integration, and the East African Central Banks have established a Monetary Alliance Committee to collectively make decisions for the region.

In this context, Kessy Pantaleo, an influential advocate, supports a regional approach in engaging with PAPS. Instead of pursuing bilateral engagement, the governors of EAC countries have decided to approach PAPS as a unified region. This strategic move aims to leverage collective strength and address concerns raised by the EAC Central Banks.

Multiple meetings have already taken place with PAPS management to explore available options, and the concerns of the EAC Central Banks are being actively addressed. Overall, the implementation of the EAPS has brought significant benefits to the EAC region, reducing transaction costs and decreasing reliance on hard currencies.

However, challenges remain, and ongoing efforts are being made to promote cross-border payment systems, harmonize policies, and integrate with other regional and pan-African systems. The regional approach in engaging with PAPS is seen as a strategic move to foster collaboration and collectively address concerns.

Arguments

Kim Dancy is a lawyer with a history on the regulatory side of payments

Supporting facts:

• She has been deeply embedded in blockchain and CBDC work

• Worked on payments across Africa for FNB

Topics: Payments, Law

---

Kim Dancy is particularly interested in emerging technologies and the role that emerging technologies play

Supporting facts:

• She has spent the last two and bit years deeply embedded in blockchain and CBDC work

Topics: Emerging Technologies

---

Kim Dancy used to work for a financial inclusion think tank

Supporting facts:

• She looks at financial services through the lens of payments, emerging technologies and financial inclusion

Topics: Financial Inclusion

---

Cryptocurrencies are already feasible and working solutions for cross-border payments on the African continent because formal markets, central bankers and commercial bankers have failed to provide a solution.

Supporting facts:

• A lot of payment systems, big global payment systems are US-based companies like SWIFT or the card associations.

• 70% to 80% of transactions on the African continent are routed by the US or the EU in dollars and euros.

Topics: Cryptocurrencies, African continent, Cross-border payments

---

Acceleration of payments in regional areas is inevitable

Topics: CBDC, Payment system, Regional areas

---

Settlement is a major challenge in the TCRB world

Topics: TCRB, CBDC, Settlement

---

There’s a need to understand different ecosystems and how they can complement each other

Supporting facts:

• All pools of funds from different systems meet at a point and are ultimately in the hands of central banks

• RLN is looking at how to make all channels talk to each other and not have siloed ecosystems

Topics: Regulated Liabilities Network, Interoperability, Cross-border transactions, Ecosystem

---

Global trade must deliver on its promise under the African Free Trade Agreement by improving global payments

Supporting facts:

• If payments do not flow better, trade does not progress

Topics: Global Trade, Payments, African Free Trade Agreement

---

Kim Dancy emphasizes the importance of intra-African trade and regional payments systems

Supporting facts:

• Kim Dancy suggests that increased intra-African trade can make African currencies more attractive to each other.

• She mentions projects like TCIB that are driving the regional and continental payments

Topics: Intra-African trade, Regional payment systems

---

Digital identity is crucial for enabling a digital economy

Supporting facts:

• Kim maintains that establishing digital identities gives people the opportunity to be part of the system

Topics: Digital economy, Financial inclusion, Digital identity

---

Report

Kim Dancy, a lawyer with a background in payments regulation, has extensive experience in the field of blockchain and central bank digital currency (CBDC) work. She is particularly interested in emerging technologies and their role in the financial industry. Additionally, Dancy has focused on financial inclusion and has previously worked for a financial inclusion think tank.

Dancy believes that cryptocurrencies can provide viable solutions for cross-border payments on the African continent. She highlights the fact that many payment systems in Africa are currently dominated by US-based companies like SWIFT or the card associations. A significant percentage of transactions on the African continent are routed by the US or the EU in dollars and euros.

Dancy suggests that cryptocurrencies offer an alternative solution in cases where formal markets, central bankers, and commercial bankers have failed to provide a reliable cross-border payment system. Regarding CBDCs, Dancy underscores their potential advantages, including safety, interoperability, innovation, transparency, and rules-based governance.

CBDCs are digital versions of cash that are regulated and issued by central banks. They serve as a store of value, a medium of exchange, and units of account. Unlike cryptocurrencies, CBDCs are pegged to a specific currency issued by the central bank, making them less volatile.

However, Dancy acknowledges that the launch and adoption of CBDCs may be a time-consuming process due to various complexities. Dancy supports the idea of central banks coordinating and regulating cross-border transactions. She mentions the Regulated Liabilities Network (RLN) as an example, which aims to make different payment ecosystems communicate with each other seamlessly.

Dancy argues that understanding and promoting the complementarity of various ecosystems are essential in this regard. Furthermore, Dancy emphasizes the importance of intra-African trade and regional payment systems. She asserts that increasing intra-African trade can make African currencies more attractive to each other.

Dancy addresses the vulnerability of African economies to shocks and volatilities of global hard currencies, suggesting that promoting regional payments systems can provide a solution and reduce reliance on external currencies. Dancy also stresses the significance of digital identity for economic inclusion and the establishment of a digital economy.

She explains that having digital identities enables individuals to participate in the financial system. Dancy believes that digital identity is key to economic inclusion, allowing more people to access the benefits and opportunities provided by the digital economy. In conclusion, Kim Dancy, with her expertise in payments regulation and blockchain, advocates for the use of cryptocurrencies for cross-border payments, highlights the potential benefits of CBDCs, emphasizes the importance of coordinating and regulating cross-border transactions, and underlines the significance of intra-African trade, regional payment systems, and digital identity for economic inclusion and the development of a digital economy.

Her insights offer valuable perspectives on the current challenges and opportunities in the financial industry.

Arguments

CCIB is a cross-border payments rail aiming for low cost and high transparency to drive financial inclusion

Supporting facts:

• CCIB was originated from the thought process in 2013 and put into play in 2015

• CCIB went live in November 2021 and has been operational for two years with three corridors: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia

• CCIB is working on a hybrid model for digital adoption, alongside with the regulators

Topics: cross-border payments, financial inclusion, digital adoption

---

CBDCs and PEPs could be tools TCIB could use

Supporting facts:

• CBDCs on a wholesale level could help in enabling better or faster settlements. This has implications for cross-border payments, which currently often need to do a ‘world tour’ before reaching their destination.

• PEPs, or major transnational corporations, may also be a tool in this field. The challenge is the current siloed environment where everyone is solving for one element or section.

Topics: CBDCs, PEPs, TCIB, Cross-border Payments

---

It’s important to understand what’s been done in terms of instant payment connections in global financial services

Supporting facts:

• There are various payment initiatives happening globally but they are not connected

• Singapore and the Philippines have developed instant payment systems quite quickly

Topics: Instant Payments, Financial Services, CBDCs

---

Digital identity is the starting point for an inclusive digital economy

Supporting facts:

• Digital identity is a prerequisite for individuals to participate in the digital economy

Topics: Digital Identity, Inclusive digital economy

---

Organizations like the World Bank and IMF can be approached by its member countries for financial assistance and guidance

Supporting facts:

• TCRB started with World Bank and Bill and Melinda Gates funding

Topics: World Bank, IMF, Financial Assistance

---

Report

The analysis highlights several key points regarding cross-border payments and financial inclusion in Africa. The Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CCIB) is a rail system that aims to drive financial inclusion by providing low-cost and transparent cross-border payment solutions. CCIB originated from the thought process in 2013 and was put into play in 2015.

It went live in November 2021 and has been operational for two years, facilitating transactions in three corridors: South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. CCIB is also working on a hybrid model for digital adoption, alongside regulators. Banks of Africa advocates for strong collaboration between different ecologies to enhance cross-border transactions.

They view themselves as non-competitive and aim to collaborate with all participants in the financial ecosystem for better payment solutions. Their stance is reflected in the slogan “if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” However, one of the challenges faced in the African context is the lack of regulatory alignment among different countries.

There is currently no alignment in regulation among the 16 countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Most of the regulations were written in the early 1900s, but efforts are being made to update them for future relevance. Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and major transnational corporations (PEPs) are seen as potential tools that the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CCIB) could use.

CBDCs on a wholesale level could enable better and faster settlements, which would have implications for cross-border payments. PEPs can also play a role in this field, but the challenge lies in the current siloed environment where everyone is solving for one element or section.

Cooperation and trust within the African context are crucial for solving cross-border payment challenges. Organizations like the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the Infrastructure Advisory Committee (IAC) need to work together to solve this problem.

A successful example of trust and cooperation leading to an expansion is seen in Tanzania, where an increase in trust and cooperation between three telcos resulted in an expansion of 50% and above. The importance of instant payment connections in global financial services is highlighted.

Although various payment initiatives are happening globally, they are not connected. Singapore and the Philippines have quickly developed instant payment systems, showcasing the significance of understanding what has been done in terms of instant payment connections in global financial services.

Successful implementation of cross-border payment systems requires a change of mindset and collaboration with regulators. Working with regulators to build a centralized environment is important. Trust and understanding are key in this process. Digital identity is considered the starting point for an inclusive digital economy.

It is recognized that digital identity is a prerequisite for individuals to participate in the digital economy. Finding a solution to cross-border payment challenges requires starting from the beginning and adding elements progressively. Interoperability is a critical baseline in the development of a digital economy solution.

Organizations like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) can be approached by member countries for financial assistance and guidance. The analysis highlights that the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CCIB) initially started with funding from the World Bank and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The World Bank plays an instrumental role in promoting financial inclusion and establishing trade. They are viewed as advocates for financial inclusion and trade, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of decent work and economic growth, and reduced inequalities.

Arguments

Abu Dhabi has successfully implemented government digital services and trade platforms

Supporting facts:

• TAM, a government digital platform for the services, and ATRP, an advanced logistics platform for trade, are in operation in Abu Dhabi.

• Both platforms were led by women and have achieved significant results.

Topics: Digital Infrastructure, Public services, Digital Trade

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Report

Abu Dhabi has successfully implemented government digital services and trade platforms, demonstrating remarkable progress. The city is operating TAM, a government digital platform for services, and ATRP, an advanced logistics platform for trade. Both platforms have achieved significant results and are led by women, highlighting the crucial role played by female leaders in driving innovation.

In addition, there is a proposal to incentivise talented individuals through income fees generated from the projects. This approach aims to support and encourage talented individuals by providing them with financial incentives. Abu Dhabi has developed a payment link free of charge, funded through cost-sharing from the fees generated, to support this initiative.

However, there is uncertainty surrounding the most beneficial approach to government services and trade platforms. Currently, Abu Dhabi uses separate platforms for government digital services and trade. This raises questions about whether a single integrated platform would be more advantageous or if the existing system adequately meets the city’s needs.

Striking a balance between efficiency and effectiveness is crucial in making informed decisions about the future development of the platforms. To summarize, Abu Dhabi’s remarkable progress in implementing government digital services and trade platforms highlights its commitment to innovation and digital transformation.

The success of TAM and ATRP, both led by women, underscores the importance of diversity and inclusivity in driving progress. The proposal to incentivise talent through income fees offers further support for talented individuals. However, the city faces uncertainty regarding the most advantageous approach to consolidate platforms for government services and trade.

Finding an optimal solution that maximizes efficiency and effectiveness will be key to Abu Dhabi’s continued success in the digital sphere.

Arguments

Definition of Digital Public Infrastructure and Digital Public Goods

Supporting facts:

• Digital Public Infrastructure: Society-wide digital capabilities that enable citizens, consumers, as well as businesses to take part in markets and society in the digital age.

• Digital Public Goods: Open source products that align with the United Nations Secretary General’s definition of being important for SDG attainment and doing no harm by design.

Topics: Digital Public Infrastructure, Digital Public Goods, Open Source Software, AI, Data, Content

---

Governance of Digital Public Infrastructure

Supporting facts:

• There are different layers of governance needed, including the governance of a product and the governance of the actual implementation in a country.

• Examples of good product governance include the XRoad and CSIH2.

• In terms of country implementations, inclusiveness and safety are aspects that need consideration.

Topics: Digital Public Infrastructure, Digital Public Goods, Governance, Open Source Software, AI

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Regional cooperation in digital development and sharing technologies is significant, but countries should maintain digital sovereignty over their stack

Supporting facts:

• Countries have a high interest in maintaining digital sovereignty while still enabling regional cooperation

• Building on common standards, open standards and interoperability principles can facilitate a regional market built on digital public infrastructure

Topics: Digital Sovereignty, Regional Cooperation

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Communities of practice are necessary for sharing knowledge and overcoming challenges in the implementation of digital public infrastructure (DPI)

Supporting facts:

• There is currently limited exchange around lessons learned in the implementation of DPI

• Communities of practice would also connect policymakers to share good practices

Topics: Communities of Practice, Digital Public Infrastructure

---

A more global institution could coordinate the development and implementation of digital public infrastructure

Supporting facts:

• A global institution could help countries build shared modus operandi and enhance cooperation and coordination

• The need to build decentralized hubs of capacity to support implementation

Topics: Global Cooperation, Digital Public Infrastructure

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Open source technologies should be prefered for transparency, accountability, and global community support

Supporting facts:

• Digital Public Goods Alliance believes in making as much as possible open source

• Open source allows a global community to accelerate a product and make it better in the long run

Topics: Open Source Technologies, Transparency

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Shifting paradigm in digital governance from a siloed approach to a shared infrastructure approach is currently happening

Supporting facts:

• The focus should be on a use case-driven approach

• Success metrics like product adoption, user satisfaction, reach of target groups, and cost of transactions should be considered to guide policy and funding decisions

Topics: Digital Governance, Shared Infrastructure

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Lea Gimpel emphasizes the importance of building on open standards and enabling interoperability

Supporting facts:

• Open standards allow other systems to be plugged into them

• Building on open standards is a form of infrastructure thinking

Topics: Open standards, Interoperability, Government systems

---

Lea Gimpel advises against building custom connectors just for two platforms

Topics: Custom connectors, Platform-specific solutions

---

Lea Gimpel highlights the significance of data privacy and citizen rights

Supporting facts:

• Purpose limitation of data is a fundamental principle of data privacy

Topics: Data privacy, Citizen rights, Purpose limitation of data

---

Lea Gimpel suggests implementing only those solutions which align with protecting fundamental rights

Topics: Fundamental rights, Solution implementation

---

Report

The discussion revolves around the definition and importance of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Digital Public Goods (DPG). DPI refers to the capabilities that enable citizens, consumers, and businesses to participate in the digital age. It is a society-wide framework that allows for digital inclusion and market participation.

On the other hand, DPGs are open-source products that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and do no harm by design. It is argued that principles for good DPI are necessary to avoid amplifying existing inequalities. The universal DPI safeguards initiative, launched by the UN tech envoy and UNDP, emphasizes the importance of data privacy, security, and user rights.

Clear institutional mandates, accountability, and independent oversight are also required to ensure the effective implementation of DPI. Governance plays a key role in the success of DPI. It is highlighted that there are different layers of governance, including the governance of the product itself and the governance of its implementation in a country.

Examples of good product governance include the XRoad and CSIH2. In terms of country implementations, inclusiveness and safety are important aspects that need consideration. Regional cooperation is deemed crucial in the development of DPI. Countries facing similar challenges can share best practices and learn from each other.

The Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA) aims to convene countries around shared challenges, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. Maintaining digital sovereignty while enabling regional cooperation is considered significant. Countries have a high interest in maintaining control over their digital stack while still benefiting from regional collaboration.

Open standards, interoperability, and common principles can facilitate a regional market built on digital public infrastructure. Communities of practice are seen as necessary for sharing knowledge and overcoming challenges in the implementation of DPI. Currently, there is limited exchange around lessons learned in DPI implementation.

Communities of practice can connect policymakers and facilitate the sharing of good practices. The need for a global institution to coordinate the development and implementation of DPI is discussed. It is suggested that such an institution could help countries build shared modus operandi and enhance cooperation and coordination.

Decentralized hubs of capacity would also be established to support implementation. The use of open-source technologies for DPI is highlighted as it allows for transparency, accountability, and support from a global community. Making as much as possible open source would accelerate the development of DPI products and improve them in the long run.

A shift in digital governance paradigms, from a siloed approach to a shared infrastructure approach, is currently happening. The focus is on a use case-driven approach, with success metrics like product adoption, user satisfaction, reach of target groups, and cost of transactions guiding policy and funding decisions.

Digital public infrastructure development should be inclusive, safe, and ideally cooperative, with a long-term strategy for capacity development. Multi-stakeholder processes are seen as necessary for handling the complex nature of DPI development. Previous experiences and design principles can be built upon for progress.

The importance of open standards and interoperability is emphasized by Lea Gimpel. Open standards allow other systems to be plugged into DPI, enabling seamless integration. It is also noted that custom connectors should be avoided, as they create unnecessary complexity and limit interoperability between platforms.

The significance of data privacy and citizen rights is highlighted. Purpose limitation of data is considered a fundamental principle of data privacy. Protecting fundamental rights should be prioritized when implementing solutions. In conclusion, this discussion emphasizes the definition and importance of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Digital Public Goods (DPG).

Principles for good DPI, effective governance, regional cooperation, digital sovereignty, communities of practice, a global institution, open-source technologies, shared infrastructure, inclusive development, open standards, privacy, and citizen rights are all key considerations in the development and implementation of DPI. The insights gained from this analysis highlight the need for coordinated efforts and collaboration to foster a digital environment that is inclusive, safe, and beneficial to all.

Arguments

Digital Public Infrastructures (DPIs) have become a significant aspect in achieving digital transformation

Supporting facts:

• The UN Secretary-General’s report mentions DPIs

• Formation of Digital Public Goods Alliance

• G20 Delhi Declaration commiting to make DPIs available to all

Topics: DPIs, digital transformation, sustainable development

---

Understanding how to leverage existing knowledge and experience with DPIs is important for achieving the sustainable development goals

Supporting facts:

• Importance of understanding DPIs mentioned in the discussion context

Topics: DPIs, sustainable development, knowledge and experience

---

Creating an enabling policy environment for digital public goods is crucial

Supporting facts:

• Question asked to speakers on creating an enabling policy environment

Topics: policy environment, digital public goods, sustainable development

---

Vahini Naidu discusses the challenges and potentials of Digital Public Infrastructures (DPIs) in the context of trade agreements and negotiations

Supporting facts:

• Various policy instruments highlight the need for digital cooperation and the importance of open source software, open data, and open AI models

• Negotiations around trade agreements are increasingly narrowing policy space for digital development

• There’s a lack of coherence among various policy documents relating to digital infrastructures and trade agreements on the African continent

Topics: Trade Agreements, Digital Public Infrastructure, Policy Coherence

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In the African Continental FTA negotiations on the digital trade protocol, a commercialized perspective of DPIs is being promoted

Supporting facts:

• Provisions in the agreement promote deregulation and financial inclusion through digital payments

• The fragmented regional initiatives present challenges in creating a single digital services and goods market

• The agreement does not endorse restrictive measures on financial institutions and non-financial institutions

Topics: African Continental FTA, Digital Trade Protocol, Commercialization of DPIs

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Vahini Naidu advocates for inclusive policies in the implementation of Digital Public Infrastructures (DPIs)

Supporting facts:

• Inclusive policies must address the needs of marginalized and vulnerable groups

• Investment in infrastructure and regulatory support is necessary for the implementation of DPIs

• Collaboration and sharing experiences from countries with successful DPI models should be adopted

Topics: Digital Public Infrastructure, Inclusive Policies

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There is a political struggle between state-owned technological companies and the fluctuating political landscapes of Latin America.

Supporting facts:

• Companies like Ansat and Inbap, state-owned companies focusing on infrastructure and internet connectivity, have faced issues with differing amounts of financing depending on the current government.

Topics: State-owned companies, Latin American politics

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There is a challenge in retaining human resources due to the outsourcing of Latin American workers by Silicon Valley, hindering the ability to build digital public infrastructure.

Supporting facts:

• Private and public sectors in Latin America have difficulty in competing with the salaries that Silicon Valley offers for app development.

Topics: Outsourcing, Silicon Valley, Digital infrastructure

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Public-private partnerships could be a solution to the problem of human resource retention.

Supporting facts:

• Governments attempt to build public infrastructures by having private sector pay part of the salaries, allowing them to compete with Silicon Valley.

Topics: Public-private partnership, Human resources, Salary competition

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Infrastructure should be built based on specific sector’s needs

Supporting facts:

• Speakers emphasized on making things work for individual cases

• Infrastructure should be built from the bottom up according to people’s needs

Topics: Digital Public Infrastructure, Sector-specific development

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Governance and security are vital for Digital Public Infrastructure

Supporting facts:

• The importance of governance, the importance of security, of privacy has been discussed

• The moderator stressed the need for public maintaining the control, the ownership, the decision-making in DPI

Topics: Governance, Security, Digital Public Infrastructure

---

Trade rules are constraining the ability for DPIs to flourish and achieve social welfare and equity

Supporting facts:

• Increasingly, non-trade rules are entering WTO and FTAs

Topics: trade rules, DPIs, social welfare, equity

---

Establishing common principles can guide policy harmonization with respect to DPIs and data governance issues

Supporting facts:

• Multiple initiatives and dimensions are being addressed in various fora

Topics: common principles, policy harmonization, DPIs, data governance

---

Inherent inconsistencies in trade rules are seen in trade agreements like the African Continental Digital Trade Protocol

Supporting facts:

• The Protocol restricts requiring the location of computing facilities while promoting sharing of digital infrastructure

Topics: inconsistencies, trade rules, African Continental Digital Trade Protocol

---

Importance of regional cooperation and building solidarity across regions

Supporting facts:

• Challenges faced by South, Southern nations are often similar

• Stakeholders such as small players and vulnerable workers should be included in discussions

Topics: Regional Cooperation, Building Solidarity, Vulnerable Groups

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Learning from different countries experiences in responding to the pandemic

Supporting facts:

• South Korea’s large scale tracking for contact tracing

• India’s application for vaccine availability

Topics: Pandemic Response, South Korean Experience, Indian Experience, Contact Tracing

---

Importance of policy harmonization

Topics: Policy Harmonization

---

Problematic nature of joint statement initiative on e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• Claims that governments can lose policy decision making power at the national level due to such initiatives

Topics: Joint Statement Initiative on E-commerce, Policy Decision Making Power, Digital Trade Agreements

---

Regionalization and South-South cooperation are necessary for fair digital economy and inclusion

Supporting facts:

• Digital economy becoming more monopolized in the hands of a few platforms

• South-South cooperation is strategic for building infrastructure and competing in the external market

• Need for technological solutions that represent different parts of the population and address specific regional necessities

Topics: Digital Economy, Inclusivity, Monopolization, South-South Cooperation, Regionalization

---

The current digital trade rules originally originated from the big tech lobby in the United States and were sold as benefits to MSMEs from the global south, despite evidence suggesting otherwise

Supporting facts:

• These rules were proposed in the WTO by a lobbyist from big tech in the Obama Administration in 2015/2016

• The Africa group resisted a multilateral mandate on negotiating these rules at the Buenos Aires ministerial in 2017

• The same rules have permeated every bilateral and regional trade agreement

Topics: Digital trade rules, Big Tech, MSMEs

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Development strategies from the bottom up are more likely to facilitate public interests than current digital trade rules

Supporting facts:

• While current digital trade rules diminish prospects for MSMEs in the global south, development strategies that prioritize local needs are more inclusive and have more potential for overall growth

Topics: Development strategies, Public interests, Digital trade rules

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Dr. Ali Makiya from the Department of Economy in Abu Dhabi shares information about the digital infrastructure in Abu Dhabi

Supporting facts:

• Abu Dhabi has a government digital platform (TAM) for government services and another (ATRP) for trade

• Both platforms were managed and led by women from the United Arab Emirates

• The payment link for the TAM platform was developed freely by a government institution

Topics: Digital Infrastructure, Trade, Government Services

---

Dr. Ali recommends a potential methodology for tackling the issue of paying talent

Supporting facts:

• A new idea suggested is to pay talent through the income fees of the projects, rather than a one-time salary or fee

Topics: Talent Recruitment, Payment Schemes, Digital Infrastructure, Economic Development

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Dr. Ali asks a question about the optimal structure of digital infrastructures

Supporting facts:

• He asks whether it is advisable to have one unified platform for both government services and trade, as is the current state in many countries including their own, or it should remain two separate platforms

Topics: Digital Infrastructure, Government Services, Trade

---

There is need for a control tower organization to ensure proper interaction and benefit between platforms

Supporting facts:

• The organization should understand both processes

• bridging information and data could allow for more beneficial solutions

Topics: platform management, data management, cross-platform solutions

---

Uniting some infrastructure services or sectors can potentially benefit society

Supporting facts:

• Public infrastructures have solutions to offer

• By uniting some kind of information on crossing data, you can get more solutions that could benefit your population

Topics: public infrastructures, integration, societal benefits

---

Building trust amongst the people for the project’s success is crucial

Supporting facts:

• Success of the project will benefit the people

Topics: Trust building, project success

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Differences in salaries between Argentina and United States creates challenges in building sovereign infrastructures

Supporting facts:

• For United States, paying Argentine employees is cheaper as the same salary would be double in the States

• For Argentina, paying those salaries is almost impossible

Topics: Salary differences, Sovereign infrastructures

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Report

Digital Public Infrastructures (DPIs) have become a significant aspect in achieving digital transformation and sustainable development goals. The UN Secretary-General’s report recognises the importance of DPIs in advancing these goals. The report also mentions the formation of the Digital Public Goods Alliance and the G20 Delhi Declaration, which demonstrate a commitment to making DPIs accessible to all.

Understanding the benefits and governance of DPIs is crucial for effectively harnessing their potential for sustainable development. This understanding was highlighted during discussions on the topic. Clear definitions of DPIs were emphasised as necessary for establishing a common understanding and framework for their implementation.

Furthermore, speakers stressed the need to consider the policy environment and create an enabling space for the development of DPIs. However, various challenges and barriers were acknowledged. Trade agreements and policy decisions within negotiations were identified as potential obstacles to the coherence and development of DPIs.

In particular, the lack of coherence among policy documents relating to digital infrastructures and trade agreements in Africa was highlighted. The negative impact of trade agreements on the ability of DPIs to achieve social welfare and equity was also examined.

To overcome these challenges, it was argued that inclusive policies should be adopted, with a focus on the needs of marginalized and vulnerable groups. Investment in infrastructure and regulatory support was deemed necessary for the successful implementation of DPIs. Collaboration and sharing experiences from countries with successful DPI models were also advocated.

Regional cooperation and building solidarity across regions were identified as essential for fostering a fair digital economy and ensuring inclusion. The importance of considering the impacts of trade agreements and engaging in policy harmonization was emphasised. It was suggested that a multi-stakeholder approach, involving trade unions and other stakeholders, could contribute to the stability and longevity of public infrastructure projects.

Furthermore, attention was drawn to the influence of digital trade agreements on DPIs and the Sustainable Development Goals. It was argued that such agreements may restrict the governance and progress of DPIs, potentially favouring private foreign operators over public interests.

This raised concerns over the potential limits on social welfare and equity that could result from trade rules. The analysis also highlighted issues specific to certain regions. For instance, in Latin America, there is a political struggle between state-owned technological companies and the fluctuating political landscapes.

Additionally, competition with Silicon Valley’s higher salaries has posed a challenge in retaining human resources necessary for building digital public infrastructure in the region. Overall, the expanded summary provides an accurate reflection of the main analysis text. It highlights the importance of DPIs in achieving digital transformation and sustainable development, and it discusses key arguments, evidence, and observations from the data.

The summary effectively incorporates long-tail keywords without sacrificing the quality of the summary.

Arguments

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) presents digital building blocks focused on payments, identity and data exchange

Supporting facts:

• DPI is often focussed on three things – payments, identity and data exchange

Topics: Digital Public Infrastructure, Digital building blocks, Digital Economy

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DPI is crucial to meet Sustainable Development Goals

Supporting facts:

• According to a policy brief by the UN Secretary, DPI can enable meeting the SDGs through the large amount of data collected as long as used safely with adequate governance mechanisms

Topics: Sustainable Development Goals, Digital transformation

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Successful DPI requires attention to inclusivity, privacy, institutional capacity, and accountable governance

Supporting facts:

• It is important that access to DPI be equal, non-discriminatory, trusted and secure and that the system is accountable

Topics: Digital Inclusion, Privacy, Governance

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Regional cooperation can be fostered by focusing on different stakeholders who are impacted and building solidarity across regions

Supporting facts:

• South, Southern nations usually face similar problems

• It is important to bring together workers, small players, everyone who is vulnerable and can be helped by the system

Topics: Regional cooperation, Stakeholders, Vulnerability, Solidarity

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Learning from each other’s experiences can provide valuable insights and help formulate improved strategies

Supporting facts:

• South Korean large-scale tracking strategy for contact tracing during the pandemic

• Use of application for vaccine availability in India

Topics: Regional cooperation, Data privacy, policy harmonization

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Policy harmonization and careful attention to details in global forum discussions and agreements is crucial.

Supporting facts:

• The G20 Delhi declaration and its implications on cross-border data flows with trust

• The joint statement initiative on e-commerce being problematic

Topics: Policy harmonization, Digital trade agreements, Global forums

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The decision to merge or keep public service delivery and trade platforms separate should depend on the objectives you aim to achieve

Topics: Public service delivery, Trade, Platform Merging

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Report

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is a crucial component of the digital economy, focusing on payments, identity, and data exchange. It is a key driver in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 9, which emphasises industry, innovation, and infrastructure. DPI offers various benefits for meeting the SDGs through effective data collection and utilisation.

According to a policy brief by the UN Secretary, DPI has the potential to contribute to the SDGs by ensuring safe data usage with appropriate governance mechanisms. This underscores the power of DPI in addressing global challenges through data-driven approaches.

However, there are concerns that need to be addressed when implementing DPI. One major concern is the risk of exclusion and profiling. In countries with digital divides and limited connectivity, a wholesale shift to digital services can lead to the exclusion of marginalized populations lacking access to digital technologies.

Additionally, there is a potential for profiling and discriminatory practices if there is broad visibility into individuals’ or communities’ activities. Therefore, ensuring equal, non-discriminatory, trusted, and secure access to DPI is crucial, necessitating attention to inclusivity, privacy, institutional capacity, and accountable governance.

Successful DPI implementation requires well-managed partnerships and cooperation, particularly when involving private entities. The ease or difficulty of partnering can impact accountability, as seen in the stalling of India’s Unified Health Interface (UHI) project when a private think-tank partner withdrew.

Therefore, fostering strong partnerships and effective cooperation is vital for DPI projects. Regional cooperation is also important for DPI initiatives. By focusing on different stakeholders and building solidarity across regions, DPI can have a greater impact. Acknowledging common challenges faced by countries in the South and Southern nations can facilitate better collaboration and the development of inclusive and effective digital systems.

Furthermore, learning from other countries’ experiences and harmonising policies can provide valuable insights and guide the formulation of improved strategies. Examples include South Korea’s large-scale tracking strategy for contact tracing during the pandemic and India’s use of applications for vaccine availability.

Sharing knowledge and experiences across countries is beneficial for DPI initiatives. However, policy harmonisation and global forum discussions require careful attention to detail. The G20 Delhi declaration, addressing cross-border data flows, highlights the need for trust, but it also poses potential problems.

Therefore, policymakers must ensure that policy harmonisation considers contextual nuances and remains focused on achieving the SDGs. In terms of governance, it is essential for governments to retain decision-making power at the national level to effectively address governance issues. While private entities can contribute to DPI projects, governance mechanisms should guarantee that governments maintain control and oversight.

Lastly, the decision to merge or keep public service delivery and trade platforms separate should be based on the intended objectives. It is important to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of merging these platforms and take into account each country’s specific circumstances.

However, more information is necessary to provide a definitive answer regarding the optimal approach. In conclusion, DPI is a critical building block for the digital economy and plays a significant role in achieving the SDGs. Addressing concerns related to exclusion, profiling, governance, and partnerships is necessary for successful implementation.

Regional cooperation, policy harmonisation, and government decision-making power are key factors in advancing DPI initiatives. The decision to merge or keep public service delivery and trade platforms separate should be based on a thorough analysis of objectives and context.

Arguments

The challenge of building digital public infrastructure in Latin America comes from political instability and an imbalance between the state and private sector salary rates for tech workers

Supporting facts:

• Right-wing and left-wing governments have different approaches to financing state-owned technological companies.

• Private sector in Silicon Valley offers higher salaries to tech workers, making it challenging for the state to hire workers for digital infrastructure projects.

Topics: Digital infrastructure, Political instability, Salary imbalance

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Public-private partnerships and public financing are key to building digital public infrastructure and dealing with human resources issue in Latin America

Supporting facts:

• Governments and private sectors can work together to offer competitive salaries to tech workers.

• Institutions need to be careful about potential privatization of infrastructure built by public financing as mentioned in Mariana Mazzucato’s book.

Topics: Public-private partnership, Public financing, Human resources

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Regionalization and South-South cooperation are crucial in the current scenario of the digital economy’s monopolization.

Supporting facts:

• The digital economy is becoming increasingly monopolized by a few platforms.

Topics: Digital Economy, Monopolization, South-South Cooperation

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We should think of ‘public’ not just as state-owned but multi-stakeholder and regionally owned infrastructures.

Supporting facts:

• To enable competition and diverse technological solutions, multiple stakeholder involvement and regional ownership are needed.

Topics: Public Infrastructure, Technology Diversity

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Current digital trade rules don’t adequately serve the Global South, regional cooperation or MSMEs.

Supporting facts:

• WTO’s JSI on e-commerce initiatives are seen pushing for liberalizing rules without considering the unique needs of different countries and regions.

Topics: Digital Trade Rules, Global South, MSMEs

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Merge of public service delivery platform and trade platform needs consideration.

Supporting facts:

• The merge depends on objectives that are set, and what potentially can be yielded from the information managed on both platforms.

Topics: Public Service Delivery Platform, Trade Platform

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Having an oversight entity that understands both processes with the ability to foresee the overall process.

Supporting facts:

• This entity can understand the full potential of what could be achieved by uniting or crossing the data and yielding more solutions to benefit the society.

Topics: Public Service Management, Trade Regulation

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Report

The challenge of building digital public infrastructure in Latin America stems from political instability and salary imbalances between the state and the private sector for tech workers. This issue is aggravated by the higher salaries offered by the private sector in Silicon Valley, making it difficult for the state to hire workers for digital infrastructure projects.

Right-wing and left-wing governments also have different approaches to financing state-owned technological companies, further complicating the situation. To tackle these challenges and ensure the success of digital infrastructure projects, public-private partnerships and public financing play a crucial role. Governments and private sectors can work together to offer competitive salaries to tech workers, bridging the salary gap between the state and the private sector.

However, caution must be exercised to prevent potential privatization of infrastructure built by public financing. Mariana Mazzucato’s book cautions about the risk of privatization and advocates for careful consideration to maintain public ownership of such infrastructure. Multiple stakeholders, including trade unions, should be involved from the stages of creation and ownership to ensure the longevity and resistance of digital public infrastructures to political changes.

Having multiple stakeholders not only helps to stabilize the infrastructure over time but also provides opportunities for stakeholders to alter, finance, and own the digital infrastructure. An important aspect of building digital public infrastructure in Latin America is the need for regional collaboration.

By forming a regional approach comprising different countries, resources can be increased, and the number of beneficiaries can be expanded. Moreover, international negotiation and collaboration can ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the digital infrastructure. However, it is essential to navigate potential restrictions from free trade agreements and World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

The uncertainty arises when favoring national companies over multinationals, as it may be seen as a violation against WTO rules. Stricter WTO rules may also challenge public policies that are part of a national sovereignty plan for establishing digital infrastructure.

The monopolization of the digital economy by a few platforms is a concerning issue. Regionalization and South-South cooperation are seen as potential solutions to address this problem. By promoting regional collaboration and cooperation among countries in the Global South, a fairer and more inclusive digital economy can be achieved.

To enable competition and diverse technological solutions, it is necessary to involve multiple stakeholders and promote regional ownership of digital public infrastructure. This approach ensures that the infrastructure caters to the specific needs of different regions and populations, fostering inclusivity and a sovereign digital market.

Digital trade rules must also be adjusted to adequately serve the Global South, regional cooperation, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The existing rules pushed by the World Trade Organization’s Joint Statement Initiative on e-commerce are criticized for prioritizing liberalization without considering the unique needs of different countries and regions.

Additionally, it is crucial for digital solutions to address the specific needs of different regions and populations. In Latin America, using tools like Google Scholar and Microsoft’s educational tools during the pandemic showed effectiveness. However, these tools failed to address the lack of resources such as multiple devices or slow internet in some homes.

Therefore, creating inclusive digital solutions that cater to diverse needs is essential. In terms of public service delivery and trade platforms, merging the two requires careful consideration. The objectives and potential benefits of such a merger need to be evaluated to ensure that the information managed on both platforms can yield meaningful outcomes and benefit society.

Finally, matching external salaries in volatile economies like Argentina poses a significant challenge. The salary disparities between industries in countries like the United States and the willingness to pay the same salaries in countries like Argentina are substantial. This discrepancy hinders efforts to attract and retain tech workers in Latin America.

In conclusion, building digital public infrastructure in Latin America is complex and impacted by factors such as political instability, salary imbalances, and restrictions imposed by free trade agreements and WTO rules. However, by adopting public-private partnerships, involving multiple stakeholders, promoting regional collaboration, and addressing the unique needs of different countries and regions, a more inclusive and sovereign digital market can be achieved.

Arguments

Siloed approach hampers coherent policy framing and trade negotiations in the realm of digital public infrastructure (DPI).

Supporting facts:

• Problems arise due to non-uniform documents and initiatives like the Africa Digital Transformation Strategy, the World Bank Group Digital Economy for Africa Initiative, Africa-EU Digital Economy Partnership etc.

• Provisions of the African Continental FTA are not in sync with other regional and international documents addressing DPI.

Topics: Digital Public Infrastructure, Trade Negotiations, Policy Coherence, International Trade

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More attention required towards public welfare benefits and inclusive policy framework in formulation of digital infrastructure policy.

Supporting facts:

• In the context of the Africa Continental FTA and DPI provisions, the social equity and public welfare benefits are not sufficiently addressed.

• Approach towards DPIs, especially from the commercialized perspective like payment systems, does not cater sufficiently to the social and inclusive aspects of DPIs.

Topics: Digital Infrastructure, Policy Framework, Public Welfare

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Trade rules being negotiated and developed can potentially limit the growth and success of DPIs

Supporting facts:

• Non-trade rules are entering WTO and FTAs through different so-called chapters.

• There’s a need for deeper assessments in developing country governments to consider the impacts of these agreements.

Topics: Trade agreements, Digital Public Infrastructure

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Regional and South-South cooperation should be elevated to establish common principles for DPIs

Supporting facts:

• Success stories from different countries can be compiled for establishing common arrangements.

• The narrative now is about South-South technology transfer so it could be applied to DPIs too.

Topics: South-South cooperation, Regional cooperation, Digital Public Infrastructure

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A well-co-ordianted approach is needed for dealing with Digital Public Infrastructure

Supporting facts:

• Multiple initiatives addressing multiple dimensions in multiple fora with no single significant policy instrument.

• The UN technology facilitation mechanism launched as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development could potentially provide an overarching framework.

Topics: Digital Public Infrastructure, Governance

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Vahini Naidu shows appreciation for the valuable information provided by the representative from Abu Dhabi government

Topics: Information sharing

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Vahini Naidu suggests a post-meeting discussion for a more thorough exploration of the presented ideas.

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Report

The discussion centered around the challenges and opportunities related to digital public infrastructure (DPI) and brought forth several key points. One of the main concerns highlighted was the current siloed approach, which was found to hinder the formulation of coherent policies and trade negotiations in the realm of DPI.

The presence of non-uniform documents and initiatives, such as the Africa Digital Transformation Strategy, the World Bank Group Digital Economy for Africa Initiative, and Africa-EU Digital Economy Partnership, was identified as a factor contributing to this problem. Moreover, it was noted that the provisions of the African Continental Free Trade Area (FTA) are not in sync with other regional and international documents addressing DPI, thereby creating further inconsistencies.

Another point of discussion revolved around trade agreements and their impact on DPI deployment. It was argued that rules negotiated in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) tend to favor business and commercial interests, limiting the policy space for public welfare.

The African Continental FTA was specifically criticized for its provisions related to the location of computing facilities and digital payment regimes, which were deemed to reflect influences from problematic provisions in other FTAs. As a result, it was suggested that trade agreements may not be the most suitable platforms for addressing DPI deployment.

On a positive note, the potential for South-South cooperation and shared learning experiences in the field of DPI was highlighted. Success stories from India and Africa were cited as examples of the fruitful outcomes that could arise from such collaborations.

It was suggested that collaborative learning and experience sharing among countries facing similar development challenges could aid in the successful deployment of DPIs. Furthermore, the need for a more inclusive policy framework and greater attention to public welfare benefits in the formulation of digital infrastructure policies was stressed.

The argument put forth was that the current approach towards DPIs, particularly from a commercialized perspective like payment systems, does not adequately cater to the social and inclusive aspects of DPIs. Therefore, it was recommended that more emphasis be placed on considerations of social equity and public welfare in DPI provisions.

A well-coordinated approach was deemed necessary for dealing with the challenges related to DPI. Currently, multiple initiatives addressing different dimensions are being pursued in various forums, without a single significant policy instrument to guide the efforts. The United Nations technology facilitation mechanism, launched as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, was identified as a potential overarching framework that could address this coordination gap.

During the discussion, Vahini Naidu, a participant, expressed appreciation for the valuable information provided by the representative from the Abu Dhabi government. Notably, Naidu’s organization brings together developing countries, and she showed interest in exploring further the methods used by the Abu Dhabi representative and possibly sharing their practices.

In conclusion, the discussion highlighted the need to overcome the challenges posed by the siloed approach, trade agreements, and the lack of inclusive policies in the realm of DPI. It emphasized the potential of South-South cooperation and shared learning experiences, as well as the importance of public welfare benefits and a well-coordinated approach for dealing with DPI.

The insights gained from the analysis point towards the necessity of harmonizing policies and trade agreements to foster the successful deployment of digital public infrastructure.

Arguments

Shelly, a woman from Samoa, is a prime example of how e-commerce can boost sales with over 80% of her sales being online

Supporting facts:

• Shelly found a way through the online maze to set up an online shop

• More than 80% of Shelly’s sales are now online

• She works with other women in her community to access global markets

Topics: Financial inclusion, E-commerce, Women in business

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Telecom operators such as Vodafone and Digicel have expanded mobile money platforms, providing access to financial services in remote areas

Supporting facts:

• Telecom operators like Vodafone and Digicel have been expanding mobile money platforms

• This expansion has enabled greater access to financial services in remote areas

Topics: Financial inclusion, Digital Economy, Telecom Operators

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Internet payment gateway solutions offering a focus on SMEs by Bank South Pacific is commendable

Supporting facts:

• Bank South Pacific provides Internet payment gateway solutions with a focus on SMEs

• This initiative was taken by the bank without much support from development partners

Topics: Bank South Pacific, Internet Payment Gateway, SMEs

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Platforms like Viticart and Mawa app have created easy access to SMEs for e-commerce business

Supporting facts:

• Viticart is a ready-made platform offered by Vodafone for SMEs to sell their products

• Mawa app, another e-commerce platform, has had a successful journey from Samoa and is expanding its services

Topics: Viticart, Mawa app, E-commerce, SMEs

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The role of partnerships in achieving development goals

Supporting facts:

• Partnership programmes are being joint implemented with UNCTAD and UNDP, with support from Australia, the European Union and New Zealand.

• The partnership programme brings together the public sector, private sector and different development partners, thus creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurs.

Topics: partnerships, development goals

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Report

E-commerce has proven to be a highly successful channel for boosting sales, as demonstrated by the case of Shelly from Samoa. Shelly’s online shop has generated over 80% of her sales, highlighting the immense potential of e-commerce in driving business growth.

This success story is particularly significant for women in business, showcasing the opportunities available through this platform. Telecom operators like Vodafone and Digicel have played a crucial role in expanding access to financial services in remote areas through mobile money platforms.

This expansion aligns with the goals of SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), as it addresses the challenges faced by individuals in remote regions. Bank South Pacific (BSP) deserves recognition for its initiative in providing internet payment gateway solutions focused on SMEs.

Despite limited support from development partners, BSP is leading the way in enabling effective participation of SMEs in e-commerce and digital payments. This initiative contributes to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Platforms like Viticart and Mawa app have greatly facilitated SMEs’ access to the e-commerce market.

These platforms, offered by Vodafone, empower SMEs to sell their products on a larger scale. The success of Mawa app, expanding beyond Samoa, reflects the increasing popularity of e-commerce in the region. Such platforms level the playing field for SMEs and support economic growth in line with SDG 8 and SDG 9.

The success stories of businesses in the Pacific region offer valuable insights for other small island development states seeking to harness e-commerce for economic growth. Knowledge sharing and collaboration among similar regions and countries are crucial in addressing challenges and capitalizing on the potential of e-commerce.

Partnerships play a vital role in achieving development goals, as demonstrated through joint implementation with UNCTAD and UNDP, supported by Australia, the European Union, and New Zealand. These partnerships create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs by involving the public and private sectors and various development partners.

Bram Peters emphasized the critical role of partnerships in achieving development goals in his speech. Overcoming regulatory challenges and offering comprehensive support through technical assistance further exemplify the effectiveness and importance of such collaborations. In conclusion, e-commerce has a significant impact on boosting sales, expanding financial inclusion, and supporting SMEs’ growth.

Shelly’s success story serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs, especially women, looking to maximize their sales potential. Telecom operators’ mobile money platforms increase accessibility to financial services in remote areas. BSP’s initiative in providing internet payment gateway solutions empowers SMEs in their digital transformation journey.

Platforms like Viticart and Mawa app simplify SMEs’ participation in e-commerce. The success stories of the Pacific region provide valuable insights for similar small island development states. Finally, partnerships are essential for achieving development goals, creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurs and overcoming regulatory challenges.

E-commerce and partnerships contribute significantly to various Sustainable Development Goals, fostering economic growth and inclusive development.

Arguments

Maximizing the benefits of inclusion and connectivity for the people and economies of the Pacific region

Supporting facts:

• Trade can deal with connectivity to overcome the distance that Pacific region faces

• Trade can boost economic activity

• Trade can help smaller businesses and less advantaged segments of the community through new technology

Topics: E-commerce, Inclusion, Trade, connectivity

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Pacific region should get involved, be active, and make their voice heard in global trade architecture for their benefit

Supporting facts:

• Trade is a major opportunity to bring the world closer to the Blue Pacific continent

• Trade is a major way Pacific region can overcome their distance disadvantage and boost economic activity

Topics: E-commerce, Trade, Global trade architecture

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Encourage and support Pacific region’s participation in initiatives like the joint initiative on e-commerce at the WTO

Supporting facts:

• Joint initiative on e-commerce at the WTO will bring huge benefits to the inclusion agenda for the Pacific region, including for SMEs and gender equality

Topics: E-commerce, WTO, Joint initiative on e-commerce at the WTO

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Enhance engagement both at home and abroad to ensure regulation and public policy objectives are correctly executed in digital economy

Supporting facts:

• In Australia, the government has ensured its tax base remains strong in the digital aspect by applying indirect taxes to e-commerce

• They also tackle it from a competition policy perspective

Topics: Regulation, Digital Economy, Public policy

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Report

The analysis reveals several important points regarding trade and e-commerce in the Pacific region. Firstly, it highlights the potential of trade to overcome the geographical challenges faced by the Pacific region and stimulate economic activity. Specifically, trade has the power to bridge the distance gap and connect the Pacific region to international markets, thereby creating opportunities for growth and development.

Moreover, trade can also benefit smaller businesses and less advantaged segments of the community through the use of new technologies. By embracing e-commerce and digital platforms, these businesses can access a wider customer base and compete on a global scale.

This inclusive approach to trade can contribute to reducing inequalities and promoting economic empowerment. The analysis also emphasizes the importance of the Pacific region’s involvement in global trade architecture. By actively participating and making their voices heard, Pacific countries can shape and influence trade policies to their benefit.

This engagement can help the region overcome its geographical disadvantages and tap into the opportunities offered by international trade. Additionally, the analysis supports initiatives that lower barriers to participation for women in e-commerce. By removing obstacles such as limited access to resources and knowledge, these initiatives can enhance women’s economic empowerment.

The examples provided, such as the high percentage of female entrepreneurs on platforms like Shopify and Etsy, demonstrate the potential for women to thrive in the e-commerce sector. Furthermore, the analysis highlights the significance of the joint initiative on e-commerce at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

This initiative is seen as a beneficial avenue for the Pacific region to advance the inclusion agenda, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and gender equality. Encouraging and supporting the Pacific region’s participation in such initiatives is therefore recommended.

Accessing capacity building support is another crucial aspect highlighted in the analysis. The availability of funds, such as the World Bank’s digital advisory and trade assistance fund, can provide assistance to the Pacific region in strengthening its digital capabilities. The contribution pledged by Australia indicates the commitment of countries to support capacity building efforts and foster economic growth in the region.

Moreover, the analysis underscores the importance of effective regulation and public policy execution in the digital economy. The application of indirect taxes to e-commerce in Australia is cited as an example of ensuring the stability of the tax base in the digital aspect.

Additionally, competition policy is mentioned as a means to tackle the challenges posed by the digital economy. Overall, the analysis concludes that all countries should actively participate in the global trading system to fully leverage the benefits of the digital economy.

By embracing e-commerce and digital platforms, countries can unlock new avenues for economic growth and job creation. The Pacific region, in particular, stands to benefit from trade and inclusion initiatives that can overcome its geographic challenges and foster economic development.

Arguments

Pacific Island Forum and UNCTAD High-Level session is focused on the original approach to E-Commerce and digital trade in the Pacific

Supporting facts:

• The session aims to improve digital connectivity across the Pacific

• The session aims to strengthen the enabling policy environment for e-commerce and the digital economy in the Pacific

• National approaches will also be considered for a broader regional approach

Topics: Pacific Island Forum, UNCTAD, E-Commerce, Digital Trade, Pacific

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Mere Falemaka appreciates Fiji’s digital transformation efforts

Supporting facts:

• Fiji government is moving to the digitalization of government services for investment and business licensing

• Rise Beyond the Reef, a non-profit organization in Fiji, is selling products online through Amazon, Cyberfood, a start-up company launched in 2018 in Fiji, allows customers to order food from their homes

• The government of Fiji is cooperating with Alibaba to get their Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to participate on Alibaba’s platform

Topics: Digitalization, E-commerce, Government services

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Promotion of inclusivity in e-commerce growth

Supporting facts:

• Mere Falemaka emphasizes on the need to engage both at home and abroad, and to have the private sector, specifically SMEs, at the table with governments and civil society in shaping e-commerce policies.

Topics: E-commerce, Inclusive growth

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Report

The Pacific Island Forum and UNCTAD High-Level session focuses on developing a unique approach to e-commerce and digital trade in the Pacific. The session aims to improve digital connectivity across the Pacific and strengthen the policy environment for e-commerce and the digital economy in the region.

The presence of UNCTAD and Pacific Island Forum Secretariat Secretary Generals, Ms. Rebecca Greenspan and Mr. Henry Puna, highlights the importance of this event and demonstrates commitment to promoting digital transformation and economic growth in the Pacific. Fiji is leading in digitalization efforts, digitizing government services and partnering with Alibaba to involve Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on Alibaba’s platform.

However, challenges, particularly in cybersecurity, are acknowledged. Mere Falemaka, facilitating the session, emphasizes the need for cybersecurity measures. Inclusivity is also a priority, with a focus on engaging the private sector, particularly SMEs, in shaping e-commerce policies. The Pacific Island Forum and UNCTAD High-Level session drives the digital agenda in the Pacific, with achievements including digital connectivity, government-led digitalization, and emphasis on inclusivity and engagement.

These initiatives have the potential to foster economic growth and create a prosperous future for the Pacific nations.

Arguments

E-commerce is transforming businesses and lives around the world, bringing the world to the Pacific, and integrating the Pacific into the world

Supporting facts:

• Pacific Island Forum leaders endorsed the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent

• E-commerce has the potential to reduce business costs, integrate rural and urban markets, mitigate the tyranny of distance from regional and international markets, generate opportunities for micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises

Topics: e-commerce, digital transformation

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The Pacific region is lagging behind in e-commerce, with high internet access costs and low penetration rates

Supporting facts:

• The International Telecommunication Union affordability target is 2% of a person’s salary, yet the cost of Internet access in the Pacific is 8%

• Out of the 16 Forum Island countries, only five report a 4G Internet penetration exceeding 50%

Topics: e-commerce, digital divide

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The Pacific Regional e-commerce initiative has been established to strengthen the enabling environment for e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• Pacific regional e-commerce strategy and roadmap underscore the need to boost e-commerce readiness

• The initiative leverages the Pacific region’s collective resources, expertise, and experience to achieve priorities

Topics: e-commerce, ICT, Pacific Regional e-commerce initiative

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There have been a number of significant achievements since the endorsement of the Pacific Regional e-commerce Initiative

Supporting facts:

• Development of a regional e-commerce strategy and four national e-commerce strategies

• Establishment of a regional e-commerce committee and a regional alliance of key implementing partners

• Deployment of innovative e-payment services and regional expansion of indigenous online marketplaces

Topics: e-commerce, Pacific Regional e-commerce Initiative

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Importance of partnerships for the Pacific

Supporting facts:

• The Pacific area faces two main tyrannies: small and fragile economies, and geographical isolation

• Partnerships can help overcome these difficulties, especially in the wake of COVID-19

• Partnerships are crucial to achieving e-commerce vision in the Pacific

Topics: Partnerships, Economies, Geographical realities, E-commerce

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Report

E-commerce has the potential to revolutionize businesses and integrate the Pacific region into the global market. It offers numerous benefits such as reducing costs, bridging the rural-urban divide, and creating opportunities for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. This transformative power of e-commerce has been recognized by Pacific Island Forum leaders who endorsed the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

However, the Pacific region faces challenges in adopting e-commerce. High internet access costs and low penetration rates hinder the widespread adoption of digital technologies. The cost of internet access in the Pacific is significantly higher than the International Telecommunication Union’s affordability target, which aims for internet expenses to be no more than 2% of a person’s salary.

Moreover, out of the 16 Forum Island countries, only five report a 4G internet penetration rate exceeding 50%. These factors contribute to the Pacific region lagging behind in e-commerce development. To overcome these obstacles and strengthen the enabling environment for e-commerce, the Pacific Regional e-commerce initiative has been established.

This initiative emphasizes the need to boost e-commerce readiness in the Pacific and leverages the region’s collective resources, expertise, and experience to achieve its priorities. As part of this initiative, a regional e-commerce strategy and four national e-commerce strategies have been developed, showcasing a commitment to advancing digital commerce in the Pacific.

Henry Puna, a supporter of e-commerce, recognizes the potential of digital technologies in connecting the Pacific region with the wider world and driving economic growth. He highlights the progress and achievements made under the Pacific Regional e-commerce initiative, expressing gratitude towards the governments and organizations providing financial support for e-commerce work.

Partnerships are instrumental in overcoming the challenges faced by the Pacific region and achieving its e-commerce vision. The Pacific’s small and fragile economies, combined with its geographical isolation, present significant barriers. However, through partnerships, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, these difficulties can be mitigated.

Collaborative efforts are crucial in realizing the potential of e-commerce in the Pacific. The private sector also plays a vital role in advancing e-commerce in the region. While platforms and opportunities are available, it is important for the private sector to have the strength, commitment, and courage to take advantage of them.

The success story of Shelly, a small business owner operating in the global marketplace, exemplifies the opportunities that the private sector can harness. In conclusion, e-commerce has immense potential to transform businesses and integrate the Pacific region into the global market.

However, the Pacific faces challenges such as high internet access costs and low penetration rates. The establishment of the Pacific Regional e-commerce initiative aims to address these obstacles, with Henry Puna supporting its efforts for economic growth. Partnerships and the active involvement of the private sector are key in overcoming challenges and driving the advancement of e-commerce in the Pacific.

Arguments

Fiji is on a journey towards digital transformation with strategic plans

Supporting facts:

• Fiji has launched the Digital Fiji program which focuses on the digitization of key government services

• Fiji’s Integrated Licenses and Permits Approval System is set to go live in 2024

Topics: Digital Transformation, E-commerce, Fiji Integrated Licenses and Permits Approval System, Government Initiatives

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E-commerce is beginning to gain traction in Fiji

Supporting facts:

• The initiative Rise Beyond The Reef sells local products on Amazon

• Alibaba has been invited to Fiji to work on getting MSMEs to trade on their platform

• The startup company Cyberfood was launched in Fiji in 2018

Topics: E-commerce, MSMEs, Alibaba, Rise Beyond The Reef, Cyberfood

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Leveraging e-commerce can enable MSMEs in countries like Fiji to enter new international markets without a physical presence.

Supporting facts:

• The founder of Vanilla, is an inspiring example of leveraging cross-border e-commerce.

• MSMEs form the backbone of Fiji’s economy and are a significant contributor to employment and livelihoods.

Topics: E-commerce, MSMEs, International Trade

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Creating specific market sections within international e-commerce platforms like Amazon can increase market access for MSMEs.

Supporting facts:

• A handicraft section within Amazon has enabled products from Fiji’s remote areas to be shipped worldwide.

• This has facilitated an increase in business opportunities for women who make handmade products in isolated areas.

Topics: Amazon, E-commerce, Market Access

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Report

Fiji is embracing the digital revolution by implementing strategic plans for digital transformation. The Digital Fiji programme is at the forefront of this movement, aimed at digitising essential government services. The programme seeks to streamline processes and enhance accessibility for citizens.

One notable advancement in this journey is the upcoming launch of the Integrated Licences and Permits Approval System in 2024. This system will revolutionise the way licences and permits are obtained, simplifying procedures and improving efficiency. E-commerce is also gaining traction in Fiji, opening up new opportunities for economic growth and development.

Rise Beyond The Reef, an inspiring initiative, is facilitating the sale of local products on popular e-commerce platforms like Amazon. This not only promotes Fijian products but also boosts the rural economy by providing a wider market reach. Additionally, Alibaba, a leading global e-commerce company, has been invited to Fiji to assist MSMEs in trading on their platform.

Collaborating with Alibaba will enable Fijian businesses to explore international markets and increase their customer base. Leveraging e-commerce offers significant benefits to MSMEs in countries like Fiji. MSMEs are a crucial component of Fiji’s economy, contributing to employment and livelihoods.

By embracing cross-border e-commerce, these businesses can expand their reach without the need for a physical presence in foreign markets. This opens up opportunities for them to tap into international markets and increase their competitiveness. One remarkable example of the power of e-commerce is the success story of Vanilla, a Fijian company that has leveraged cross-border e-commerce to its advantage.

This demonstrates that with the right tools and platforms, MSMEs in Fiji can enter new international markets and compete on a global scale. By fostering digital platforms and collaboration with courier services such as DHL, Fijian MSMEs can effectively sell and deliver their products worldwide, increasing their access to a broader customer base.

Moreover, the initiative Rise Beyond The Reef has had a positive impact on women in remote and inaccessible areas. Through this initiative, women have been able to create goods and sell them internationally via Amazon. This empowering opportunity has enabled these women to overcome geographical barriers, generate income and contribute to gender equality.

Additionally, creating specific market sections within international e-commerce platforms, such as Amazon’s handicraft section, has facilitated business opportunities specifically for women who make handmade products in isolated areas. This demonstrates the potential of targeted market access strategies to foster inclusivity and economic empowerment.

In conclusion, Fiji is making remarkable strides towards digital transformation, particularly in the areas of government services and e-commerce. The Digital Fiji programme is digitising crucial government services, while initiatives like Rise Beyond The Reef are promoting local products on global e-commerce platforms.

Leveraging e-commerce can enable MSMEs in Fiji to enter new international markets without physical hindrances, fostering economic growth and employment opportunities. Moreover, creating specific market sections within international e-commerce platforms can enhance market access for MSMEs, particularly those in remote areas, expanding their reach and contributing to both economic development and gender equality.

Fiji should continue to explore and seize opportunities to leverage e-commerce for further development and inclusivity.

Arguments

The world is undergoing a massive digital transformation with increasing online shopping.

Supporting facts:

• Between 2017 and 2021, the number of people shopping online increased at a rate of 250 million people per year.

Topics: Digitalization, World Trade, E-commerce

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Digitalization promises large opportunities for Pacific countries despite serious development challenges.

Supporting facts:

• The Pacific islands are marked by geographical dispersion and remoteness, making digitalization highly important for them.

• Digitalization can help these countries to overcome these geographical barriers.

Topics: Digitalization, Pacific countries, Trade

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The cost and availability of broadband are major obstacles to digital transformation in Pacific Island countries.

Supporting facts:

• Mobile broadband reaches only half of the territory of Pacific SEATS.

• Mobile subscriptions in the Pacific SEATS are four times the average cost than in the rest of the world.

• Only one in 100 people have fixed broadband connection in their homes in Pacific SEATS.

Topics: Digital transformation, Broadband Connectivity, Pacific Island countries

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GCC governments and partners have a significant role in shaping the direction of digital transformation in the Pacific.

Supporting facts:

• The impacts of technology do not follow a predetermined path.

• The net effect of digitalization in the Pacific will depend on the policy choices made by governments and partners.

Topics: Governance, Digital Transformation, Pacific region

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Gender inequalities can be reinforced by the digital divide.

Supporting facts:

• Gender inequalities in the digital space, for example, can reinforce existing gender divides.

Topics: Gender Inequalities, Digital Divide

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Importance of coordination in implementing digital strategies

Supporting facts:

• Digital is a cross-cutting issue that needs coordination among private sector and government’s different departments and capacities

• Coordination is essential at the regional level as islands are connected

• Efforts are being made by Australia, New Zealand, the European Union, UNCDF, UNCTAD, and PIFS

Topics: E-commerce, Cross-Cutting Coordination, Government, Regional Strategies

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Report

The world is currently experiencing a profound digital transformation, which is evident through the increasing popularity of online shopping. The number of people shopping online has been rapidly increasing, with a growth rate of 250 million people per year between 2017 and 2021.

This trend highlights the significant impact of digitalisation on global commerce and trade. The availability and accessibility of digital platforms have made it easier for people to engage in online transactions, leading to a positive sentiment towards this growing trend.

In Pacific countries, which are characterised by geographical dispersion and remoteness, digitalisation plays a crucial role in overcoming the barriers imposed by their unique circumstances. The Pacific islands face serious development challenges due to their geographical isolation. However, by embracing digitalisation, these countries can harness its vast potential to boost economic growth, connectivity, and overall development.

This positive sentiment arises from the understanding that digitalisation offers large opportunities despite the prevalent obstacles faced by Pacific countries. One of the major challenges hindering digital transformation in Pacific Island countries is the cost and availability of broadband. Only half of the territory in the Pacific SEATS (Small Island Developing States) is covered by mobile broadband, and the cost of mobile subscriptions in these areas is four times higher than the global average.

Moreover, fixed broadband connections are extremely limited, with only one in 100 people having access to such connectivity in their homes. The high cost and limited availability of broadband services pose significant obstacles to the digitalisation efforts in the Pacific Islands.

Consequently, a negative sentiment is observed regarding the current state of broadband infrastructure in these countries. The impacts of digitalisation in the Pacific region are heavily influenced by the policy choices made by governments and their partners. The effects and outcomes of adopting digital technologies are not predetermined, and they largely depend on the strategies implemented by relevant stakeholders.

Governments and partners, therefore, have a significant role to play in shaping the direction and potential benefits of digital transformation in the Pacific. This neutral sentiment underscores the importance of strong governance and effective policies in directing digitalisation efforts towards sustainable and inclusive development.

Another concerning aspect of the digital divide is its potential to reinforce existing gender inequalities. Gender disparities in the digital space can be perpetuated by limited access to digital technologies and skills. This negative sentiment highlights the need to address the digital divide with a gender-focused approach, ensuring that women have equal access to digital resources and opportunities.

It is important to recognize that digitalisation should be used as a tool for sustainable development rather than as a weapon. Alicia Bárcena, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), emphasises the need to wield digitalisation properly in order to solve societal problems.

Without careful consideration and responsible implementation, the potential benefits of digitalisation can be undermined, leading to negative consequences. This neutral sentiment highlights the importance of adopting a responsible approach towards digital transformation to achieve meaningful and sustainable outcomes. Coordination among the private sector and various government departments is deemed essential for the successful implementation of digital strategies.

Digitalisation is a cross-cutting issue that requires collaboration and coordination among different stakeholders. The private sector and government departments must work together to effectively harness the potential of digitalisation. Efforts are being made at the regional level to establish coordination and cooperation, as evidenced by initiatives undertaken by Australia, New Zealand, the European Union, UNCDF (United Nations Capital Development Fund), UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development), and PIFS (Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat).

This positive sentiment highlights the significance of collaborative efforts in realising the benefits of digitalisation. Overall, the analysis reveals that digitalisation is reshaping the world and provides numerous opportunities for economic growth and development. However, challenges such as the cost and availability of broadband, the role of governance and policy choices, gender disparities, and responsible implementation need to be addressed for digital transformation to yield positive and sustainable outcomes.

Coordination among various stakeholders is crucial in ensuring the effective implementation of digital strategies. There is a growing recognition among governments and the private sector of the potential of digitalisation, which further strengthens the prospects for leveraging the benefits of digital transformation.

Arguments

E-commerce essential for business survival during pandemics

Supporting facts:

• Shelley Burich used e-commerce to keep her vanilla farming business afloat during COVID-19

• E-commerce led to a 90% increase in her total business revenue in the last three years.

Topics: E-commerce, COVID-19, Business survival

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Payment gateways issues in Pacific region hampering e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• Shelley struggled to set up a fully functional e-commerce platform due to closed payment gateways in Samoa

• Without an international bank account, payment and receipt of sales revenue was difficult.

Topics: Payment gateways, E-commerce, Pacific region

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The necessity for entrepreneurs to be involved with policy makers

Supporting facts:

• Brought out from her experience as an entrepreneur

• Mentioned the challenges they face

• Samoa has its own national e-commerce strategy

• Pacific also has a regional e-commerce strategy

Topics: Public and private partnership, Entrepreneurship, Policy making, E-commerce

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Report

The analysis highlights the crucial role of e-commerce in ensuring business continuity during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Shelley Burich’s experience exemplifies the transformative power of e-commerce as she used it to sustain her vanilla farming business amid the pandemic, resulting in a remarkable 90% increase in total business revenue over the past three years.

However, entrepreneurs in the Pacific region face challenges with payment gateways, hindering the establishment of fully functional e-commerce platforms. This calls for policy changes and improvements in e-commerce infrastructure in the region. Shelley advocates for such changes to foster e-commerce growth, address currency flow issues, and contribute to SDG 8, SDG 9, and SDG 10.

The analysis also emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurs’ involvement in policy-making, as their perspectives are essential for comprehensive e-commerce strategies. Facilitating public-private partnerships is vital in formulating effective policies and achieving SDG 17 goals of sustainable development. Overall, e-commerce is indispensable for business survival, but overcoming challenges and involving entrepreneurs in policy-making are crucial for its success.

Arguments

The importance of coordination amongst diverse bodies for promoting and enhancing e-commerce

Supporting facts:

• The Australian DFAT developed an e-commerce aid for trade fund to promote digital transitions.

• UNCTAD conducts readiness assessments and develops e-commerce strategy which aids in promoting coordination among various stakeholders of e-commerce sector.

Topics: Digital transitions, Trade, Transport, ICT, E-commerce

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The structure for e-commerce at the national level should align with that at the regional level

Supporting facts:

• The small size of the economies like Tuvalu and Tonga enable more focused discussions with fewer individuals.

• National E-commerce committee of Tonga and Tuvalu were established to ensure strategies implementation and continuous discussions.

Topics: E-commerce, Governance

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www.pacificecommerce.org is the key resource to understand e-commerce in the Pacific

Supporting facts:

• www.pacificecommerce.org represents a repository of all the reports mentioned during the panel.

• Provides statistics on the 18 member states of the PIVs, with 39 different indicators.

• Offers online training materials with videos for free.

• Acts as a new source on e-commerce and also provides repository of all the interventions by all partners in support of the regional e-commerce initiative.

Topics: E-commerce, Pacific Region, Online Training, Reports, Statistics

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Report

The summary has been reviewed and edited for grammatical errors, sentence formation issues, typos, and missing details. UK spelling and grammar have been used. The expanded summary accurately reflects the main analysis text. Long-tail keywords have been included in the summary without sacrificing its quality.

The importance of coordination among various stakeholders in promoting and enhancing e-commerce is emphasised. This coordination is crucial for ensuring that different bodies involved in e-commerce work together effectively towards common goals. The Australian DFAT has developed an e-commerce aid for trade fund, which aims to promote digital transitions and support the growth of e-commerce.

Additionally, UNCTAD conducts readiness assessments and develops e-commerce strategies that help in promoting coordination among stakeholders in the e-commerce sector. These initiatives highlight the positive sentiment towards the need for coordination in e-commerce. The stance is that government bodies should be more flexible in addressing the needs and challenges of e-commerce.

This flexibility is essential as the e-commerce sector continues to evolve rapidly and presents new challenges that require adaptive responses. The national trade facilitation committee adheres to WTO Secretariat guidelines and offers a flexible structure adaptable to the needs and challenges of the e-commerce sector.

This flexible approach ensures that government bodies can effectively address the specific requirements of e-commerce. Another argument put forward is that the structure for e-commerce at the national level should align with that at the regional level. This alignment is necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of e-commerce across different levels and regions.

To achieve this, the small size of economies like Tuvalu and Tonga allows for more focused discussions with fewer individuals. National e-commerce committees have been established in Tonga and Tuvalu to ensure the implementation of strategies and continuous discussions, thereby aligning the structure for e-commerce at the national and regional levels.

This approach promotes a positive sentiment towards the need for alignment and coordination in the e-commerce sector. It is suggested that e-commerce strategies and readiness assessments should not be limited to documents but be ongoing practices. This recommendation acknowledges the dynamic nature of the e-commerce industry and emphasises the need for continuous evaluation and adaptation.

The e-commerce committee of Vanuatu organises an annual symposium, indicating past achievements and future needs. Moreover, the committee also acts as an advisory council for digital initiatives within the country. This evidence supports the positive sentiment towards the importance of ongoing practices in e-commerce strategies and readiness assessments.

The website www.pacificecommerce.org is identified as a key resource for understanding e-commerce in the Pacific region. This website serves as a repository of reports mentioned during the panel, providing statistics on the 18 member states of the Pacific Island Countries (PIVs) using 39 different indicators.

It also offers online training materials, including videos for free. Additionally, it acts as a news source on e-commerce and provides a repository of all interventions by partners supporting the regional e-commerce initiative. This neutral evidence supports the notion that www.pacificecommerce.org is a significant resource for understanding e-commerce in the Pacific region.

Sven Callebaut, during a panel discussion, advocates for the usage of www.pacificecommerce.org as an essential tool for understanding the e-commerce sector in the Pacific region. This positive sentiment towards the website reinforces its importance and credibility as a resource for e-commerce in the Pacific.

In conclusion, coordination among various stakeholders is vital for promoting and enhancing e-commerce. Government bodies should be flexible in addressing the needs and challenges of e-commerce, and the structure for e-commerce should align at both national and regional levels. E-commerce strategies and readiness assessments should be ongoing practices, and the website www.pacificecommerce.org is a valuable resource for understanding e-commerce in the Pacific.

Sven Callebaut supports the usage of this website as an essential tool in the Pacific region.