Excellencies, distinguished participants, ladies and gentlemen,
It is my pleasure to speak at the G20 Digital Economy Ministers Meeting.
As we all know, a defining feature of the post-pandemic world is the digital transformation that has permeated every aspect of our lives. The pandemic has accelerated the digitalization of economies and societies at an unimaginable pace.
While digital technologies have been a lifeline to many during the pandemic, many have been left behind and lack the digital skills to engage in the digital economy.
Therefore, enhancing the digital literacy of its citizens and strengthening the digital skills of its labor force are two important priorities for governments to enable countries to achieve more inclusive digital transformation.
In this connection, I commend the G20 Presidency of Indonesia for prioritizing digital skills and digital literacy as a priority area for deliberation of the G20 Digital Economy Working Group.
I also commend the focus on ensuring that vulnerable groups can engage in the digital economy. Ensuring that the digital transformation happening all around us does not become yet another facet of deep inequality is now probably one of the greatest challenges we face.
It has been an honor for ESCAP to act as a knowledge partner to support the Presidency -- and G20 members -- on priority 2 of the Working Group, namely “Digital Skills and Digital Literacy.” I wish to take this opportunity to thank G20 members for providing your insights, expertise and experiences on this priority issue.
Through this work, we have delivered a G20 Toolkit for Measuring Digital Skills and Digital Literacy and insights on improving the meaningful participation of vulnerable groups in the digital economy.
Excellencies, distinguished participants, ladies and gentlemen,
In closing, I would like to commend you all for your ambition and commitment to ensure an inclusive digital future for all.
ESCAP stands ready to support you going forward, and in particular, we stand ready to support the Government of India to build on the outcomes of your deliberations during its Presidency of G20 in 2023, as well as to support new and emerging digital priorities.
Thank you.
