First G20 Digital Economy Working Group Meeting in India Sets Tone for Future
The First G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) meeting concluded in India on 15 February, which was held in Lucknow. The meeting was productive and meaningful, setting the tone for future DEWG meetings. G20 members, key knowledge partners, and guest countries gathered to discuss digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital skilling while showcasing India’s digital transformation journey.
The inauguration day consisted of five workshops covering various topics related to digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity solutions for MSMEs, sustainable development goals, and the use of geospatial technologies. The meeting also showcased digital initiatives from the state of Uttar Pradesh.
On the second day, the DEWG meeting began with a keynote address from India’s G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, followed by insightful presentations and interventions from participants. The delegates discussed two priority areas, namely Digital Public Infrastructure and Cybersecurity, and expressed their willingness for further deliberations in subsequent working group meetings.
Later that day, the participants went on an excursion to bara Imambara, a historic monument that is widely considered an architectural masterpiece. The day ended with sound, light, and dance shows, creating a magical atmosphere for all.
The final day of the meeting focused on the priority of Digital Skilling, with India proposing mechanisms for a digitally skilled future-ready workforce. Member nations appreciated the inclusion of digital skilling in the DEWG agenda and supported India’s proposed priority areas. Summary discussions were also held on three key priority areas:
- Digital Public Infrastructure
- Cybersecurity in the Digital Economy
- Digital Skilling
The Co-Chair and Joint Secretary, MeitY – Sushil Pal, made the concluding remarks.
In a press briefing, the Chair of G20-DEWG and Secretary, MeitY, Alkesh Kumar Sharma, shared the key highlights of the last three days. He thanked the G20 member states, guest countries, and international organizations for their invigorating conversations on the priority areas. He also expressed gratitude to the State Government of Uttar Pradesh for their phenomenal support in organizing the DEWG meeting. The DEWG meeting is the first of four scheduled to be conducted in India, with the next ones taking place in Hyderabad, Pune, and Bangalore. An immersive digital mobile van also travelled to over 75 destinations, providing an interactive and immersive experience to about 120,000 persons on India’s digital transformation journey. The exhibition and experience centre, showcasing virtual realities and innovative solutions, attracted around 18,000 visitors.
