The world economy is increasingly affected by digital technologies and platforms. This brings about profound disruptions and opens up new opportunities.
The General Assembly has recognized that digitalization can be harnessed as an enabler for all the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by helping to overcome traditional barriers to inclusive development. However, the prevalence of "digital divides" in access, use and policy readiness may also heighten the risk of widening inequality.
This Ministerial Roundtable will focus on efforts at the country level as well as globally to ensure that the evolving digital economy brings about the inclusive future we want.
Key questions that will be addressed include:
- How can e-commerce and digital platforms be leveraged to promote entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, as well as decent jobs?
- How can digitalization facilitate the formalization and growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises?
- What role can digital solutions play to increase access by small businesses to financial services, markets and value chains?
- How will digitalization influence the ability of developing countries, including least developed countries, to double their share of global exports?
- What kind of support is needed from the international community to maximize digital development dividends?
Chair:
H.E. Mr. Mohammad Qurban Haqjo, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the WTO
Opening remarks:
Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General, UNCTAD
Speakers:
H.E.Mr. Pan Sorasak, Minister of Commerce, Cambodia
H.E. Mr. WilsonTarpeh, Minister for Commerce and Industry, Liberia
H.E. Ms.Amelia Kyambadde, Minister of Trade, Industry and Co-operatives,Uganda
H.E.Ms. Khoudia Mbaye, Minister for the Promotion of InvestmentsPartnerships and Development, Senegal
Mr. Brijesh Agrawal, Co-Founder,IndiaMART
Ms. Amanda Long, Director-General, ConsumersInternational
Mr. Daniel Crosby, Partner, King & Spalding,Chairman of Business for eTrade Development
Mr. RicardoMeléndez-Ortiz, Chief Executive Officer, ICTSD
