UNCTAD eWeek charts a sustainable, inclusive path for the digital economy
Date: 09/12/23
More than 3,500 participants explored how to turn digital opportunities into shared and sustainable development gains during UNCTAD eWeek 2023, on 4–8 December. Held online and in Geneva, Switzerland, this United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) event brought together government leaders, CEOs, heads of international organisations, civil society representatives and other key stakeholders from 159 countries.
Under the theme ‘Shaping the future of the digital economy’ UNCTAD eWeek 2023 addressed critical societal and technical issues such as governing digital platforms and artificial intelligence (AI), promoting eco-friendly digital practices, empowering women in the digital economy and enhancing developing countries’ digital readiness. The theme was explored as an urgent call to mobilise global support for a more inclusive digital economy and ensure that countries at the frontline of development are not left behind.
Participants echoed a clear call to action: scale up global efforts to boost digital readiness and establish effective governance frameworks. Shaping a better digital future for all hinges on a collective commitment and inclusive, global collaboration.
On digital infrastructure and skills: leaders agreed on the pressing need to empower the least developed countries through enhanced digital infrastructure, connectivity, skills and regulatory frameworks.
On data governance: experts stressed the need for a global governance approach to data, digital platforms and technologies like AI, aiming to ensure equal access, shared benefits and a balance between innovation and the protection of human and social rights.
On environmental sustainability: the discussions emphasised the importance of reducing the digital economy’s environmental footprint through innovation in device production, better waste management and consumer awareness, and a swift shift to renewable energy.
On empowering women: participants underlined the critical need to support women entrepreneurs in the digital economy, focusing especially on improving their access to finance and actively involving them in policymaking processes.
Further information
The UNCTAD eWeek is a platform for constructive and inclusive dialogue to generate insights and actions that can feed into global efforts, particularly the ongoing UN Global Digital Compact process aimed at catalysing an open, free and secure digital future for all, leading up to the UN’s 2024 Summit of the Future.
The event was organised with the support of the Swiss government and other donors, as well as partners of the UNCTAD-led eTrade for all initiative and will culminate in a joint declaration. Developments related to the event can be followed on social media using the hashtag #UNCTADeWeek 2023.
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