The G20 Digital Innovation Alliance (G20-DIA) recently hosted an international roadshow at the Taj Business Bay in Dubai, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss the significant impact of digital public goods on humanity’s upliftment. Co-hosted by FICCI, the Consulate General of India, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the event shed light on various aspects of digital innovation and entrepreneurship.
The panel discussion, titled “Digital Public Goods: Impact on Humanity Upliftment,” delved into the transformative power of digital innovation in addressing societal challenges. Faisal Toukan, CEO of ZIINA, emphasized the revolutionary impact of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), while Nandi Vardhan Mehta, CFO of KAAF Investments, highlighted the challenges faced within the digital ecosystem. Mehta also drew a distinction between digital public goods, which should be shared with other countries and for the greater good of humanity, and digital goods primarily managed by the private sector.
During the discussion, it was revealed that approximately 400 million people worldwide still lack access to the internet, underscoring the urgency of bridging the digital divide. Parvez Alam, CEO of Crescent Innovation & Incubation Council, India, raised concerns about the ethical considerations surrounding digital products, including IP data protection and cybersecurity. He stressed the importance of ESG compliance in the digital realm.Rajesh Mirjankar, MD & CEO of Kiya.ai, and Renyl Rauf, CFO of Bayanat – G42, UAE, shared their insights on future trends. Mirjankar highlighted the significance of autonomous mobility programs, while Rauf emphasized the convergence of digital and physical identities and the collection of data during events like the Golden Globe Race. Both speakers showcased the limitless potential of digital innovation. The panel discussion was expertly moderated by Siby Sudhakaran, Secretary General of the IBPC Dubai and Founder of Startup Middle East.
The event also featured a special address by Dr. Aman Puri, Consul General of the Consulate General of India in Dubai, who emphasized India’s effective utilization of Expo 2020 Dubai to promote startups. The event series ‘Elevate’ attracted over 700 Indian startups, and plans were unveiled for the establishment of the I2u2 Centre of Excellence, a new innovation hub in Gurgaon, India. The chief guest of the Roadshow was Abdulaziz AlNuaimi, Assistant Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Economy.
Jeet Vijay, CEO of MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), announced that the second meeting of the G20 Digital Economy Working Group would take place in Bangalore, India, from August 17-19, 2023. The meeting will include an accelerator program and awards to recognize innovative startups.
The G20-DIA roadshow in Dubai provided a vital platform to explore the potential of digital public goods, address challenges within the digital ecosystem, and foster international collaboration to drive digital innovation and economic growth on a global scale.
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