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Harnessing Technology Transformation for Sustainable Growth

SpeakerS:

The Hon. Alan Davidson, Administrator, U.S. Department of Commerce
Dr. Claire Melamed, CEO, Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data
John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer and Head, GSMA Foundation

With Lead Programming Partner

“Everything that we're talking about—data and technology, in particular mobile technologies, AI, digital—all depend on energy, and I think we don't talk about that connection often enough between some of the different agendas that we're talking about here.” Dr. Claire Melamed
“Openness in the past in software has been really important for democratizing access to technology. We want to make sure that it's not just a small set of companies that control access to all of the important models that are being built.” The Honorable Alan Davidson
“Now, we have the opportunity to work together with governments to find solutions, to build awareness, to make sure that people have the right skills. Sometimes that's about literacy, sometimes it's about language, sometimes it's about affordability.” John Giusti

Key takeaways:

  • Digital technologies for sustainable development: Digital technologies, including mobile technologies and AI, are essential for driving progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but they are dependent on energy infrastructure. 
  • Bridging the digital divide: Despite technological advances, millions of people worldwide lack access to essential internet services, underscoring the need to address digital inequities. 
  • Public-private partnerships are crucial: Collaboration between governments, industry, and international organizations is vital to deliver benefits, drive change, and ensure sustainable investment in digital infrastructure. 
  • AI to democratize technology: Embracing openness in AI development can democratize access to technology, preventing control by a few entities and promoting global accessibility. 
  • AI innovation accelerates progress on SDGs: AI and machine learning have the potential to significantly accelerate progress on the SDGs, with governments and industry moving swiftly to harness these technologies.
  • Alignment of policy and regulatory frameworks: There is a growing recognition of the need to align digital ambitions with appropriate policies and regulations to ensure sustainable investment and equitable access.

Action items:

  • Invest in sustainable energy infrastructure: Recognize the dependence of digital technologies on energy and invest in sustainable energy solutions to support the expansion of digital infrastructure. 
  • Implement policies to close the digital divide: Governments should enact policies and invest in initiatives to provide reliable, affordable high-speed internet access to all, addressing existing inequities. 
  • Strengthen public-private partnerships: Foster collaboration among governments, industry, and international organizations to create supportive frameworks for sustainable investment in digital technologies. 
  • Promote AI development: Encourage open-source models and transparency in AI to democratize access and foster innovation while monitoring and mitigating associated risks. 
  • Leverage AI for sustainable development: Utilize AI and machine learning tools to accelerate progress on the SDGs, ensuring these technologies are accessible and beneficial to populations worldwide. 
  • Align digital policies with development goals: Develop and implement regulatory frameworks that support digital ambitions and ensure that technological advancements contribute positively to societal well-being.