UN panel calls for global push to create a digital economy

NEW DELHI: A United Nations panel co-chaired by US philanthropist Melinda Gates and Chinese businessman Jack Ma has made a strong case for international cooperation in digitisation, echoing the Indian government’s focus on wider use of digital technology for citizens.

The high level panel on digital cooperation, appointed by the UN Secretary General, submitted its report this week with five key recommendations, including creation for an inclusive digital economy and society (with emphasis on affordable access to the internet and digital technology and empowerment of women and the marginalised), and human capacity building by generating greater awareness of the potential and downsides of digital technologies.