During a video conference held on April 30, members from the Group of Twenty (G-20) member nations, emphasized that digital technology and policies are playing a crucial role in retaliation to the widespread COVID-19.
At the Extraordinary G-20 Digital Economy Ministers Meeting, Mr. S. Iswaran, Minister of Communications, who also represented Singapore, stated that coronavirus had critically deranged economies, international trade, and global supply chains.
According to Iswaran, digital technology and policies are doing extra work to improve response to the coronavirus pandemic and recovery from the epidemic. The Communications Minister pointed out three areas where digital tech and policies can reap near-and long-term benefits: intensifying public health, equipping citizens with knowledge, and reinforcing the economy.
Digital technology and policies in health sector
In addition, he added that the COVID-19 crisis has lad to the need for digital health solutions including telemedicine, and earmarked interventions such as automated temperature screening and the pursuing of contacts.
Moreover, digital technology has made it possible for administrations to engage with the citizens; to enhance widespread trust and togetherness in order to ease effective retaliation against COVID-19.
Furthermore, Iswaran stated that it is significant for business ventures to employ digital tech and policies to enhance the durability of their entities. Adoption of digital technologies such as digital payment methods and online selling would ramp up sales especially during this period clouded with pandemic uncertainties.
Moving forward, while speaking at Saudi Arabia’s invitation, Iswaran added that the coronavirus epidemic has highlighted the significance of making substantial investments in digital connectivity networks and cybersecurity. Adding to that, he claimed that 5G is the spine of the digital economy.
Ministers to revamp business durability by promoting digitization projects
During the virtual meeting, the ministers present concurred to focus on six areas of work. These areas of work include ensuring the security and affordability of communication systems; and network security while transmitting data; and inspiring research and adoption of digital health technologies.
The ministers also concurred in the bid to reinforce business pliability by promoting digitization and offering support. Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Communication and IT, Abdullah Amer Al-Swaha chaired the virtual meeting.