Making progress on the ‘G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG)’, MeitY is organising the second in-person meeting of DEWG in Hyderabad from April 17-19, 2023. As a part of curtain raiser event, the press briefing was done jointly by Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma, Secretary, MeitY and Shri K. Rajaraman, Secretary (Telecom) on April 16, 2023.

The first day of the second meeting of DEWG will begin with side events on April 17, 2023. The inaugural address will be given by Union Minister of State of Communication, Shri Devusinh Chauhan and Union Minister of State of Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri A. Narayanaswamy.

The side events will focus primarily on Digital Connectivity and will comprise of three panel discussions on the thematic areas namely, ‘High Speed Mobile Broadband and its impacts on lives, society and industry’, ‘Digital Inclusion: Connecting the Unconnected’, and ‘Sustainable, Green Digital Infrastructure: Challenges and Opportunities’. Global experts will share their experience in emerging & telecom technologies and on technology led inclusive development.

On the second and third day of the meetings, G20 Members, invited guest countries and International Organisations will have extensive discussion on the actionable deliverables in priority areas namely ‘Digital Public Infrastructure’, ‘Cybersecurity’ and ‘Digital Skilling’.

The delegates will visit Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Hyderabad to gain first-hand knowledge of India’s expertise in the emerging digital and telecom technologies viz. 5G-i, 6G, Internet of Things (IoT) and the various uses cases pertaining to welfare of citizens. A workshop titled ‘Multi-stakeholder Consultation for Mutual Recognition of Digital Skills’ will also be held on April 18, 2023.

The ‘Stay Safe Online (SSO)’ campaign and ‘G20 Digital Innovation Alliance (DIA)’ have been launched under Indian Presidency to engage with common people especially youths and entrepreneurs in G20 Member States. So far, under Stay Safe Online campaign, 1,58,000+ persons have participated in the national level Cyber Quizzes. Under DIA, 1600+ Start-ups have applied for the contest.