Private sector and government representatives explore the multifaceted opportunities and challenges of investing in and advancing information and communication technologies (ICT). They will emphasize the pivotal role of ICT in enabling remote work, digital connectivity and innovation. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of generative artificial intelligence, discussions will underscore the transformative potential of ICT in crisis response, healthcare and education. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital tools and remote services, highlighting both the necessity and potential of ICT in mitigating global crises. Government and private sector representatives will be invited to discuss how their activities within the ICT sector align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the crucial role of digital inclusion (SDG 4), affordable and universal internet access (SDG 9) and innovation (SDG 17) in driving sustainable development. The interactive Q&A session will further discuss the multifaceted aspects of ICT investment and operations, acknowledging the dynamic nature of the sector and its pivotal role in addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development.
Session themes:
- In the rapidly evolving landscape of ICT, could you elaborate on the opportunities and challenges associated with investing in and operating a business in this sector? How does the dynamic nature of ICT impact your strategies?
- Considering the disruptive potential of ICT, particularly during ongoing global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, could you share insights into how these challenges have influenced your strategic priorities?
- What investment policy reforms do you believe should be prioritized to encourage innovation and foster a conducive environment for ICT businesses to thrive?
- Are there specific recent investment policy reforms or initiatives that stand out in terms of their impact on your business prospects within the ICT sector? How have these reforms facilitated your operations?
- How can public-private dialogue and private-private collaboration be harnessed to improve business perspectives, especially considering the dynamic and interdisciplinary nature of ICT and its importance for various sectors?
- Given the countries/regions where you operate, can you highlight how your activities align with and contribute to the SDGs, in particular in areas such as digital literacy (SDG 4) or innovation (SDG 17)?
Speaker(s)
Moderator(s)
