BALI: President of Indonesia Joko Widodo said on Monday that G20 should tackle inequality in digital infrastructure and access in countries through the mobilization of investment in the sector.
Addressing at G20 Summit’s session three at Apurva Kempinski, Nusa Dua, Bali, the president said that G20 countries need to mobilize investment to build digital infrastructure affordable for all, ANTARA News Agency reported.
G20 is an international-level forum comprising the European Union (EU) and 19 other countries that work together to tackle major issues. Indonesia is holding the rotational presidency this year.
The G20 summit was held in Bali, Indonesia on November 15-16. During the summit, the Indonesian president highlighted the importance of equal digital access across the world.
2.9 billion people without internet access
He said that around 2.9 billion people worldwide do have not access to the internet, including 73 percent of people living in less-developed countries while 390 million people still live in areas without wireless internet.
Widodo also stressed the need for digital literacy saying it was not a choice but a necessity. He said that it should reach all to make them able to participate in financial development in the future. He emphasized that developed countries cooperate the developing countries in the sector.
He added that a safe digital ecosystem was also essential because hoaxes and cyberbullying would create disunity and threaten democracy.
He said that data breaches due to cybercrimes had the potential to cause economic losses of up to $5 trillion in 2024. He stressed the G20 countries collaborate in ensuring efficient global digital governance. –APP/AFP
