The G7, which includes the world’s seven biggest economies, recently endorsed the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital government systems to boost the global economy. This decision was made during a meeting held in Italy on March 14-15, with support from organisations like the OECD, UNDP, UNESCO, and ITU.
The G7 Group includes seven major industrial countries – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK and the US.
But I believe that despite this endorsement, the reality is…disappointing.
The potential of AI
The G7 ministers recognised the potential of AI and digital systems to enhance the delivery of public services by governments. They emphasised the importance of exploring various approaches to digital identity and other digital government services, such as digital public infrastructure (DPI). They also highlighted the value of sharing examples and best practices in this field.
I believe this endorsement signifies a significant step towards harnessing the power of technology to address global challenges and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
By embracing AI and other emerging digital technologies, governments can enhance efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity in service delivery. However, it’s important to note that careful consideration must be given to issues like privacy, security, and the digital divide to ensure that these technologies benefit everyone equally.
I think we can all agree that AI represents one of the most fascinating and promising fields of innovation, with the potential to significantly improve our lives.
And we can also agree that the development, deployment and use of AI systems cannot ignore ethical considerations and has to respect the democratic values of all countries, as well as the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms…..all while preventing and mitigating possible misuse and abuse.
In a recent declaration, G7 ministers emphasised their commitment to working with partners in emerging economies and developing countries to ensure that AI is inclusive, responsible, and fair for everyone. They stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue between all stakeholders to achieve these goals.
“We reiterate our willingness to work with key partners ….to ensure that AI is inclusive, responsible, and equitable,” a portion of the declaration reads.
The gap between DPI frameworks and practice is large…
While there’s recognition of the potential of robust DPI to spur growth and innovation, particularly benefiting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), there’s a pressing need to address security and inclusion concerns in its development and governance.
Despite the buzz around digital infrastructure in policy discussions, the reality on the ground often falls short…
Government’s digital transformation plans may look comprehensive on paper, but in practice, the resulting systems tend to operate in isolated silos.
This means that while we talk about how DPI can revolutionise economies (and it really can), we must also ensure that it’s implemented in a way that protects people’s rights and includes everyone, regardless of their background.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that no country has fully completed its digital transformation journey. Even those lauded as leaders in this domain (like Denmark, India or Estonia) continue to grapple with evolving systems and significant differences in their approaches.
Governments may have comprehensive plans for digital transformation, but when it comes down to it, the resulting systems tend to operate in isolated silos. This means that even though there’s a lot of talk about how digital systems can improve efficiency, they often end up being disjointed and inefficient in practice.
However, the potential for success is within reach… By having collaboration among development institutions, stakeholders, and governments, there’s a pathway to translating overarching DPI guidance into impactful on-the-ground programs.
Governments must recognise the value of digital identity for efficient service delivery, thereby driving the necessary momentum for change. As experts in digital governance, it’s evident that concerted efforts are required to bridge the gap between digital aspirations and tangible outcomes.
Final thoughts
it’s not all bad news. Countries can bridge this gap between theory and practice. But to do that, they need support from development organisations and a lot of different groups working together. Governments also need to see the value of digital identity for providing services to people.
I believe that with the right push from various stakeholders and the willingness of governments to REALLY embrace digital identity, we can make real progress in turning DPI into successful programs that benefit everyone. It’s a journey… but an important one for the future of digital governance.
