Ministry of Science and ICT Introduces 'Digital New Deal' at G20 Digital Economy Ministers' Meeting

[Asia Economy Reporter Seolgina Cho] The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 23rd that Jang Seok-young, the 2nd Vice Minister, shared South Korea's experience in responding to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) based on science, technology, and ICT with G20 member countries and introduced the 'Digital New Deal' policy at the G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Meeting held via video conference on the evening of the 22nd.

At the meeting, Vice Minister Jang explained the Digital New Deal policy, which focuses on strengthening the data-network-artificial intelligence (DNA) ecosystem, digital transformation of educational infrastructure, fostering non-face-to-face industries, and digitalization of social overhead capital. He also emphasized that building digital infrastructure is an essential element for the digital economy transition and introduced the government's policies to enhance digital accessibility for rural and vulnerable groups and to promote the convergence of 5G and artificial intelligence across primary, secondary, and tertiary industries.

The G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Meeting was first held in Germany in 2017 to jointly respond to social and economic changes brought about by the advancement of digital technology. This year, under the theme "Realizing 21st Century Opportunities for All" proposed by the chair country Saudi Arabia, discussions were held on trustworthy artificial intelligence, data mobility, smart cities, digital economy measurement, and security in the digital economy.

The G20 ministers adopted the G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Declaration, which includes opportunities and challenges arising from the digitalization of society and economy, recognition of the cross-sectoral impact of the digital economy, and promotion of international cooperation in the digital economy for inclusive growth.

The main contents of the adopted declaration will be reflected in the G20 Leaders' Declaration to be held in November.