A delegation from the Technology, Security & Transparency working group (TST WG) of the Civil 20 was invited for the inaugural address at India’s largest Global Tech Summit 2023, which took place in Visakhapatnam on February 16 and 17, 2023. The summit focused on exploring emerging technologies and solutions to counter challenges in various sectors.
This was the first of its kind in India, with a major focus on the application of Technology to Health, Tech, Finance, Pharma, Science, and other Industrial Sectors. The summit was attended by participants from Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and Africa.
The event attracted 400 tech leaders and 1000 delegations from 25 countries; among the highlights was the signing of a MoU between the National Development and Reforms Commission (NRDC) and the European Business and Technology Center (EBTC). Additionally, approximately 100 startups showcased their innovative ideas at the summit.
Event co-convener, Srinubabu Gedela, CEO of Pulsus Group welcomed a rich panel of dignitaries, tech stalwarts, business entrepreneurs, prominent researchers and academicians including Andhra Pradesh state ministers: Sri. Gudivara Amarnath (Industries); Smt. Vidadala Rajini (Health); Shri Botsa Satyanarayana (Education), as well as Ada Dyndo (European Business and Technology Centre) and Commodore Amit Rastogi (National Research Development Corporation) and Pragya Chaturvedi (British high Commission).
The summit was one of many in the Global Tech Summit series, a G20-sponsored initiative scheduled to take place throughout 2023 in G20 nations such as Riyadh, Seoul, Tokyo, Rome, Paris, New York, Melbourne, Beijing, London, and India.
The G20 group highlighted the crucial role that technology and transparency will play in achieving their goals.
During the summit, Dr. Nava Subramaniam, the Coordinator for the Civil20 Working Group on Technology, Security, and Transparency at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, delivered the inaugural address.
While much of the discussion focused on the opportunities offered by technology and risks associated with emerging technologies such as AI, Dr. Nava reminded the importance of technological development to be inclusive, value-based and sustainable. She warned of the dangers of a rapidly evolving technological eco-system which may not benefit all alike and that there are specific dangers to vulnerable communities who are not able to access technology.
She emphasised the importance of civil society voice to be part of technological development where the aim is to leave no one behind! She further highlighted that with India’s presidency of the G20 this year, now more than ever the opportunities to work with the global community in forging policies based on exemplary cases from all over the world is high.
Also, she served as the panel chair for the “Embracing Technology and Empowering Society” session at the Digital Bharat panel discussion organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry. During this session, participants discussed the Government of India’s ambitious plans to establish a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. This initiative focuses on promoting digital literacy, developing digital infrastructure, expanding digital services, and adopting emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things.
In her final remarks, she explained the important role played by the TST WG of the C20 in identifying and advancing policies on technology development that will foster greater secure and affordability of emerging technologies. The C20, one of the engagement arms of the G20, is headed by Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, the Chancellor of Amrita University who advises that – Technology needs to be used with discernment!
The event featured several other esteemed speakers who shared their expertise on diverse topics. Dr. Abhijit Ghosh, the Assistant Drug Controller at the Central Drug Control Organization in India, delivered a talk on the digital transformation of biopharma.
Mr. Omprakash Nakka, the CEO of Finacle Soft Inc. and Director of Startups & Products at IT Serve Alliance, Inc. of the USA, shared his insights on Indian innovation and the available global business opportunities.
Prof. Pradeep Srivastava, the Executive Director of the Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC), presented on the best practices and lessons learned in information and forecasting, as well as technology transfer to commercialization benefits through TIFAC.
Technology can improve engagement with civil society organizations and make the process more inclusive, allowing for a more diverse range of perspectives. Dr. Krishnashree Achuthan, Coordinator for C20 Technology, Security & Transparency, praised the State of Andhra Pradesh for showcasing C20 priorities. The C20 Group is committed to transparency through digital tools and platforms that provide regular updates and progress, making it a more inclusive platform for civil society engagement with the G20.
Read more at: https://www.cxotoday.com/press-release
