Side event: Data for Development
India’s G20 Secretariat and Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India in collaboration with Observer Research Foundation (ORF), Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology (OSET), and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), hosted the side event on the theme ‘Data for Development: Role of G20 in advancing the 2030 Agenda’. The keynote address was delivered by India’s Sherpa Mr. Amitabh Kant who recognized data as the foundation for meaningful policymaking, efficient resource allocation, and effective public service delivery. Highlighting the data-driven transformation in India, the Sherpa said data and digital solutions have provided a strong momentum to good governance, digital financial inclusion, direct benefit transfers and in leapfrogging development efforts.
The event was designed as a curtain-raiser for further deliberations on Data for Development in the Development Working Group during India’s G20 Presidency, acknowledging the centrality of data-driven interventions for societal well-being and inclusive growth, and its role in accelerating progress towards the SDGs. Topics of discussion included ‘Rejuvenating legacy systems: From data to public value intelligence’, and ‘Models for the future: Leveraging IoT, Big Data and AI for the SDGs’. Apart from the thematic plenary sessions, two break-out sessions focused on (i) Role of Governments and International organisations in Data for Development, and (ii) Role of Civil Society, Academia, Philanthropic organisations, Private Sector, and Entrepreneurs in Data for Development.
Side event: Infusing new LiFE into Green Development
As part of the first Development Working Group meeting under India’s G20 Presidency, India’s G20 Secretariat and Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, in collaboration with the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the 10YFP/ One Planet Network hosted the side event ‘Infusing New LiFE into Green Development’. The Sherpa, in conversation with Dr. Arunabha Ghosh highlighted how Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) is a comprehensive approach to navigate through a decarbonised era of growth by leveraging innovative models, circular economy and technology to fuel a systemic change for sustainable lifestyle.
The event brought out elements on establishing LiFE as an entry point for economic transformation by bringing together an array of eminent panellists and video messages including from the UN Deputy Secretary-General and Her Majesty the Queen of Bhutan, showcasing support for India’s LiFE initiative. Fireside chats on ‘Boosting SDGs with LiFE’ and ‘LiFE Enabling Sustainable Economic Transformation’ elaborated on how Mission LiFE can catalyse multilateral action for achieving the SDGs, including climate and development goals.
