Jakarta, 20 October 2023: The 3rd Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Digital Inclusion Technical Working Group (IDITWG) was held in coordination with the IsDB Regional Hub of Jakarta, to help develop IsDB's Digital Inclusion Strategy 2024-2027 in a consultative and collaborative manner with stakeholders. It also aimed to narrow the digital divide, leverage access to digital, and strengthen public-private partnerships. The previous series of IDITWG took place in Jeddah and Cairo.

Digital transformation has the potential to drive innovation and economic growth, yet it also poses risks related to data security, job displacement, and the digital divide, which leads to inequality. Promoting digital inclusion is pivotal to attaining its full benefits, minimising risks, and ensuring no one is left behind. Balancing the vast digital transformation with digital inclusion is essential for creating a more equitable and prosperous digital future.

Dr Mansour Muhtar, Vice President of Operations at IsDB, delivered the welcoming remarks, highlighting the importance of digital inclusion to promote a more equitable and connected world. He expressed his appreciation of the contributions of the working group members in helping IsDB pave the way for a comprehensive and impactful approach to digital development. The working group was also attended by Hussein Mogabael, Manager of the Economic Infrastructure Division of IsDB, while the discussion was moderated by Shaharyar Jawaer, Senior ICT Specialist of IsDB.

ERIA was represented by Mahirah Mahusin, Manager for Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy; and Lina Maulidina Sabrina, Senior Programme Officer, who gave a presentation on Digital Inclusion and ERIA Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy Centre (E-DISC). The presentation noted ERIA’s work to create a more inclusive and equitable digital future ecosystem by encouraging the participation of underrepresented groups including women, persons with disabilities, and people in rural areas.

IDITWG was also attended by in-person and online representatives from the Global System for Mobile Communication Association (GSMA), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Global Infrastructure Hub, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO), the United Nations University (UNU), Cykube, Harvard University, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), StrategEast, and relevant government officials across relevant ministries from Indonesia, Qatar, and Pakistan.

The discussion revolved around the best practices, strategies, and efforts to narrow the digital divide and unlock the potential offered by global digital transformation.