G20 PERFORMNCE ON DIGITALISATION 2008–2024
100
75
50
25
0
Compliance (%)
Conclusions (% words)
Commitments (%)
CAUSES Among the commitments on digitalisation that have been assessed for compliance, a pattern can be observed. Commitments on AI tend to achieve higher compliance, with two AI commitments from 2023 scoring 90% and 100% respectively. Similarly, commitments related to the economy also tend to perform better, with commitments relating to the core economic subjects of tax, trade and financial literacy, as well as those on fostering innovation, achieving higher compliance. By contrast, commitments pertaining to the digital divide or tourism have lower compliance. This suggests that members are more likely to comply with commitments tied to the G20’s core economic principles. To increase compliance with their digitalisation commitments, at Johannesburg the leaders should consider focusing on making strong links between digitalisation and core economic subjects. They can also consider increasing the number of commitments on artificial intelligence, making AI stand out as a core priority for the leaders in achieving the broader G20 goals of gender equality, clean energy and climate action.
CONCLUSION To increase compliance with their digitalisation commitments, G20 leaders should produce fewer words and commitments on digitalisation in their declarations, but focus those commitments on AI and link them to economic principles and goals, such as employment. As the uptake of new digital technologies and AI accelerates around the globe, it poses important challenges related to the economy, provision of digital skills, the future of work, and the impact on the environment and climate change. The Johannesburg Summit offers the leaders an opportunity to share knowledge and challenges, work towards reducing the digital divide, and ensure alignment on the rules and regulations governing AI. At Johannesburg, G20 leaders should embed principles related to reducing inequalities and creating a sustainable economic future in their conclusions and commitments on digitalisation. The summit’s core theme of solidarity, equality and sustainability bodes well for success on digitalisation and AI.
// MARIA ZELENOVA Maria Zelenova is a senior researcher with the G20 and G7 Research Groups. Based in London, she holds a BA in politi- cal science and history from the University of Toronto and an MA in international security from Sciences Po Paris.
X-TWITTER @g20rg www.g20.utoronto.ca
63 globalgovernanceproject.org
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