Today, the first G20 Digital Ministers’meeting was launched in Düsseldorf. From 6-7 April, the Digital Ministers of the 19 leading economic nations and the European Union (G20) will join together to discuss the opportunities and challenges of digitalisation under the motto ‘Digitalisation: Policies for a Digital Future’.

Economic Affairs Minister Brigitte Zypries said: "I am convinced that the first G20 Digital Ministers’ Conference will boost international cooperation. Digital progress does not end at national borders. We need international solutions for global developments. Digitalisation is the key driving force for economic growth. This is why want to make sure that the opportunities held by digitalisation are used to the benefit of everybody and not to just to a few. We therefore need an international framework for action that establishes the fundamental principles of digitalisation policy. We, the group of the G20, would like to present this roadmap on Friday. Our three key goals are fast internet for all by 2025, harmonised technical standards and lifelong digital education. We want to prepare the breeding ground based on which the next presidencies can issue digital guidelines."

Digitalisation is a key priority of the German G20 presidency. Following the invitation of Minister Zypries, the G20 Digital Ministers are meeting to discuss the international digital policy agenda and to set political milestones for the digitalisation process. The focus of the conference will be on the opportunities of digitalisation for growth and employment, digital development in industry, and on increasing trust in the digital world.

Just shortly before the G20 Digital Ministers’s Conference, the so-called multi-stakeholder conference will take place, which will bring together representatives from the spheres of business, science, and civil society. It will provide input for the G20 Digital Ministers’ Conference.

Minister Zypries said: “The participation of business, science and civil society is particularly important to me. Digitalisation affects all of us; it concerns us all. We therefore need to discuss from various perspectives how to shape the digital future in order to develop the best possible solutions.”