Under India’s stewardship, the United Nations convened its inaugural International Conference on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), marking a pivotal moment in the global dialogue on leveraging technology for sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Led by India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, the conference served as a platform for showcasing India’s pioneering efforts in harnessing digital public infrastructure to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promote inclusivity.
The event, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and iSPIRT, highlighted India’s innovative Citizen Stack initiative, inspired by the transformative India Stack. This initiative exemplifies India’s successful integration of technology into citizen services, setting a global standard for DPI implementation.
Distinguished speakers, including Dennis Francis, President of the United Nations General Assembly, and Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, underscored the importance of digital infrastructure in shaping inclusive and sustainable societies.
Minister for Railways, Communications, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnav, reaffirmed India’s commitment to sharing its digital expertise globally, echoing the sentiment of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family.”
Ambassador Kamboj emphasized India’s dedication to fostering international cooperation in digital transformation, while G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant outlined the transformative potential of Citizen Stack in advancing the digital frontier.
Sharad Sharma, Co-Founder of iSPIRT, elaborated on India’s DPI framework and introduced Citizen Stack as a leading global model for DPI implementation. The conference featured insights from global thought leaders, including French Ambassador for Digital Affairs Henri Verdier and Dame Wendy Hall from the Web Science Institute, on the role of DPI in enhancing trust and transparency in digital ecosystems.
Case studies showcased how countries like Ethiopia and the Philippines are customizing components of Citizen Stack to meet their unique needs, demonstrating the adaptability and scalability of India’s DPI framework on the global stage.
In sum, the UN’s First International Conference on Digital Public Infrastructure served as a testament to India’s leadership in leveraging technology for sustainable development, underscoring the nation’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and digitally empowered world.
