The road to Riyadh: Industry and civil society on digital trade

Digital trade has for years been punching above its weight in building a truly global economy geared towards sustainable growth. The COVID-19 stress-test has demonstrated that digital technology played a major role in making the global economy crisis-resistant by shining a light on ubiquitous connectivity.

This is not to say that global trade has not taken a hit. As all economies around the world came to a standstill, the volume of merchandise trade shrank by 3% year‑on‑year in the first quarter, suggesting a drop of around 18.5% by the end of this year. While digital solutions have been crucial in avoiding economic collapse, it is clear that more can be done – and the upcoming G20 Summit in Riyadh will be s unique opportunity for leaders to consider how we can increase crisis-resilience even more. 

On trying to tap a wide range of experience, DIGITALEUROPE will bring together two types of experts:  those in charge of legislating, negotiating and monitoring, on the one hand, and, on the other, those with their feet on the ground and their hands on the tiller, trying to make the most of ICT to develop innovative business and to improve people’s well-being all over the world.

The following experts have kindly accepted to help take stock of the current situation and to set a pathway to quick recovery:

• Pascal Kerneis, Managing Director, European Services Forum (ESF)
• Anna Frellsen, CEO, Maternity Foundation, Denmark
• Patricia Veringa-Gieskes, CEO, The Job Factory, RDC
• Esa Kaunistola, DIGITALEUROPE Issue Lead on WTO eCommerce & Director, EMEA IP, Standards and Trade Policy, Microsoft
• Tilmann Kupfer, Vice President, Trade and International Affairs, BT Group plc

Moderated by Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl, Director-General, DIGITALEUROPE.

The debate will be held under the Chatham House rule.

We hope that you will be able to contribute your thoughts and experience to this highly interactive, truly informal debate.