Turkish minister attends G-20 Digital Economy ministerial meeting in Brazil

Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology, Mehmet Fatih Kacir, took part in the G-20 Digital Economy Ministers Meeting, hosted by Brazil in Maceio.

The meeting addressed critical issues such as digital inclusivity, AI ethics and sustainable development.

Ministers pledged to work toward providing equal access to technology and digital infrastructure for all nations.

In two separate sessions, Minister Kacir highlighted Türkiye’s efforts under the themes: “Digital Inclusivity for Universal and Meaningful Connectivity, Building Trustworthy and Inclusive Public Digital Infrastructure, and AI for Sustainable Development and Reducing Inequality.”

“We held productive discussions on the margins of the G20 Digital Economy Ministers’ Meeting.”

Focus on digital inclusivity

During his speech, Minister Kacir emphasized Türkiye’s goal to create a digitally inclusive society.

He noted that Türkiye is expanding communication networks to underserved areas and improving electronic communication infrastructure. “We are deploying fixed and mobile broadband networks to offer high-speed, secure and affordable internet,” Kacir said.

Kacir also stressed that artificial intelligence (AI), if not distributed equitably, could worsen global inequalities.

“History is filled with examples where technological advancements, not guided by moral and ethical principles, led to disastrous outcomes for humanity. This has been starkly visible with Palestine, where the misuse of technological power has had devastating consequences,” he remarked.

Inclusive approach to AI

Kacir referenced Türkiye’s National AI Strategy, announced by President Erdogan, as an example of a comprehensive, inclusive approach.

“The projects conducted at TUBITAK’s Artificial Intelligence Institute and Türkiye’s National AI Strategy reflect a commitment to inclusivity. Contributions from all relevant parties, including NGOs and international organizations, were considered,” Kacir stated.

He emphasized Türkiye’s determination to ensure AI benefits are shared fairly, especially among the world’s least developed nations.

“Türkiye is committed to ensuring AI serves the public good and that its benefits are equitably distributed across the world,” Kacir added.

Türkiye’s AI strategy is both comprehensive and ambitious, aiming to elevate the country into a significant AI hub by 2025. From workforce development to international partnerships, this roadmap sets the stage for Türkiye’s involvement in the global AI arena.

The planned initiatives underscore the importance of ethical AI, cross-border cooperation, and innovation, all while preparing Türkiye’s workforce and institutions for the AI-driven future.

Bilateral meetings

Turkish minister held talks with Brazilian Minister of Communications Mr. Juscelino Filho and Ms. Luciana Santos, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Brazil

He also held talks with Mr. Mmoba Solomon Malatsi, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies of South Africa.

Kacir held other meetings with Ahmed Mohammed Alsuwaiyan, Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Digital Government Agency and Nathaniel C. Fick Ambassador-at-Law on Digitalization of the U.S. Department of State and lastly Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union.

“We will work to further develop our existing collaborations in the fields of digitalization, science, technology and innovation with new programs and projects,” he stated on his social media platform X.