It was a remarkable experience attending the Citizen-Centric Digital Transformation – Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Conference at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva. Organised by the Indian Mission and ITU, the event served as a pivotal gathering to explore the evolution and impact of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) on a global scale.
Inspiring moments from the Conference:
Public- Private Partnerships (PPPs) & People-Centric Innovation
The success of India’s DPI was a recurring highlight. India’s Citizen Stack stands as a model for digital transformation worldwide. It was great to learn that India’s G20 Presidency also helped accelerating DPI discussions globally— inspiring G20 nations like Brazil, South Africa, and the UN-GDC — a truly inspiring moment.
S Krishnan, Vice Minister of (Ministry of Electronics and IT, Government of India) underscored the importance of PPPs in fostering innovation and competition. The discussion on how PPPs can bridge gaps between governments, industries, and communities reinforced the importance of inclusion and accessibility in DPI ecosystems. Ambassador Arindam Bagchi set the stage by highlighting that a true public good must be open, secure, and importantly equitable for all.
OpenWallet & Modular Open Source Identity Platform (MOSIP)
Hearing Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General ITU discuss the OpenWallet Foundation and seeing it featured in the Modular Open Source Identity Platform (MOSIP) presentation reaffirmed the importance of open, secure, and interoperable digital identity solutions in platforms success stories. The emphasis on inclusive digital frameworks demonstrated how open-source innovation can drive accessibility and global adoption. Digital India Programme
International Standards – the Backbone of DPI
Dr. Bilel Jamoussi, Deputy-Director ITU, insights on the role of international standards in shaping AI, deepfake detection, digital wallets, and smart cities were thought-provoking.
The need for interoperability, security, and transparency in DPI ecosystems cannot be overstated. Standardisation ensures cross-border collaboration and regulatory alignment across Global North and Global South.
The Power of Open Networks & Collaboration
The panel discussion featuring Daniel Goldscheider and Ibrahima Guimba-Saidou highlighted how openness and collaboration drive innovation.
Daniel Goldscheider‘s, vision for the future of digital transformation being rooted in openness, collaboration, and interoperability was spot on. Excited to see how these discussions translate into real-world implementations. Three cheers to OpenWallet Foundation.
Saidou’s brilliant carpooling analogy captured the essence of open and transparent DPI —a system where all stakeholders move in one direction, ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and seamless communication.
