MINISTERS from Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) who gathered in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan for the 3rd Asean Digital Ministers (ADGMIN) Meeting on February 9 to 10, 2023 collectively adopted the Boracay Digital Declaration that resulted from the gathering.
The adoption is in recognition of various issues, concerns and impacts that have affected the communities of the Asean Member States, like the Covid-19 pandemic, in order to build a resilient foundation for the region’s growing digital presence.
This is also to ensure that necessary digital resources are available to support the Asean ’s effort to recover quickly from the pandemic.
Digital Ministers of Asean Member States do the traditional handshake at the conclusion of the 3rd ADGMIN Meeting held recently in Boracay Island. DICT Secretary Ivan John E. Uy (5th from left) chaired the said meeting.
The declaration likewise aims to strengthen digital connectivity and accessibility to pave the way for a digitally enabled society.
With this in focus, the Digital Ministers agreed to recognize the importance of a digitally inclusive society in Asean in designing relevant digital solutions and unlocking the full benefits of digital transformation to improve the productivity and the lives of the people and eventually boost the Minis economic growth.
They also encouraged Asean Member States to cooperate and implement through a people-centered approach, the actions and measures outlined in the
Minis Digital Masterplan 2025, the Bandar Seri Begawan Roadmap on digital transformation, and Part 1 of the Asean-EU Joint Guide on Model Contractual Clauses for Data Transfers to be able to adapt to the changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic in a more sustainable and responsive way.
They agreed, too, to ensure a sustainable digital transformation that is people-centered, safe, secure, and relevant to the needs of end users and various stakeholders aimed at increasing the quality and use of e-government services and solutions that can connect businesses, and supporting innovations for new business models to facilitate cross-border trade and affordable access.
Also agreed upon by the Ministers is to sustain efforts to combat cybercrimes through enhanced cooperation in cybersecurity, data privacy, and Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT)-related activities; exploration of programs that will mitigate negative effects of climate change using innovative and sustainable digital solution, and services to secure a progressive Aseam for future generations.
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John E. Uy chaired the 3rd Digital Ministers Meeting in Boracay with the theme “Synergy Towards a Sustainable Digital Future." (PR)