High-level panel: Leveraging Technology for an Inclusive Recovery

Novel technologies allowed economic activities and trade to forge ahead despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the rapid expansion of digitisation across industries is widening the digital divide as it picks up pace. A panel of global thought leaders will discuss how trade can narrow digital gaps by leveraging technology to promote an inclusive economic recovery while ensuring a fair, safe and sustainable marketplace. In particular, this distinguished panel will deliberate on how trade can support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in harnessing the power of technological transformation to better integrate into global economy. Drawing lessons from the current polycrisis —the pandemic, climate change, geopolitical tensions, and food insecurity, the panellists will also shed light on why technology is essential to prepare MSMEs for future pandemics and other crises.