The D-8 held a virtual meeting with United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) on 22nd November 2021 to coordinate the future activities and cooperation in the areas of Digital economy and E-governance. It was a follow-up meeting of the previous courtesy visit to Mr. Elliot, Assistant Secretary-General, UNDESA by the D-8 Director for Economy and External Relations, Ms. Rasha Hamdy in the sideline of the 76th General Assembly of the United Nations held in New York in September 2021.

From the D-8 side, Secretary General, Ambassador Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari, Ms. Rasha Hamdy, Director for Economy and External Relations and Mr. Md Biplob Tarafder, Program Officer joined the meeting. From the UNDESA, it was attended by the Assistant Secretary-General, Mr. Elliott Harris, Mr. Juwang Zhu, Director and Mr. Wai Min Kowk, development Analyst.

At the meeting, the D-8 Secretary-General thanked Mr. Harris and his UNDESA team for their willingness to work jointly with the D-8. Stressing on the issue that global E-commerce and Digital Economy are growing very fast, he emphasized working together on the issue of developing E-commerce legislation and enhancing capacity building of the relevant authorities of the D-8 Member States.

On his part, Mr. Harris shed light on the current projects and initiatives of UNDESA in respect of digital government for responsive, efficient and equitable delivery of public services, building public trust and ensuring transparency. He also expressed their readiness to work closely with the D-8 in the areas of E-commerce legislation, Taxation on e-commerce trade and strengthening e-governance in the D-8 Member States. In view of the foregoing, both parties agreed to arrange joint webinars and on-site training programs in the first quarter of 2022.