During the Extraordinary G20 Digital Economy Ministerial videoconference on Thursday, the ministers agreed to further promote digital work and the development of basic digital skills in companies, public institutions, schools, and universities. They will encourage the expanded and secure use of tools that facilitate remote working and learning, and thereby support the continuity of economic and social activity as much as possible in a pandemic, said the ministers.

They also said they will work together on an urgent basis with the private sector and business entities, in particular with telecommunications and Internet service providers, and civil society, to maximize inclusive, secure, and affordable connectivity, especially in underserved areas and for vulnerable people. The ministers said they encourage collaboration to collect, pool, process, and share reliable and accurate non-personal information that can contribute to the monitoring, understanding, and prevention of the further spread of COVID-19 as well as other infectious diseases. They stressed the importance of artificial intelligence in the fight against and prevention of pandemics by accelerating development of potential diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines.