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Digital Cooperation for Inclusive Development: Brazil–South Africa Synergies in the G20 and the WSIS Framework

South Africa/Brazil

Session 479

Friday, 11 July 2025 10:00–10:45 (UTC+02:00) Physical (on-site) and Virtual (remote) participation Room E, Palexpo Interactive Session
Session Recording

As two leading nations of the Global South and members of the G20, Brazil and South Africa play 
pivotal roles in shaping inclusive global digital policy agendas. In 2024, Brazil chaired the G20, and in 
2025, South Africa is in charge of it. This partnership is especially significant in advancing digital 
inclusion, infrastructure development, and equitable access to ICTs—objectives that resonate with 
both the G20 Digital Economy Working Group and the WSIS Action Lines.
This session explores how cooperation between Brazil and South Africa can drive tangible progress 
across the WSIS framework while leveraging their positions in the G20 to influence global digital 
governance. 

Discussion Themes:
• Shared challenges in digital transformation and how bilateral cooperation can 
address them.
• Digital equity and sovereignty in multilateral digital governance (WSIS + G20).
• Regional leadership and influence: How Brazil and South Africa can serve as anchors 
for broader cooperation in Latin America and Africa

Panellists
Mr. Jim Paterson
Mr. Jim Paterson Director for ICT Multilateral Affairs at the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies South Africa

Jim Paterson is the Director for ICT Multilateral Affairs at the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies in South Africa.  He is a trained economist and represents South Africa in the G20.  This year he is is leading the work of the Digital Economy Working Group for the South African Presidency of the G20, as well as the work of the Task Force on AI, Data Governance and Innovation for Sustainable Development.

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Mr. Marcelo Martinez Head of the Division for Digital Issues Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil

Marcelo Martinez is an engineer by formation and career diplomat for nearly 20 years. Since 2023, he is Head of the Division for Digital Issues in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, in charge of bilateral, regional and global digital governance matters.

Topics
Digital Divide Digital Economy Digital Inclusion Emerging Technologies Global Digital Compact (GDC) WSIS+20 Review
WSIS Action Lines
  • AL C1 logo C1. The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development
  • AL C2 logo C2. Information and communication infrastructure
  • AL C3 logo C3. Access to information and knowledge
  • AL C4 logo C4. Capacity building
  • AL C7 E–GOV logo C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-government

1. Highlight existing and potential areas of cooperation between Brazil and South Africa 
within the G20 frameworks, particularly in digital economy initiatives.
2. Map the alignment of Brazil–South Africa joint efforts to WSIS Action Lines, such as:
• C1: The role of governments and stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs
• C2: Information and communication infrastructure
• C3: Access to information and knowledge
• C4: Capacity building
• C7: ICT applications (e.g., e-government, e-education, e-health)
3. Identify barriers and strategic challenges (e.g., infrastructure gaps, regulatory 
disparities, funding constraints) hindering deeper cooperation.
4. Propose outcomes and policy recommendations to enhance the impact of Global 
South leadership in digital governance. 

Sustainable Development Goals
  • Goal 17 logo Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
GDC Objectives
  • Objective 2: Expand inclusion in and benefits from the digital economy for all