The IBSA Forum, which includes India, Brazil, and South Africa, can significantly influence the reformation of global digital governance, according to reports by the Geneva-based DiploFoundation. With its focus on promoting cooperation and exchange among these countries, the IBSA Forum holds immense potential to drive change in this sector.
Understanding the IBSA Forum
The tripartite initiative known as the IBSA Forum was formalized as a developmental partnership between India, Brazil, and South Africa to promote South-South cooperation and exchange. This union was officially declared during a meeting of the Foreign Ministers from these three countries in Brasilia, Brazil, on June 6, 2003, which led to the issuance of the Brasilia Declaration.
IBSA’s collaborations include the IBSAMAR (IBSA Maritime Exercise), a significant part of IBSA trilateral defense cooperation. Another major venture is the IBSA Fund (India, Brazil and South Africa Facility for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation), set up in 2004, through which these countries fund development projects in other developing nations. The UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) manages this fund.
IBSA’s Role in Global Digital Governance
Digitalisation plays a pivotal role in driving growth in the IBSA economies. Prioritizing affordable access to citizens, supporting training for digital skills, and creating a legal framework for small digital enterprises are some of the ways the IBSA countries have pioneered digital inclusion. Specifically, India’s vibrant digital economy leads the way.
India’s G-20 presidency seeks strategic leadership via practical initiatives such as national self-evaluation of data governance architecture and modernizing national data systems. Due to their large population size, IBSA countries view data as a significant national resource.
However, geopolitical rivalry and the delicate balance between data sovereignty and global economy integration pose challenges. Potential weaponization of outer space, cyber-resilience, and the semiconductor battleground between the US and China are some of the geopolitical concerns.
India’s Progress in Digital Governance
India’s Aadhaar biometric ID system is globally recognized as a leading digital identity initiative, inspiring similar systems in various countries. The MyGov platform promotes citizen engagement and participatory governance by providing a common digital interface for public opinion on government programs.
UPI (Unified Payments Interface), introduced in 2016, has revolutionized India’s payment system, leading to instant, convenient, and secure money transfers. The proposed Digital India Act 2023 aims to further catalyze the Indian economy by fostering innovation and startups while ensuring citizen safety, trust, and accountability.
Way Forward
For effective digital governance, IBSA countries need to collaborate with other nations and international organizations to develop global standards for digital governance, data protection, and cybersecurity. Formulating a common strategy based on shared values like human rights respect, democracy, and adherence to law, aimed toward a global digital economy prioritizing digital inclusion, data privacy, and security could be the way ahead.