Technology can drive SDGs in India was the underlying theme at the recently concluded NASSCOM Foundation event.
Speakers at the TechForGood India Conclave 2024, highlighted that data-driven solutions and digital innovation can help overcome obstacles to accomplish the SDGs.
Additionally, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology emphasized the role of technology in promoting social justice, empowering individuals, disseminating knowledge, ensuring healthcare access, and upholding fundamental rights.
The event organized by the NASSCOM Foundation brought together government officials, members of civil society, social innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech leaders to expedite India’s sustainable goals.
Two key highlights of the event:
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Quotes:
In his keynote address, Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said, “Initiatives like the TechForGood India Conclave offer an opportunity on how we leverage technology for the larger social good. Such initiatives address how technology can help achieve the SDGs, empower people, spread education to the country’s remotest corners, and ensure access to healthcare and basic rights for all.”
Srividya Nataraj, Vice President, Corporate Services, CGI, said, “Initiatives like TechForGood India Conclave have created an open forum for dialogue, learning, and action among diverse stakeholders with shared goals. This conclave helped stimulate collaboration and innovation towards achieving the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development.”
Amitabh Nag, CEO, Digital India Bhashini, said, “The MoU with NASSCOM Foundation aims to enhance digital literacy and AI education by bridging language barriers and promoting digital inclusion. Bhashini will translate digital literacy content into regional languages, accelerating the SDG agenda and fostering collaboration.”
“If we don’t take action today, there won’t be a future. The essence of the SDG goals lies in connecting the unconnected, a gap that technology can effectively fill. The pyramid of the unconnected illustrates the fundamental necessities – access to basic education, digital literacy, sanitation, clean drinking water, nutrition, and healthcare. Let’s join forces to address these critical issues and build a more inclusive world.,” said Nidhi Bhasin, CEO, NASSCOM Foundation.
Participants:
The event saw participation from more than 80 distinguished speakers and delegates including Sundari Nanda, Special Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs; Urvashi Prasad, Director, NITI Aayog; Sanjay Dawar, Managing Director, Global Strategy & Consulting, Accenture India; Sindhu Gangadharan, SVP & MD, SAP Labs India; Jayant Rastogi, Global CEO & Board, Magic Bus; Anjali Bansal, Founding Partner, Avaana Climate and Sustainability Fund; Nachiket Sukhtankar, Managing Director, DXC Technology; Dhimant Parekh, Founder & CEO, The Better India among others.