Digital transformation and green energy issues under discussion

The SCO Samarkand Summit attracts the attention of many experts and specialists. Digital transformation and green energy have a special place among the issues put forward for discussion.

The Deputy Director of the Research Institute for Legal Policy under the Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan, Doctor of Law, Professor Abdulaziz Rasulev spoke about the relevance of this topic:

“One of the important areas of cooperation is digital transformation in the context of globalization. The SCO occupies 23 percent of the territory, which is home to almost half of the world’s population. The population of the organization’s member countries is 44 percent of Internet users. An important area of state policy of the SCO countries is the development of e-government, digital economy and education in ICT. The potential of the SCO member states in digital technologies indicates the prospects for cooperation between these countries in digital transformation. This direction corresponds to the documents adopted within the framework of the SCO. On July 10, 2015, the SCO Development Strategy 2025 was adopted in Ufa, which provides for the development of information-communication technologies in the region by telecommunications standards adopted and approved by the International Telecommunication Union. On June 14, 2019, the Concept of Cooperation between the SCO member states in Digitalization and Information and Communication Technologies was adopted. The document notes the importance of forming a digital infrastructure, ensuring information security and technology development.

Uzbekistan’s initiatives on the adoption of the draft universal rules of international information are of great importance. On November 10, 2020, the Council of Heads of SCO Member States adopted a statement on cooperation in the digital economy, and on November 3, 2016 – a program of scientific-technical partnership. In these documents, cooperation in modern digital technologies is indicated as an important goal. Within the framework of the Samarkand Summit, a program for the development of digital literacy was considered. The initiative to adopt the project was put forward by Uzbekistan. The document is aimed at assisting the population of the SCO Member States in mastering digital literacy, developing cooperation in the formation of the necessary knowledge and skills in digital technologies among the population.

Cooperation in green energy should also be noted as an important direction. The increase in electricity consumption, the need to meet consumers’ needs require the availability of appropriate sources. Hydrocarbons make up more than 80 percent of energy reserves, however, according to experts, these sources may disappear in the near future, so cooperation in the creation of green energy is considered one of the pressing issues. It was noted that the use of resource-saving, energy-efficient, green and low-emission technologies will contribute to improving the well-being and standard of living of the population, ensuring sustainable development of the member states. The Samarkand Summit became a unique platform for the exchange of views and experiences in this direction. 

Golib Khasanov, UzA