No one left behind – trust and inclusion in the digital age

Digitalization has proved to be a powerful tool when working on all societal issues, including the SDGs. The new Japanese government has therefore put digitisation and eGovernment front and centre as a key policy ambitions. But, the fact that Japan scores lowest on digitisation among OECD countries has become clear during the current pandemic when for example the increased demand for remote working has met many obstacles. Even though the lack of digitalization is a burden to many in their everyday life, there is greater concern regarding digital inclusion of the elderly, as well as general trust in the authorities’ ability to safely handle the personal data of its citizens.

At this Nordic Talk, we will examine how we can ensure a transparent and accountable digitalization where all groups in society are included. Looking at examples from the Nordic countries, from both public and private sectors, the ambition of the event is to give all participants food for thought on how digitalisation can help support social equity, sustainability and equal access to quality services for all.

The event will be divided into two main topics, namely:
1) Inclusion – how people of all ages and in all parts of society should be able to benefit from digitalization. 
2) Trust - How transparency and accountability can be ensured for citizens to feel safe sharing their personal data.

Nordic Talks Japan is a collaboration and series of events hosted by: Nordic Innovation House in Tokyo, Royal Danish Embassy, Embassy of Finland in Tokyo, Embassy of Iceland in Tokyo, Norwegian Embassy in Tokyo, Embassy of Sweden in Tokyo, The Finnish Institute in Japan.