With more than 156 million registered users and more than 4,000 public services available digitally, the Brazilian federal government's Gov.br portal stood out as a successful example of Digital Public Infrastructure (IPD) during the "Digital Government and Inclusion" workshop, held as part of the G20 Digital Economy Working Group.
How can digital identity and data sharing solutions boost the digital economy, improve interaction between citizens and government and fight digital disparities? This was one of the questions posed during the virtual workshop "Digital Government and Inclusion"; dedicated to discussing how the Digital Public Infrastructure (IPD) operates. Held as part of the G20 Digital Economy Working Group in partnership with the Ministry of Management, the National School of Public Administration (Escola Nacional de Administração Pública - Enap) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (Organização para a Cooperação e Desenvolvimento Econômico - OECD), the workshop took place on June 18 and 19.
The Minister for Management and Innovation in Public Services, Esther Dweck, stated that the workshop aims to facilitate discussions and share good practices, seeking innovative solutions in governance to face the challenges of digital inclusion, which affect a third of the population with limited access to these tools. "It is crucial to reflect on how society can actively participate and pursue a more inclusive and digitally oriented 21st century adaptation," she emphasized. She highlighted IPD, including digital identity and data sharing, as effective tools to make public services more inclusive and user-centered.
The Director of the Department of Science, Technology and Property, Ambassador Luciano Mazza said that there is an urgent need to address digital gaps and inequalities in the digital economy, highlighting the crucial role of the G20 in promoting a greater inclusive and international digital governance. In addition, the ambassador said that Brasil had identified four main areas aligned with the idea of digital inclusion to guide the work of the Digital Economy WG: universalizing digital activity and inclusion, guaranteeing the integrity of online information and trust in the digital economy, using artificial intelligence to promote inclusive and sustainable development, and reducing inequalities.
"In a world dominated by private platforms, we believe it is crucial to develop a new understanding and a new international paradigm on digital infrastructure. This is key to shaping the debate and ensuring space for public policies that strengthen the public sphere in the digital world," affirms Mazza.
Elza Pilichowski, Director of Public Governance at the OECD, stressed that Digital Government not only improves the efficiency of public services, but also strengthens citizens' trust in public administration. She highlighted platforms such as Gov.br, which facilitate safe and easy access to essential services, helping to reduce digital disparities and increase public participation.
Enap's replacement Acting President Natália Teles emphasized the importance of continuous training for public servants to drive digital transformation and adapt public policies to the needs of the population in the digital age. "Our mission is to provide knowledge and practices for public servants to face current and future challenges," she affirmed. She also emphasized the role of the Schools of Government in implementing plans and projects that strengthen public policies to efficiently meet the needs of the population.
"In a world dominated by private platforms, we believe it is crucial to develop a new understanding and a new international paradigm on digital infrastructure. This is key to shaping the debate and ensuring space for public policies that strengthen the public sphere in the digital world," affirms Mazza.
Gov.br: a global IPD model
Gov.br, one of the leading examples of Digital Public Infrastructure (IPD) in the world, is a Brazilian federal government platform with more than 156 million registered users. It offers access to more than 4,200 essential digital services, such as Electronic Signature, Pre-filled Income Tax Return, My Digital SUS, Secure Cell Phone, My INSS, Enem, eSocial and the Digital Driver License.
Alexandre Ávila, Superintendent of Digital Government at Serpro, emphasized the importance of Digital Identity to make Gov.br viable, ensuring digital inclusion with universal accessibility to the services offered, including the National Identity Card (CIN), a document that integrates advanced technologies such as blockchain and QR Code, ensuring data immutability and greater security. "Digital inclusion is a priority, with efforts to guarantee access to digital services for all citizens, including those with disabilities," says Ávila.
The Director of Digital Identity, Hudson Mesquita, stressed the importance of ensuring that digital solutions do not increase social exclusion. He highlighted the need to support digital literacy and develop user-centered systems while the head of the Adjunct Division and Digital Government at the OECD, Barbara Ubaldi, declared Gov.br as an outstanding example of a digital platform for the world, reaffirming its importance for the efficiency and accessibility of public services.
Minister Esther Dweck reinforced that the Gov.br tool has been fundamental in reconnecting citizens to public services at all levels of government, improving efficiency and significantly reducing costs. She stressed that initiatives such as the National Identity Card (CIN) have ensured greater security and accessibility to digital services, supporting an inclusive and responsible digital transformation.
The Head of Digital Development at the UK Government, Alessandra Lustrati, emphasized that Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) depends crucially on connectivity, digital skills and local accessibility of content and services. She defined IPD as "systems that effectively facilitate digital functions in the public and private sectors, covering identification, authentication, civil registers, digital financial services, information systems, education and health" and concluded by saying that the success of digital programs also depends on the local context and the public's acceptance of the services.
