Prof. Rajendra Pratap Gupta to lead the dynamic coalition on ‘Internet & Jobs’ at the Internet Governance Forum, United Nations

By now, we’ve realized that the world is at a tipping point when it comes to job losses due to the imminent economic collapse caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To find an apt solution for this issue, Prof. Rajendra Pratap Gupta, has been tasked to lead the Dynamic Coalition on ‘Internet and Jobs’ as its Chair at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), United Nations. This global role will entail showing the way for job creation globally. The IGF brings various people and stakeholder groups to the table as equals to exchange information and share good policies and practices relating to the Internet and technologies

While many of you might not be aware of Prof. Rajendra Pratap Gupta, he is a Global Public Policy Expert and one of India’s top policymakers. To add to his merit, he is also a best selling author having published four books in all. The latest – Tough Choices and Hard Decision was written in the month of April during the lockdown in a span of 19 days and published. In his latest book, Prof Gupta talks about rebuilding India in the next two and a half decades. In this book, he gives a clear indication of the Indian economy as India moves through the impact of COVID-19 and Why COVID-19 is a once in a lifetime opportunity for governments, business organizations, and professionals to relook, reposition, and transform to the “new normal”.

Commenting on his new role at the IGF, UN, Prof. Rajendra Pratap Gupta says, “This is a lifetime opportunity to make a difference, globally. And, we will engage with all stakeholders to come out with transformative ideas” and expressed his optimism to deliver on this role.

The Dynamic Coalition on ‘Internet and Jobs’ has come from the realization of the need for sustainable and responsible automation, and the potential of the Internet to create jobs and boost the local economies. It is a result of the initiatives taken by Prof. Rajendra Pratap Gupta at the IGF, since 2018 when it was held in Paris and then, in 2019, at Berlin.

The Dynamic Coalition will work with individuals, communities, universities, organizations, and the governments to further the goals of creating a vibrant digital economy supporting the feet on the ground (local jobs).

What Is The Goal?

• To create jobs across sectors and geographies, through a multi-stakeholder, ecosystem approach of; Connect, Coordinate, Activate, Train, and Enable.
• Help people realise the human resource and entrepreneurial potential of the Internet across the globe.

The Action Plan

• The Dynamic Coalition on Internet and Jobs will come out with an annual report on ‘Internet & Jobs’ capturing the opportunities, best practices, and success stories, to inspire people to leverage the Internet to build local economies and connect them to the global opportunities.
• Organize online and offline workshops on how local communities can leverage the Internet for a better life.
• Showcase our real-life stories and brainstorm ideas and innovations at the local IGF and annual IGF meetings.

A proponent of ‘Sustainable Automation’, Prof Gupta, brings a unique capability of handling complex issues, across sectors and across countries, given his work in the international arena. A social entrepreneur, he has founded many not-for-profits, HIMSS Asia Pacific India, DMAI (An organization with a Special Consultative Status with the United Nations), Centre for Participatory Democracy, and the ‘Government Industry Dialogue’ initiative.

He is known for his disruptive thinking and has played a key role in drafting the election manifestos of the BJP in 2009 and 2014, and also various policies of the Modi Government. He has a knack for handling complex policy issues across domains with ease, and to come out with path-breaking, yet practical ideas.

He has served at senior-most levels at fortune 20 & fortune 500 companies in India, and advised organizations across; USA, Europe, U.K., Middle East, and India. He has been invited by global organizations like the United Nations, UNESCO, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, World Health Organization, World Economic Forum, and International Telecommunications Union, by the United States of America, Governments of Japan, Finland, Algeria & Bangladesh, and also by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Ministry of Labour and Employment, & The Planning Commission – Government of India, for his views on a diverse range of issues.