Accelerating SDG Progress through Digital Transformation of Agri-Food Systems: A G20 Action Plan for Deep Sustainability

Venkatachalam Anbumozhi, Eiji Yamaji and Kaliappa Kalirajan

No PB-2025-19, Working Papers from Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)

Abstract: Global agri-food systems are under acute pressure from climate change, conflict, persistent inequality, and continued population growth. The result is rising food insecurity and widening gaps in progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly across the Global South. Digital transformation offers a powerful pathway to reverse these trends by increasing productivity, reducing environmental impacts, strengthening resilience, and improving food system governance. Building on commitments from the past four Global South G20 Presidencies – Indonesia (2022), India (2023), Brazil (2024), and South Africa (2025) – the United States G20 Presidency in 2026 has a unique opportunity to consolidate momentum through a coherent, forward-looking framework that links digitalisation with sustainability and SDG acceleration. This policy brief proposes a G20 action plan grounded in a digital–data–innovation–sustainability nexus. It highlights five drivers of digital transformation: productivity gains, improved market access and inclusion, enhanced resilience, strengthened food and nutrition security, and data-driven policymaking. To realise these benefits, the G20 should expand rural digital infrastructure, promote responsible data governance, incentivise sustainable digital innovations, and build institutional and financial capacity, especially for women and youth. The brief also calls for establishing an international governance structure for digitally enabled virtual food reserves to support food security during crises. Together, these measures can help G20 members build more productive, sustainable, and equitable food systems and accelerate SDG achievement by 2030. Latest Articles

Pages: 4 pages.
Date: 2026-01-30
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