O

ne of the best stories in our lifetime is the success of humanity in tackling extreme poverty. In the last two and a half decades, the number of people living on less than US$1.90 a day has been halved to less than 800 million.

Progress has been particularly rapid in this part of the world. In 1990, more than 60 percent of people in East Asia and the Pacific were in extreme poverty. Now, that number has been brought down to 3.5 percent. In Indonesia, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita has increased significantly, and 10 million people have exited poverty in the last decade alone.

And yet challenges remain. The pace at which we are cutting poverty in this country is slowing, while inequality is on the rise. Some of those who have risen above the poverty line remain vulnerable, and could drop back down. We are not alone in facing these challenges: The World Bank predicts that 4 percent of the global population will still be stuck in absolute poverty in 2030.  

To overcome this and set a course for increased prosperity for all, we need to spur global growth, create more quality jobs and drive innovations that can boost productivity. We also need to improve governance, reduce corruption and improve social welfare. Our success on all these fronts will depend in large part on how we respond to and take advantage of rapid technological changes.

Technology has the proven potential to support and accelerate development. It has already created opportunities for governments and citizens across Asia and beyond. Today, individuals can transfer money instantly via their mobile phones; manufacturers can 3D-print complex components at a fraction of their previous cost; and medicines can be delivered by drone to health clinics in remote areas.

These are just some of the benefits that technology brings to developing countries and marginalized communities. But new technologies also have the potential to disrupt markets and change the jobs landscape.

For example, some studies suggest that up to a third of work activities may be under threat of automation. This is of relevance to Indonesia and our fellow Southeast Asian nations, where low-cost manufacturing has been an engine for growth and economic empowerment of women.  

In spite of these clear challenges and opportunities, most discussion about technological change is focused on what it means for rich economies. There are limited studies on the impact of technology on the developing world, especially the poorest countries.

As policymakers, we need practical, evidence-based guidance on steps we can take to harness the power of technology for development and poverty reduction and mitigate against its negative effects. We need workable solutions to adapt our governance for the digital age and advice on the opportunities we can seize and the potential pitfalls we need to avoid.

As finance minister, I want to know how emerging technologies can help me collect a fair and sufficient amount of tax to pay for the services and investments our citizens need. I want to learn about possible new tools that will help citizens to engage constructively with the government, and strengthen public accountability. I am interested in innovations that will promote inclusive growth by better targeting assistance to the poorest and most vulnerable.

The government cannot come up with the answers on our own, and we cannot only look to our own national or regional experiences to guide our policymaking. We need to break down the silos between the government, private sector, academia and civil society to create a space for a dynamic, global discussion that generates new answers for a new age.

This is why I am delighted to be joining global philanthropist Melinda Gates and African telecommunications entrepreneur Strive Masiyiwa as co-chairs of a new Commission on Technology and Inclusive Development. The Pathways for Prosperity Commission, which will be launched in Nairobi this week, will examine emerging technologies — such as robotics, artificial intelligence, 3D printing and blockchain — and provide insights as well as concrete policy recommendations to address the risks and opportunities.

We will meet with our fellow commissioners, global leaders in their field, several times over the next two years to investigate how emerging technologies will affect the development pathways of the poorest countries.

We will engage with experts, policymakers, entrepreneurs and thinkers around the world, examining the implications of new technology for jobs, governance, and human development and come up with clear recommendations to help us all ride this wave of change. Watch this space!

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The writer is Indonesian finance minister.