Policy paper

Busan Declaration of Digital-5 Governments

Published 29 October 2020

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The Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Korea, the Cabinet Office of Her Majesty’s Government, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications of the Republic of Estonia, the Department of Internal Affairs of the Government of New Zealand and the Prime Minister’s Office of the Government of the State of Israel (hereinafter referred to as “the Participants”), collectively, declare to:

Future of the D5

  1. Reaffirm our commitment, as a group of most digitally advanced governments in the world, to share best practices and innovative digital government policies, identify methods to improve the Participants’ digital services, collaborate on common projects and to support and champion our growing digital economies;

  2. Reaffirm our objective to contribute to the international community through working towards the 9 principles of the D5 Charter and bridging the digital gaps among countries;

  3. Commit to strengthening cooperation and developing effective communication channels among the Participants;

Expansion of the D5

  1. Recognise that the D5 should be open to expansion to include additional countries that have a track record of excellence in digital government and are committed to meet the D5 principles to advance global digital government;


  2. Agree that new members to the group must be proposed by one current member, seconded by another and that, as set out in the Charter (8.2), all members must agree to admit them;

    5.1. The country will be asked to submit a brief expression of interest to the steering group setting out:

    —How they are working towards the 9 principles in the D5 Charter; and

    —Their track record of excellence in digital government.
  1. Acknowledge that, to lead global digital government, the D5 should work with relevant stakeholders, including international organizations, the private sector, academia, and civil society;


  2. Commit to sharing and learning with these stakeholders to advance global digital government;


9 Principles of the D5 Charter

  1. Recommit to working towards the 9 principles of the Charter set in 2014;


  2. Recognise that the principles of the Charter should be reviewed annually as digital government evolves and update as new challenges and opportunities arise to ensure they remain relevant;

Outcomes of the D5

  1. Agree to share code and solutions in the field of digital government, and collaborate on research, analysis and projects; and


  2. Agree to publish our findings annually to share with non-D5 members and to ensure that we lead global digital government.


Signed in Busan, Republic of Korea, on November 11th, 2016.

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