Global Digital Compact

The Global Digital Compact is an initiative proposed in the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres's Common Agenda. The objective of this compact is to ensure that digital technologies are used responsibly and for the benefit of all, while addressing the digital divide and fostering a safe and inclusive digital environment.[1][2]

Global Digital Compact
AbbreviationGDC
Legal statusActive
HeadquartersNew York
UN Secretary-General
António Guterres
Parent organization
United Nations
Websitewww.un.org/techenvoy/global-digital-compact

Background and Process

Following consultations with over 1 million voices from around the world, the UN Member States adopted a declaration that emphasized the importance of improving digital cooperation. In response, the Secretary-General's report, "Our Common Agenda," proposes a Summit of the Future, with a technology track leading to the Global Digital Compact.[1]

On 17 January 2023, the President of the UN General Assembly appointed Rwanda and Sweden as Co-facilitators to lead the intergovernmental process on the Global Digital Compact. A road map for the process was published on 16 January 2023.

As part of the consultative process, the United Nations invites input from individuals, groups, associations, organizations, and entities to help shape the Global Digital Compact. The input provided will inform deliberations of the Global Digital Compact, which will take place in 2024 as part of the Summit of the Future.

Key Aspects

The Global Digital Compact aims to bring together governments, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to work collaboratively on a set of shared principles and commitments. Some key aspects of the Global Digital Compact include:[3][4]

  1. Connectivity: Ensuring that all people, including schools, have access to the internet and digital tools for connectivity and socio-economic prosperity.
  2. Internet Fragmentation: Preventing the division and fragmentation of the internet to maintain a unified global digital space.
  3. Data Protection: Providing individuals with options for how their data is used and ensuring their privacy is respected.
  4. Human Rights Online: Applying human rights principles in the digital sphere, including freedom of expression, privacy, and protection from discrimination and misleading content.
  5. Artificial Intelligence Regulation: Promoting the ethical development and use of artificial intelligence in alignment with shared global values.
  6. Digital Commons: Recognizing digital technologies as a global public good and encouraging their development and use for the benefit of all.

Relation to Other Initiatives

The Global Digital Compact is related to various other international efforts, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UN Secretary-General's Roadmap on Digital Cooperation, and the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition.[1]

References
  1. "Global Digital Compact: Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology". www.un.org. Archived from the original on 26 April 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  2. "Global Digital Compact in 2023 | DW Observatory". Archived from the original on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  3. "The Global Digital Compact: a bold step towards digital transformation | EEAS". www.eeas.europa.eu. Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  4. "Global Digital Compact: joint submission on targeted surveillance". Amnesty International. Archived from the original on 5 May 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
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