In the interconnected world we live in, digital technology is at the heart of almost everything we do. It has revolutionized the 
way we communicate, work, shop, learn, and entertain ourselves. As the digital landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented rate, it is imperative to have a set of shared principles that guide its growth and development, ensuring it benefits everyone, everywhere. Enter the Global Digital Compact (GDC), a groundbreaking initiative proposed by the United Nations Secretary-General, in his 2021 report „Our Common Agenda“. It builds on the promise made by UN member states in 2020 to shape „a digital future that show[s] the full potential for beneficial technology usage“. Lately United Nations Secretary-General released the Policy Brief for the Global Digital Compact.
What sets the GDC apart is its comprehensive and inclusive approach
The policy brief outlining the GDC suggests principles and actions across eight crucial areas, including digital connectivity, digital cooperation for sustainable development goals (SDGs), upholding human rights, an inclusive and secure internet, digital trust and security, data protection and empowerment, governance of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, and global digital commons (see infographic enclosed). This multilayered strategy ensures that every facet of the digital world is carefully considered and addressed.
The GDC is also unique in its commitment to multi-stakeholder participation
The implementation of the GDC will be undertaken by different stakeholders at national, regional, and sectoral levels. It proposes annual Digital Cooperation Forums to facilitate collaboration across digital multistakeholder frameworks and promote cross-border learning in digital governance. These forums will also work towards identifying and promoting policy solutions to emerging digital challenges and governance gaps.
The table provides an overview of the topics, objectives, and actions outlined in the policy brief for the Global Digital Compact by the UN Secretary-General. For a more detailed please see the original document.
| Topic | Objectives | Actions |
| Digital connectivity and capacity building | Close the digital divide and empower people to participate fully in the digital economy | Common targets for universal and meaningful connectivity; Strengthening public education for digital literacy and lifelong learning for workers |
| Digital cooperation to accelerate progress on the SDGs | Targeted investments in digital public infrastructure and services; making data representative, interoperable, and accessible; pool AI expertise and infrastructure to meet SDG targets; developing globally harmonized digital sustainability standards | Developing definitions of safe, inclusive, and sustainable digital public infrastructures; Fostering open and accessible data ecosystems; Collaborate on AI applications for SDG; Utilize a common blueprint on digital transformation |
| Upholding human rights | Putting human rights at the centre of the digital future; ending the gender digital divide; protecting workers against digital surveillance, arbitrary algorithmic decisions and loss of agency over their labour | Establishing a digital human rights advisory mechanism, facilitated by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, to provide guidance on human rights and technology issues; make sure that minorities fully benefit from digital tech; upholding labour rights supported by ILO |
| An inclusive, open, secure, and shared internet | Safeguarding the free and shared nature of the internet; reinforcing accountable multistakeholder governance of the Internet | Commitments from governments to avoid blanket internet shutdowns and refrain from actions disrupting critical infrastructures; uphold net neutrality etc. to support an open, interconnected Internet. |
| Digital trust and security | Strengthening multistakeholder cooperation to elaborate norms, guidelines, and principles on the responsible use of digital technologies; develop accountability criteria for digital platforms; building capacity and expanding the global cybersecurity workforce | Developing common standards and industry codes of conduct to address harmful content on digital platforms; promote safe civic spaces |
| Data protection and empowerment | Ensuring that data are governed for the benefit of all; empowering people to control their personal data; developing interoperable standards for data quality in respect of intellectual property rights | Considering adopting a declaration on data rights; Seeking convergence on principles for data governance through a potential Global Data Compact |
| Agile governance of AI and other emerging technologies | Ensuring transparency, reliability, safety, and human control in the design and use of AI; putting transparency, fairness, and accountability at the core of AI governance; combining existing norms, regulations, and standards into a framework for agile governance of AI; Ensure and coordinate alignment of digital tech with human values | Establishing a high-level advisory body for AI; Ensure research and investment of in AI based on human values; Develop sector-based guidelines on AI; Building regulatory capacity in the public sector |
| Global digital commons | Ensuring inclusive digital cooperation; enabling regular and sustained exchanges across states, regions, and industry sectors; developing and governing technologies in ways that enable sustainable development, empower people, and address harms | Commit to the GDC |
Stakeholder dialogues and next steps
Furthermore, the GDC is set to be agreed upon during a Summit of the Future in September 2024, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards a shared digital future. In the lead-up to this summit, a public consultation was launched to gather input from interested stakeholders, reinforcing the GDC’s commitment to inclusivity and cooperation. I am really proud that a group of engaged persons out of the Corporate Digital Responsibility community participated in the consultation and submitted our perspective on businesses as forces for good in a digital society.
The GDC presents a unique and timely opportunity to shape the digital future in a way that is open, free, secure, and beneficial for all. It represents a significant step forward in the global effort to harness the power of digital technologies for the common good. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting initiative as we journey together towards a shared digital future.
Reference
United Nations Secretary-General. (2023). Our Common Agenda: Policy Brief for the Global Digital Compact. United Nations. Retrieved June 7, 2023, from https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/our-common-agenda-policy-brief-gobal-digi-compact-en.pdf
