Revised version of Global Digital Compact draft made available

As the process towards a Global Digital Compact (GDC) advances at the UN level, the co-facilitators – the Permanent Missions of Sweden and Zambia – released a revised version of the GDC draft (rev.1) on 15 May 2024. 

Some of the key changes introduced in the draft include:

• Overall objectives: Some changes were made to the language associated with the overall objectives and commitments. For instance, objective 5 changed from ‘govern emerging technologies, including AI, for humanity’ to ‘enhance international governance of emerging technologies, including AI, for the benefit of humanity. (see Figure 1 below). 
• Closing all digital divides and accelerating progress across SDGs. 
  • Recognition that innovative solutions can help deliver high-speed connectivity to remote and rural areas. 
  • Reference that the targets on connectivity will be based on ITU work. 
  • Clarification and expansion of environmental-related provisions (e.g. from ICT equipment to digital tech/equipment). 
  • Commitment to mitigate potential negative consequences from digitalisation/automation for workforces and promote decent work.
  • Reflection of the need for capacity building programmes to respond to tech change. 
  • Commitment to increase investment in both DPG and DPI. 
• Expanding inclusion in and benefits from the digital economy for all
  • Consistent language on tech transfers ‘on mutually agreed terms’. 
  • New commitment to fostering open, fair, inclusive, non-discriminatory digital environment. 
• Fostering an inclusive, open, safe and secure digital space that respects, promotes and protects HR
  • Reference to HR due dilligence in commitment about safeguards to address adverse HR impacts.
  • New recognition of the need to address the governance of the Internet in a global manner, with the participation of all states and other stakeholders.
  • Changes in language about the IGF and a new commitment about internet fragmentation.
  • New call on tech companies and developers to increase transparency in systems/processes. 
  • New commitment to facilitating access to accurate info to counter mis-/disinformation. 
• Advancing responsible and equitable international data governance
  • A new commitment to establish definitions and data classifications to promote interoperability and facilitate data exchanges.
  • A new intergovernmental process towards a framework for international data governance.
  • Deletion of commitment to implement DFFT.
• Enhance international governance of emerging tech, including AI, for the benefit of humanity
  • Scientific Panel to also look at emerging technologies.
  • Global AI dialogue becomes International Contact Group on AI Governance (convened annually).
• Follow-up and review
  • Clarification that the new office within the UN Secretariat to facilitate coordination on digital issues is to build on the existing Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology.
  • A proposal for member states to report on GDC implementation as part of their voluntary national reporting on SDG achievements. 
  • An invitation for the  IGF to establish an annual policy discussion track to facilitate the contribution of all stakeholders to the delivery of the Compact’s commitments and actions
  • A request for UN agencies to leverage the WSIS Forum as they support GDC implementation.