Global Digital Compact (annotated text)

September 2024

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Resolutions and Declarations

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Unpacking Global Digital Compact

by Sorina Teleanu

Sorina Teleanu’s publication, ‘Unpacking the Global Digital Compact,‘ provides a comprehensive exploration of the origins and significance of the Global Digital Compact (GDC), making it an invaluable resource for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners in digital governance.

This indispensable and practical guide navigates the complex landscape of digital governance, supported by over 400 references, including direct links to primary sources and critical documents such as the Pact of the Future and the policy instruments from the World Summit on the Information Society. Unlock this wealth of expert analysis and essential information by registering below to access the publication.

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‘Unpacking the Global Digital Compact’

Global Digital Compact was Adopted by UN member states as Annex to the Pact for the Future, on 22 September 2024, during the Summit of the Future.

Contents

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This chatbot uses as primary sources the GDC itself and the publication ‘Unpacking Global Digital Compact’. In answering your queries, it will use language that does not necessarily reflect the language used in these two primary sources.

TEXT OF THE GLOBAL DIGITAL COMPACT

1. Digital technologies are dramatically transforming our world. They offer immense potential benefits for the well-being and advancement of people and societies and for our planet. They hold out the promise of accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Commentary – travaux préparatoires

The opening paragraph emphasizes the transformative power of digital technologies, with an optimistic outlook on their benefits for societies and the planet. The focus on accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reflects a growing recognition that digital tools are key drivers for development, capable of improving areas such as health, education, and environmental sustainability. This aligns well with prior initiatives like the UN Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, which highlighted the potential of digital technologies to enhance global welfare.

2. We can only achieve this through strengthened international cooperation that closes all digital divides between and within countries. We recognize the challenges that these divides pose for many countries, in particular developing countries, which have pressing development needs and limited resources.

Commentary – travaux préparatoires

This paragraph underscores the importance of international cooperation to bridge digital divides, a central goal of the GDC. Notably, earlier drafts of the GDC used both ‘cooperation’ and ‘governance’ as terms with equal weight, highlighting that addressing digital divides involves not just cooperation but also governance frameworks that ensure accountability and effective implementation. The decision to place more emphasis on cooperation in the final version could suggest an intention to prioritize inclusivity and shared efforts over regulatory oversight, potentially to ease concerns of countries wary of global regulatory regimes.

3. We recognize that the pace and power of emerging technologies are creating new possibilities but also new risks for humanity, some of which are not yet fully known. We recognize the need to identify and mitigate risks and to ensure human oversight of technology in ways that advance sustainable development and the full enjoyment of human rights.

Commentary – travaux préparatoires

The mention of risks ‘not yet fully known’ acknowledges the uncertainties and challenges inherent in managing technologies like artificial intelligence and biotechnology. The emphasis on ‘human oversight’ is a clear response to widespread concerns about the ethical implications and unintended consequences of technology, especially in areas such as AI where autonomous decision-making might have far-reaching impacts.

By tying these developments to ‘sustainable development and the full enjoyment of human rights,’ the GDC aims to balance technological innovation with ethical and responsible use, ensuring that these advancements benefit all of humanity without compromising fundamental rights.

However, the effectiveness of this oversight will depend heavily on the mechanisms put in place to ensure that human involvement is substantive rather than merely formal, and that accountability frameworks are strong enough to manage potential risks.

4. Our goal is an inclusive, open, sustainable, fair, safe and secure digital future for all. This Global Digital Compact sets out the objectives, principles, commitments and actions we undertake to achieve it in the non-military domain.

Commentary – travaux préparatoires

By specifying that the Compact is focused on the non-military domain, it seeks to distinguish the cooperative and developmental aspects of digital governance from military and security concerns which are covered in the processes such as OEWG.

5. We have strong foundations on which to build. Our digital cooperation rests on international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, international human rights law and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We remain committed to the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society reflected in the Geneva Declaration of Principles and Plan of Action and the Tunis Agenda for the Information Society. The United Nations provides a critical platform for the global digital cooperation we need, and we will harness existing processes to do so.

Commentary – travaux préparatoires

This paragraph anchors the GDC in existing international legal frameworks, emphasizing continuity with established principles like international human rights law and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Notably, the reference to WSIS outcomes underscores the continued relevance of these earlier foundational efforts in framing digital cooperation. It indicates a conscious effort to build on previous milestones rather than starting anew, which helps foster consistency and avoid duplication of efforts.

It is also worth mentioning that earlier drafts of the GDC included references to international humanitarian law, which were removed in the final version. This change might suggest a narrowing of the focus to non-military digital issues, potentially to mitigate concerns related to the militarization of cyberspace.

6. Our cooperation must be agile and adaptable to the rapidly changing digital landscape. As Governments, we will work in collaboration and partnership with the private sector, civil society, international organizations, the technical and academic communities and all other stakeholders, within their respective roles and responsibilities, to realize the digital future we seek.

Commentary – travaux préparatoires

The emphasis on ‘agile and adaptable’ cooperation highlights an understanding of the fast pace of technological change and the need for governance frameworks that can keep up with these changes. The commitment to work with a diverse range of stakeholders—including private sector, civil society, and academic communities—reflects the Compact’s multistakeholder approach, which is seen as crucial for addressing the multifaceted challenges of digital governance.

This inclusive approach was also emphasized in the preamble. The formulation ‘respective roles and responsibilities’ of stakeholders aligned with consensus reached during the WSIS process, ensuring that all stakeholders are recognized but also clearly delineated in their roles.

Objectives

7. To achieve our goal, we will pursue the following objectives:

1. Close all digital divides and accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals;

2. Expand inclusion in and benefits from the digital economy for all;

3. Foster an inclusive, open, safe and secure digital space that respects, protects and promote human rights;

4. Advance responsible, equitable and interoperable data governance approaches;

5. Enhance international governance of artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity.

Commentary – travaux préparatoires

The language used to define these areas evolved during the negotiation process, reflecting some controversies and disagreements. For instance, the section on data governance started off as ‘advance equitable international data governance’, clearly reflecting a desire for international data governance frameworks. Because not all member states are ready or willing to embark on such a mission, the title of this section changed, and so did the commitments in the section itself (with somewhat lighter language around the idea of international data governance; something we will reflect on in more detail later on).

The same happened with the section on AI, whose initial title was ‘govern emerging technologies, including AI’. Here, the initial idea, in the zero draft, was for the Compact to ‘establish the foundations for international governance of AI’. However, some member states expressed the view that there were already governance mechanisms in place for AI and that these should be built upon. Thus, the language used in this section has changed significantly during the revisions, as the final title also reflects. What ‘enhance international governance of AI’ says is that more needs to be done at the international level to govern AI, while still taking into account existing work.
The objective to foster an inclusive, open, safe, and secure digital space received the addition ‘that respects, protects and promotes human rights’ in a later Compact revision, reflecting concerns from some member states that the overall text would benefit from stronger references to the need to respect and uphold human rights in the digital space.

Principles

8. Our digital cooperation will be guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the following cross-cutting and mutually reinforcing principles:

(a) The inclusive participation of all States and other stakeholders is the cornerstone of this Compact. Our cooperation will close the digital divides within and between States and advance an equitable digital environment for all;

Commentary – travaux préparatoires

The first principle underscores the importance of inclusiveness, looked at from two angles: inclusive participation of all states and stakeholders as a key element of the Compact, and inclusiveness in the digital environment in the sense of closing digital divides and ensuring this environment is equitable for all.

(b) This Compact is development-oriented and rooted in the 2030 Agenda. Our cooperation will harness technologies to fast-track progress, eradicate poverty and leave no one behind. This includes targeted efforts to address the needs of developing countries, in particular the least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States, as well as the specific challenges facing middle-income countries;

Commentary – travaux préparatoires

Related to this is the development-oriented nature of the GDC: The Compact has a strong focus on development, as member states intend to harness technology to accelerate progress across the SDGs, eliminate poverty, and ensure that no one is left behind, with particular attention to the unique needs of developing countries.

(c) This Compact is anchored in international law, including international human rights law. All human rights, including civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, and fundamental freedoms, must be respected, protected and promoted online and offline. Our cooperation will harness digital technologies to advance all human rights, including the rights of the child, the rights of persons with disabilities and the right to development;

Commentary – travaux préparatoires

Repeating something highlighted in the preamble, the next principle underscores the anchoring of the GDC in international law, including international human rights law. Emphasised here is the idea that all human rights are to be respected, protected, and promoted, both offline and online, and that digital technologies are to be leveraged to advance all rights. This reflects long lasting debates at the UN level in which some member states have shown concerns regarding a perceived prioritisation of civil rights over other types of rights such as the right to development.

(d) Gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls and their full, equal and meaningful participation in the digital space are essential to close the gender digital divide and advance sustainable development. Our cooperation will empower all women and girls, encourage leadership of women, mainstream a gender perspective and counter and eliminate all forms of violence, including sexual and gender-based violence that occurs through or is amplified by the use of technology;

Commentary – travaux préparatoires

The Compact also emphasises gender equality, aiming to ensure the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women and girls in the digital space, empower them, foster womens’ leadership, and eliminate all forms of gender-based violence that occurs through or is amplified by the use of technology. This is also mirrored in the Pact for the Future, as member states express their decision to address barriers to womens’ and girls’ full, equal, and meaningful participation and leadership in the broader field of STI (55a).

(e) Digital technologies unlock new capabilities and opportunities for advancing environmental sustainability. Our cooperation will leverage digital technologies for sustainability while minimizing their negative environmental impacts;

Commentary – travaux préparatoires

Environmental sustainability is highlighted as another principle, with member states indicating that their cooperation will leverage digital technologies in support of sustainability while minimising their negative environmental impacts.

(f) Equitable and meaningful inclusion in the digital economy requires tackling existing concentrations of technological capacity and market power. Our cooperation will aim to ensure that the benefits of digital cooperation are fairly distributed and do not exacerbate existing inequalities or impede the full achievement of sustainable development;

Commentary – travaux préparatoires

Equitable and meaningful inclusion in the digital economy is a core focus, with a goal to ensure that the benefits of digital cooperation are fairly distributed, avoiding the reinforcement of existing inequalities. Included in this principle is the need to tackle existing concentrations of technological capacity and market power. As we will see later on, this is the strongest reference throughout the entire Compact to the need to address issues of market concentration (i.e. the power of Big Tech companies, although not referred to explicitly as such), and it is not followed by concrete and actionable solutions (beyond, for instance, supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)).

(g) Accessible and affordable data and digital technologies and services are essential to enable every person to participate fully in the digital world. Our cooperation will promote digital accessibility for all and support linguistic and cultural diversity in the digital space;

Commentary – travaux préparatoires

Accessibility is also key, with a vision for accessible and affordable data, technologies, and services, and an intention to promote digital accessibility for all and support cultural and linguistic diversity in the digital space.

(h) Digital systems that communicate and exchange are critical catalysts for development. Our cooperation will advance interoperability between digital systems and compatible governance approaches;

Commentary – travaux préparatoires

Interoperability across digital systems and compatibility of governance approaches to support such interoperability is another priority. The idea of compatible governance approaches is reiterated later in the Compact in relation to the governance of AI, whereas the provisions on data governance use the term ‘interoperable’ approaches, frameworks, or arrangements.

(i) Safe, secure and trustworthy emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, offer new opportunities to turbocharge development. Our cooperation will advance a responsible, accountable, transparent and human-centric approach to the life cycle of digital and emerging technologies, which includes the pre-design, design, development, evaluation, testing, deployment, use, sale, procurement, operation and decommissioning stages, with effective human oversight;

Commentary – travaux préparatoires

The next two principles are about safe, secure, and trustworthy technologies, advancing a responsible, accountable, transparent, and human-centric approach to their lifecycle.

(j) Creativity and competition drive digital advances. Our cooperation will foster innovation and the potential for societies and businesses, regardless of size or origin, to reap the benefits of digitalization and thrive in the digital economy;

Commentary – travaux préparatoires

This paragraph is about fostering innovation and enabling societies and businesses of all sizes and origins to benefit from digitalisation and the digital economy.

(k) Governments, the private sector, civil society, the technical community, academia and international and regional organizations, in their respective roles and responsibilities, are essential to advance an inclusive, open, safe and secure digital future. Our cooperation will be multi-stakeholder and harness the contributions of all;

Commentary – travaux préparatoires

Emphasising the multistakeholder approach to digital cooperation indirectly referenced in the preamble, the Compact notes that governments, the private sector, civil society, the technical community, academia, and international and regional organisations are essential to advancing the set goals and objectives.

As in the preamble, and later in the document, the phrase ‘in their respective roles and responsibilities’ – agreed on during WSIS – appears here too. It was introduced during Compact revisions to replace phrases like ‘according to their respective mandates, functions and competencies’ (zero draft), and ‘according to their respectives roles and responsibilities, functions and competencies and diversity of perspectives’ (revision 1).

(l) We will enhance partnerships to ensure the provision of the required means of implementation to developing countries, including the mobilization of financial resources, capacity-building and the transfer of technology on mutually agreed terms;

Commentary – travaux préparatoires

Also recognised in the principles is the need to enhance partnerships to support developing countries in implementing the Compact, including the mobilisation of financial resources, capacity-building, and technology transfers on mutually agreed terms. This principle was introduced in the third revision of the Compact, likely in response to concerns raised by developing and least developed countries.

The idea of supporting the efforts of developing countries to leverage technology for sustainable development is also covered in the Pact for the Future, in relation to STI. It is worth noting the distinct terminology used in the Compact and the Pact in relation to technology transfers: ‘technology transfers on mutually agreed terms’ is in the Compact, and the more elaborate ‘transfer of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries on favourable terms, including on concessional and preferential terms, as mutually agreed’ (53) is in the Pact.

(m) The digital world is evolving at pace. Our cooperation must be forward-looking and capable of identifying, anticipating, assessing, monitoring and adapting to emerging technologies so that we can seize opportunities and respond to new and emerging risks and challenges.

Commentary – travaux préparatoires

the final principle talks about cooperation that must be forward-looking and capable of identifying, anticipating, assessing, monitoring, and adapting to emerging technologies.

Commitments and actions

9. We commit to pursue meaningful and measurable actions to achieve our objectives.

Objective 1. Close all digital divides and accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals

Connectivity

10. We acknowledge the pivotal role of universal and meaningful connectivity and affordable access in unlocking the full potential of digital and emerging technologies. We commit to connect all persons to the Internet. We recognize that this will require strong partnerships and increased financial investments in developing countries from Governments and other stakeholders, in particular the private sector. We affirm the important role of the International Telecommunication Union in advancing universal and meaningful connectivity and invite it to further continue its efforts. We recognize that innovative solutions can help deliver high-speed connectivity to, inter alia, underserved, remote and rural areas.

11. We commit, by 2030, to:

(a) Develop and strengthen targets, indicators and metrics for universal meaningful and affordable connectivity, building on existing work, and integrate these into international, regional and national development strategies (SDG 9);

(b) Develop innovative and blended financing mechanisms and incentives, including in collaboration with Governments, multilateral development banks, relevant international organizations and the private sector, to connect the remaining 2.6 billion people to the Internet and to improve the quality and affordability of connectivity. We will aim for entry-level broadband subscription costs that are accessible to the widest section of the population (SDGs 1 and 9);

(c) Invest in and deploy resilient digital infrastructure, including satellites and local network initiatives, that provide safe and secure network coverage to all areas, including rural, remote and “hard-to-reach” areas, and promote equitable access to satellite orbits, taking into account the needs of developing countries. We will aim for universal access at affordable rates and at sufficient speeds as well as reliability to enable meaningful use of the Internet (SDGs 9 and 11);

(d) Map and connect all schools and hospitals to the Internet, building on the Giga initiative of the International Telecommunication Union and the United Nations Children’s Fund, and enhance telemedicine services and capabilities (SDGs 3 and 4);

(e) Promote sustainability across the life cycle of digital technologies, including context-specific measures to increase resource efficiency and to conserve and sustainably use natural resources and that aim to ensure that digital infrastructure and equipment are sustainably designed to address environmental challenges in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty (SDGs 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13 and 14);

(f) Include the needs of people in vulnerable situations and those in underserved, rural and remote areas in the development and implementation of national and local digital connectivity strategies (SDGs 10 and 11);

(g) Mainstream a gender perspective in digital connectivity strategies to address structural and systematic barriers to meaningful, safe and affordable digital connectivity for all women and girls (SDG 5).

Digital literacy, skills and capacities

12. To fully harness the benefits of digital connectivity, we must ensure that people can meaningfully and securely use the Internet and safely navigate the digital space. We recognize the importance of digital skills and lifelong access to digital learning opportunities, taking into account the specific social, cultural and linguistic needs of each society and persons of all ages and backgrounds. We recognize the need to scale up international cooperation and financing for digital capacity development in developing countries and to support the development of local content and content relevant to local realities online and retain talent.

13. We commit, by 2030, to:

(a) Establish and support national digital skills strategies, adapt teacher training and education curricula and provide for adult training programmes for the digital age. Our aim is maximum coverage of basic digital skills for as many as possible, while also advancing intermediate or advanced digital skills (SDGs 4 and 5);

(b) Increase the availability, accessibility and affordability of digital technology platforms, services, software and educational curricula in diverse languages and formats, as well as accessible user interfaces for persons with disabilities (SDGs 4 and 10);

(c) Target and tailor capacity-building for women and girls, children and youth, as well as older persons, persons with disabilities, migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons, Indigenous Peoples and those in vulnerable situations, and ensure their meaningful engagement in the design and implementation of programmes (SDGs 5 and 10);

(d) Develop and undertake national digital inclusion surveys with data disaggregated by income, sex, age, race, ethnicity, migration status, disability and geographical location and other characteristics relevant in national contexts, to identify learning gaps and inform priorities in specific contexts (SDGs 5 and 10);

(e) Prioritize and set targets for the development of digital competencies of public officials and institutions to enact, develop and implement strategies and policies for inclusive, secure and user-centred digital public services, including the development of skills and capacity to ensure the safe, secure and resilient functioning of digital systems, networks and data (SDG 16);

(f) Develop vocational, upskilling and reskilling training for workers in occupations impacted by digitalization and automation to mitigate potential negative consequences for workforces and promote decent work (SDG 8);

(g) Develop interoperable digital competency frameworks and training standards to facilitate pooling of training resources, the mobilization of public and private funds in support of capacity-building and its continuous adaptation to address rapid technological change and the prevention of brain drain (SDGs 4 and 17);

(h) Support efforts to provide opportunities for quality and inclusive science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and research and promote women’s and girls’ participation in all roles and at all levels (SDG 4).

Digital public goods and digital public infrastructure

14. We recognize that digital public goods, which include open-source software, open data, open artificial intelligence models, open standards and open content that adhere to privacy and other applicable international laws, standards and best practices and do no harm, empower societies and individuals to direct digital technologies to their development needs and can facilitate digital cooperation and investment.

15. Resilient, safe, inclusive and interoperable digital public infrastructure has the potential to deliver services at scale and increase social and economic opportunities for all. We recognize that there are multiple models of digital public infrastructure, and that each society will develop and use shared digital systems according to its specific priorities and needs. Transparent, safe and secure digital systems and user-centred safeguards can promote public trust and use of digital services.

16. We consider such digital public goods and digital public infrastructure to be key drivers of inclusive digital transformation and innovation. We recognize the need to increase investment in their successful development with the participation of all stakeholders.

17. We commit by, 2030, to:

(a) Develop, disseminate and maintain, through multi-stakeholder cooperation, safe and secure open-source software, open data, open artificial intelligence models and open standards that benefit society as a whole (SDGs 8, 9 and 10);

(b) Promote the adoption of open standards and interoperability to facilitate the use of digital public goods across different platforms and systems (all SDGs);

(c) Develop and decide on a set of safeguards for inclusive, responsible, safe, secure and user-centred digital public infrastructure that can be implemented in different contexts (SDG 16);

(d) Exchange and make publicly available best practices and use cases of digital public infrastructure to inform Governments, the private sector and other stakeholders, building on existing United Nations and other repositories (SDGs 16 and 17);

(e) Increase investment and funding towards the development of digital public goods and digital public infrastructure, especially in developing countries (SDG 17);

(f) Encourage the formation of partnerships that bring together Governments, the private sector, civil society, technical and academic communities and international and regional organizations to design, launch and support initiatives that leverage digital public goods and digital public infrastructure to advance solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 17).

Objective 2. Expand inclusion in and benefits from the digital economy for all

18. We recognize that equitable and affordable access to digital technologies can unlock the potential of the digital economy for every society. We recognize digital access to encompass opportunities for the acquisition and development of knowledge, research and capacity as well as technology transfers on mutually agreed terms.

19. Advancing digital inclusion requires a predictable and transparent enabling environment that encompasses policy, legal and regulatory frameworks that support innovation, protect consumer rights, nurture digital talent and skills, promote fair competition and digital entrepreneurship, and enhance consumer confidence and trust in the digital economy. Such environments, at international and national levels, enhance productivity, facilitate the growth of e-commerce, improve competitiveness, accelerate digital transformation and support investment and the transfer of digital technologies on mutually agreed terms to developing countries.

20. We consider that robust standards and capacity to ensure the safe, secure and resilient functioning of digital systems, networks and data are also essential to facilitate commercial transactions and enable safe, secure and trustworthy online environments.

21. We commit by, 2030, to:

(a) Foster an open, fair, inclusive and non-discriminatory digital environment for all that enables micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises to access and compete in the digital economy (SDG 9);

(b) Support international, regional and national efforts to develop enabling environments for digital transformation, including predictable and transparent policy, legal and regulatory frameworks, and sharing of best practices (SDGs 10 and 16);

(c) Conduct national and regional assessments to inform actions to address gaps and needs in digital transformation and strengthen the collection and use of data to inform decision-making (all SDGs);

(d) Call on all stakeholders, where requested, to provide technical assistance to developing countries, in line with national digital transformation policies and priorities (SDG 17);

(e) Maintain stable and resilient supply chains of global digital products and services (SDGs 8 and 9);

(f) Promote knowledge-sharing and technology transfer initiatives on mutually agreed terms (SDG 17);

(g) Encourage North-South, South-South and triangular cooperation, including among universities, research institutes and the private sector to accelerate digital knowledge development and access to research capacity (SDG 17);

(h) Exchange knowledge and best practices on digital enterprise to support innovation programmes and local technological solutions in developing countries (SDG 9);

(i) Foster innovation and entrepreneurship, including among women, youth, and other underrepresented entrepreneurs with the goal of increasing the number of digital start-ups and micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries and facilitate their access to markets through the use of digital technologies (SDGs 8 and 9);

(j) Promote capacity-building to ensure the safe, secure and resilient functioning of digital systems, networks and data in digital transformation efforts (SDG 9).

Objective 3. Foster an inclusive, open, safe and secure digital space that respects, protects and promotes human rights

Human rights

22. We commit to respect, protect and promote human rights in the digital space. We will uphold international human rights law throughout the life cycle of digital and emerging technologies so that users can safely benefit from digital technologies and are protected from violations, abuses and all forms of discrimination. We recognize the responsibilities of all stakeholders in this endeavour and also call on the private sector to apply the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

23. We commit to:

(a) Ensure that the development and implementation of national legislation relevant to digital technologies is compliant with obligations under international law, including international human rights law (all SDGs);

(b) Establish appropriate safeguards to prevent and address any adverse impact on human rights arising from the use of digital and emerging technologies and protect individuals against violations and abuses of their human rights in the digital space, including through human rights due diligence and establishing effective oversight and remedy mechanisms (all SDGs);

(c) Strengthen legal and policy frameworks to protect the rights of the child in the digital space, in line with international human rights law, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child (all SDGs);

(d) Refrain from imposing restrictions on the free flow of information and ideas that are inconsistent with obligations under international law (all SDGs).

24. We acknowledge the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights’ ongoing efforts to provide, through an advisory service on human rights in the digital space, upon request and within existing mandate and with voluntary resources, expert advice and practical guidance on human rights and technology issues.

25. We call on:

(a) Digital technology companies and developers to respect international human rights and principles, including through the application of human rights due diligence and impact assessments throughout the technology life cycle (all SDGs);

(b) Digital technology companies, developers and social media platforms to respect human rights online, be accountable for and take measures to mitigate and prevent abuses, and to provide access to effective remedy in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and other relevant frameworks (SDGs 5, 10 and 16).

Internet governance

26. We recognize that the Internet is a critical global facility for inclusive and equitable digital transformation. To fully benefit all, it must be open, global, interoperable, stable and secure.

27. We recognize that Internet governance must continue to be global and multi-stakeholder in nature, with the full involvement of Governments, the private sector, civil society, international organizations, technical and academic communities and all other relevant stakeholders in accordance with their respective roles and responsibilities. We reaffirm that Internet governance should continue to follow the provisions set forth in the outcomes of the summits held in Geneva and Tunis, including in relation to enhanced cooperation.

28. We acknowledge the importance of the Internet Governance Forum as the primary multi-stakeholder platform for discussion of Internet governance issues.

29. We commit to:

(a) Promote an open, global, interoperable and reliable Internet and take concrete steps to maintain a safe, secure and enabling online environment for all (SDG 9);

(b) Support the Internet Governance Forum, including through continued efforts to increase diverse participation from Governments and other stakeholders from developing countries and the provision of voluntary funding also to this end (SDGs 9 and 10);

(c) Promote international cooperation among all stakeholders to prevent, identify and address risks of fragmentation of the Internet in a timely manner (SDG 16);

(d) Refrain from Internet shutdowns and measures that target Internet access (SDG 16).

Digital trust and safety

30. We must urgently counter and address all forms of violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, which occurs through or is amplified by the use of technology, all forms of hate speech and discrimination, misinformation and disinformation, cyberbullying and child sexual exploitation and abuse. We will establish and maintain robust risk mitigation and redress measures that also protect privacy and freedom of expression.

31. We commit by, 2030 to:

(a) Create a safe and secure online space for all users that ensures their mental health and well-being by defining and adopting common standards, guidelines and industry actions that are in compliance with international law, promote safe civic spaces and address content on digital platforms that causes harm to individuals, taking into account work under way by United Nations entities, regional organizations and multi-stakeholder initiatives (SDGs 3, 5, 9, 10, 16 and 17);

(b) Prioritize the development and implementation of national online child safety policies and standards, in compliance with international human rights law, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child (SDGs 3, 5 and 10);

(c) Establish regular collaboration between national online safety institutions to exchange best practices and develop shared understandings of actions to protect privacy, freedom of expression and access to information while addressing harms (SDG 17);

(d) Ensure that laws and regulations on the use of technology in areas such as surveillance and encryption are in compliance with international law (SDGs 10 and 16);

(e) Develop, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, effective methodologies to measure, monitor and counter all forms of violence and abuse in the digital space (SDGs 5 and 16);

(f) Monitor and review digital platform policies and practices on countering child sexual exploitation and abuse which occurs through or is amplified by the use of technology, including distribution over digital platforms of child sexual abuse or child sexual exploitation material, as well as solicitation or grooming for the purpose of committing a sexual offence against a child (SDG 3).

32. We further urgently:

(a) Call on digital technology companies and developers to engage with users of all backgrounds and abilities to incorporate their perspectives and needs into the life cycle of digital technologies (SDGs 5 and 10);

(b) Call on digital technology companies and developers to co-develop industry accountability frameworks, in consultation with Governments and other stakeholders, that increase transparency around their systems and processes, define responsibilities and commit to standards as well as auditable public reports (SDGs 9 and 17);

(c) Call on digital technology companies and social media platforms to provide online safety-related training materials and safeguards to their users, and in particular, related to children and youth users (SDG 3);

(d) Call on social media platforms to establish safe, secure and accessible reporting mechanisms for users and their advocates to report potential policy violations, including special reporting mechanisms adapted to children and persons with disabilities (SDG 3).

Information integrity

33. Access to relevant, reliable and accurate information and knowledge is essential for an inclusive, open, safe and secure digital space. We recognize that digital and emerging technologies can facilitate the manipulation of and interference with information in ways that are harmful to societies and individuals, and negatively affect the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.

34. We will work together to promote information integrity, tolerance and respect in the digital space, as well as to protect the integrity of democratic processes. We will strengthen international cooperation to address the challenge of misinformation and disinformation and hate speech online and mitigate the risks of information manipulation in a manner consistent with international law.

35. We commit, by 2030 to:

(a) Design and roll out digital media and information literacy curricula to ensure that all users have the skills and knowledge to safely and critically interact with content and with information providers and to enhance resilience against the harmful impacts of misinformation and disinformation (SDGs 3 and 4);

(b) Promote diverse and resilient information ecosystems, including by strengthening independent and public media and supporting journalists and media workers (SDGs 9 and 16);

(c) Provide, promote and facilitate access to and dissemination of independent, fact-based, timely, targeted, clear, accessible, multilingual and science-based information to counter misinformation and disinformation (SDGs 3, 4, 9 and 16);

(d) Promote access to relevant, reliable and accurate information in crisis situations, to protect and empower those in vulnerable situations (SDG 10);

(e) Encourage United Nations entities, in collaboration with Governments and relevant stakeholders, to assess the impact of misinformation and disinformation on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 17).

36. We further urgently:

(a) Call on digital technology companies and social media platforms to enhance the transparency and accountability of their systems, including terms of service, content moderation and recommendation algorithms and handling of users’ personal data in local languages, to empower users to make informed choices and provide or withdraw informed consent (SDGs 9 and 10);

(b) Call on social media platforms to provide researchers access to data, with safeguards for user privacy, to ensure transparency and accountability to build an evidence base on how to address misinformation and disinformation and hate speech that can inform government and industry policies, standards and best practices (SDGs 9, 16 and 17);

(c) Call on digital technology companies and developers to continue to develop solutions and publicly communicate actions to counter potential harms, including hate speech and discrimination, from artificial intelligence- enabled content. Such measures include incorporation of safeguards into artificial intelligence model training processes, identification of artificial intelligence-generated material, authenticity certification for content and origins, labelling, watermarking and other techniques (SDGs 10, 16 and 17).

Objective 4. Advance responsible, equitable and interoperable data governance approaches

Data privacy and security

37. We recognize that responsible and interoperable data governance is essential to advance development objectives, protect human rights, foster innovation and promote economic growth. The increasing collection, sharing and processing of data, including in artificial intelligence systems, may amplify risks in the absence of effective personal data protection and privacy norms.

38. We recognize the urgent need for strengthened data governance cooperation at all levels with the effective, equitable and meaningful participation of all countries and in consultation with relevant stakeholders to unlock the full potential of digital and emerging technologies. We recognize that this will require capacity-building for developing countries and the development and implementation of data governance frameworks at all levels that maximize the benefits of data use while protecting privacy and securing data. We call on the United Nations system to play a role in promoting capacity-building for responsible and interoperable data governance.

39. We commit, by 2030, to:

(a) Draw on existing international and regional guidelines on the protection of privacy in the development of data governance frameworks (all SDGs);

(b) Strengthen support to all countries to develop effective and interoperable national data governance frameworks (all SDGs);

(c) Empower individuals and groups with the ability to consider, give and withdraw their consent to the use of their data and the ability to choose how those data are used, including through legally mandated protections for data privacy and intellectual property (SDGs 10 and 16);

(d) Ensure that data collection, access, sharing, transfer, storage and processing practices are safe, secure and proportionate for necessary, explicit and legitimate purposes, in compliance with international law (all SDGs);

(e) Develop skilled workforces capable of collecting, processing, analysing, storing and transferring data safely in ways that protect privacy (SDGs 8 and 9).

Data exchanges and standards

40. We acknowledge that data divides, including gender and geographical data gaps, can lead to inequitable distribution of benefits, the misuse and misinterpretation of data and biased results.

41. We recognize that common data standards and interoperable data exchanges can increase the accessibility and sharing of data and help close data divides. We will enable open data initiatives that are created and managed by all stakeholders, including communities and individuals, to utilize and leverage data for their development and well-being.

42. We commit, by 2030, to:

(a) Develop data and metadata standards designed to prevent and address bias, discrimination or human rights violations and abuses throughout the data life cycle, including through regular data auditing (SDGs 3, 5, 10 and 16);

(b) Develop basic definitions and data classifications to promote interoperability and facilitate data exchanges (all SDGs);

Data for the Sustainable Development Goals and for development

43. We consider that safe and secure data systems and capacity are critical for evidence-based policymaking and the delivery of public services. Underinvestment in public data systems and statistical activities can hamper progress in achieving sustainable development.

44. We recognize that quality data is critical for tracking, targeting and accelerating progress across the Sustainable Development Goals as well as responding effectively to crises. We commit to strengthen international cooperation to close the current serious gaps on data for development and to increase its public availability. We will champion the responsible use and sharing of data within and between countries to advance progress across the Sustainable Development Goals.

45. We commit, by 2030, to:

(a) Increase financing for data and statistics from all sources and enhance efforts to build capacity in data and related skills, as well as responsible data use, particularly in developing countries. We will scale up predictable financing for sustainable development data (SDG 17);

(b) Strengthen efforts to collect, analyse and disseminate relevant, accurate, reliable and disaggregated data for better monitoring and policymaking to accelerate the achievement of the 2030 Agenda, while respecting privacy and data protection. We will aim for a 50 per cent increase in the data available to monitor the Sustainable Development Goals, disaggregated by income, sex, age, race, ethnicity, migration status, disability and geographical location and other characteristics relevant in national contexts (all SDGs);

(c) Develop open and accessible data systems to support effective disaster early warning, early action and crisis response (SDGs 3 and 11).

Cross-border data flows

46. Cross-border data flows are a critical driver of the digital economy. We recognize the potential social, economic and development benefits of secure and trusted cross-border data flows, in particular for micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises. We will identify innovative, interoperable and inclusive mechanisms to enable data to flow with trust within and between countries to mutual benefit, while respecting relevant data protection and privacy safeguards and applicable legal frameworks (SDG 17).

47. We commit, by 2030, to advance consultations among all relevant stakeholders to better understand commonalities, complementarities, convergence and divergence between regulatory approaches on how to facilitate cross-border data flows with trust so as to develop publicly available knowledge and best practices (SDG 17).

Interoperable data governance

48. We will promote and support interoperability between national, regional and international data policy frameworks. In this context, we request the Commission on Science and Technology for Development to establish a dedicated working group to engage in a comprehensive and inclusive multi- stakeholder dialogue on data governance at all levels as relevant for development. We encourage the working group to report on its progress to the General Assembly, by no later than the eighty-first session, including on follow-up recommendations towards equitable and interoperable data governance arrangements, which may include fundamental principles of data governance at all levels as relevant for development; proposals to support interoperability between national, regional and international data systems; considerations of sharing the benefits of data; and options to facilitate safe, secure and trusted data flows, including cross-border data flows as relevant for development (all SDGs).

49. We will continue discussions in the United Nations, building on those outcomes and recognizing the ongoing work of other relevant bodies and stakeholders, including the United Nations Statistical Commission, in our efforts to pursue common understandings for data governance at all levels, as relevant for development (all SDGs).

Objective 5. Enhance international governance of artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity

50. We recognize the need for a balanced, inclusive and risk-based approach to the governance of artificial intelligence (AI), with the full and equal representation of all countries, especially developing countries, and the meaningful participation of all stakeholders.

51. We recognize international, regional, national and multi-stakeholder efforts under way to advance safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems. We urgently need to inclusively assess and address the potential impact, opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence systems on sustainable development and the well-being and rights of individuals.

International cooperation is required to promote coordination and compatibility of emerging artificial intelligence governance frameworks.

52. We commit to advance equitable and inclusive approaches to harnessing artificial intelligence benefits and mitigating risks in full respect of international law, including international human rights law, and taking into account other relevant frameworks such as the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

53. We recognize the immense potential of artificial intelligence systems to accelerate progress across all the Sustainable Development Goals. We will govern artificial intelligence in the public interest and ensure that the application of artificial intelligence fosters diverse cultures and languages and supports locally generated data for the benefit of countries and communities’ development. This includes, in particular, international cooperation to support developing countries in building artificial intelligence capacities as well as efforts to address potential negative impacts of emerging digital technologies on labour and employment and on the environment.

54. We consider that international governance of artificial intelligence requires an agile, multidisciplinary and adaptable multi-stakeholder approach. We recognize that the United Nations has an important role to play in shaping, enabling and supporting such governance.

55. We have a unique opportunity, through this Compact, to advance international governance of artificial intelligence in ways that complement international, regional, national and multi-stakeholder efforts. We will:

(a) Assess the future directions and implications of artificial intelligence systems and promote scientific understanding (all SDGs);

(b) Support interoperability and compatibility of artificial intelligence governance approaches through sharing best practices and promoting common understanding (all SDGs);

(c) Help to build capacities, especially in developing countries, to access, develop, use and govern artificial intelligence systems and direct them towards the pursuit of sustainable development (all SDGs);

(d) Promote transparency, accountability and robust human oversight of artificial intelligence systems in compliance with international law (all SDGs).

56. We therefore commit to:

(a) Establish, within the United Nations, a multidisciplinary Independent International Scientific Panel on AI with balanced geographic representation to promote scientific understanding through evidence-based impact, risk and opportunity assessments, drawing on existing national, regional and international initiatives and research networks (SDG 17);

(b) Initiate, within the United Nations, a Global Dialogue on AI Governance involving Governments and all relevant stakeholders which will take place in the margins of existing relevant United Nations conferences and meetings (SDG 17).

57. We therefore request the President of the General Assembly to appoint at the seventy-ninth session of the General Assembly co-facilitators, one from a developed country and one from a developing country, to identify, through an intergovernmental process and consultations with other relevant stakeholders, the terms of reference and modalities for the establishment and functioning of the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance for the adoption by the General Assembly.

58. We call on standards development organizations to collaborate to promote the development and adoption of interoperable artificial intelligence standards that uphold safety, reliability, sustainability and human rights (SDGs 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 16 and 17).

59. We will promote safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems that advance, protect and preserve linguistic and cultural diversity and that take into account multilingualism throughout the life cycle of these systems (SDGs 10 and 16).

60. We encourage the development of international partnerships on artificial intelligence capacity-building to develop education and training programmes, increase access to resources including open artificial intelligence models and systems, open training data and compute, facilitate artificial intelligence model training and development, and promote the participation of micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises in the digital economy (SDGs 4 and 17).

61. We will leverage existing United Nations and multi-stakeholder mechanisms to support artificial intelligence capacity-building to bridge artificial intelligence divides, facilitate access to artificial intelligence applications and build capacity in high-performance computing and related skills in developing countries (all SDGs).

62. We will promote North-South, South-South and triangular cooperation to support the development of representative high-quality data sets, affordable compute resources, local solutions that reflect linguistic and cultural diversity and entrepreneurial ecosystems in developing countries (SDGs 4, 9, 10 and 17).

63. We emphasize the importance of increased investment, particularly from the private sector and philanthropy, to scale up artificial intelligence capacity- building for sustainable development. We request the Secretary-General, in consultation with potential contributors and the United Nations system, to develop innovative voluntary financing options for artificial intelligence capacity-building that take into account the recommendations of the High- level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence on a Global Fund on AI and that are complementary to relevant United Nations funding mechanisms and to submit these for consideration by the General Assembly at the seventy-ninth session.

Follow-up and review

64. We will implement the Global Digital Compact, within our own countries and at regional and global levels, taking into account different national realities, capacities and levels of development, and respecting national policies and priorities and applicable legal frameworks.

65. These efforts can only succeed with the active engagement of the private sector, technical and academic communities and civil society, whose innovations and contributions to digitalization are fundamental and irreplaceable. We will strengthen our collaboration and leverage multi- stakeholder cooperation to achieve the objectives set out in this Compact.

66. We invite international and regional organizations, the private sector, academia, the technical community and civil society groups to endorse the Compact and take active part in its implementation and follow-up. We request the Secretary-General to put in place modalities for the voluntary endorsement of this Compact, and to make this information public and accessible from December 2024.

67. We recognize the importance of financing to unlock the full potential of this Compact. Successful implementation will require public, private and multilateral resources, including the pooling of investments in joint and blended facilities for impact at scale, including through United Nations mechanisms such as the Digital Window of the Joint SDG Fund and facilities in multilateral development banks. We call on Governments to make support to digital transformation integral to development assistance, including through increased allocations to digital and data initiatives. We invite private sector and philanthropic actors to consider financial pledges in support of the implementation of this Compact.

68. We will build on the processes and forums emanating from the World Summit on the Information Society, in particular the Internet Governance Forum and its national and regional initiatives, as well as the WSIS Forum, to advance implementation of this Compact. We look forward to the WSIS+20 review in 2025 and invite it to identify how these processes and forums can support the contribution of all stakeholders to implementation of the Compact.

69. We recognize the contribution of all United Nations entities, agencies, funds and programmes in advancing digital cooperation, including but not limited to the International Telecommunication Union, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and invite them, as well as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to support, within their existing mandates, implementation of this Compact. We recognize the role of the United Nations regional economic commissions and United Nations country teams in supporting regional and national stakeholders to advance digital transformation.

70. We recognize the role of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development in reviewing follow-up on the implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society and request it to consider how it can contribute further to the implementation of the Compact.

71. To track and monitor progress, we request the Secretary-General to provide a Compact implementation map for the consideration of Governments and other stakeholders that reflects the contributions of the United Nations system and other relevant stakeholders and to reflect this in the report of the Secretary-General on progress made in the implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society at the regional and international levels ahead of the WSIS+20 review.

72. We recognize that further strengthening of system-wide coordination is required to enable the United Nations to realize the inclusive platform for digital cooperation set out in this Compact. To this end, we request the Secretary-General, following consultations with Member States, to submit a proposal to the General Assembly during its seventy-ninth session for the establishment of an office, building on and incorporating the activities and resources of the existing Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology, to facilitate system-wide coordination, working closely with existing mechanisms. This proposal should include detailed information on operational functions, structure, location, mandate renewal, resources and staffing.

73. We recognize the role of the high-level political forum on sustainable development and the Economic and Social Council in reviewing progress of the Compact in closing digital divides and accelerating achievement of the 2030 Agenda. We recognize the role of the Human Rights Council, within its existing mandate, in fostering an inclusive, open, safe and secure digital space for all.

74. The cross-cutting nature of digital technologies and the multiplicity of actors involved in digital cooperation require synergies and aligned follow-up. We commit to review the Compact to assess progress against its objectives and to identify emerging opportunities and challenges for global digital cooperation. We decide to convene a high-level meeting entitled “High-level review of the Global Digital Compact”, to take place during the eighty-second session of the General Assembly, based on a progress report by the Secretary- General and with the input and meaningful participation of all stakeholders, including the Commission on Science and Technology for Development, the Internet Governance Forum and World Summit on the Information Society action line facilitators. We request the President of the General Assembly to appoint co-facilitators, one from a developing country and one from a developed country, at the eighty-first session to facilitate open, transparent and inclusive intergovernmental consultations to determine the modalities for this high-level meeting.