Strengthening Corporate Accountability on Inclusive, Trustworthy, and Rights-based Approach to Ethical Digital Transformation

As digital platforms become essential infrastructure for civic participation, economic activity, and information access, it is incumbent upon technology companies to ensure their products and services are grounded in inclusive, trustworthy, and rights-respecting principles. In the absence of adequate regulatory mechanisms to articulate and enforce these responsibilities, the risk of rights violations – including privacy infringements, censorship, and the unchecked spread of harmful content – remains pronounced. It is therefore imperative to establish more robust safeguards that embed human rights considerations throughout the digital environment, including across the AI lifecycle and within efforts to address misinformation and disinformation. 

Objective 
The objective of this side event roundtable is to contribute to policy discussions aimed at strengthening global governance and international cooperation on technology, with a particular focus on advancing the UN Global Digital Compact (GDC). The roundtable seeks to promote a shared understanding of how enhanced cooperation through the GDC can support greater corporate accountability for an inclusive, trustworthy, and rights-based approach to ethical digital transformation. 
 
This convening will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders – including governments, investors, civil society organisations, think tanks, business associations, and other actors in the digital ecosystem – to explore opportunities for aligning interests and joint action in fostering inclusive digitalisation grounded in corporate responsibility.