DW Weekly #179 – 27 September 2024
The ‘Pact for the Future’, adopted at the Summit of the Future on 22 September 2024, emerges as a declaration of intent to leap from the past into an uncertain, but ambitious, tomorrow. The Pact, presented before an audience of world leaders and civil society representatives, encapsulates a roadmap and a lighthouse – navigating the challenges of climate, digital transformation, and peace while aiming to build structures agile enough for the unpredictable rhythms of modernity. It is a global handshake between generations: a promise that the wisdom of the past will not stagnate progress but rather infuse it with urgency. In the words of the UN Secretary-General: ‘We cannot create a future fit for our grandchildren with a system built by our grandparents’, we can hear a sentiment that underpins the thematic core of the Pact.
The ink on the Pact for the Future was barely dry when the first repercussions could be felt, especially within the UN General Assembly’s 79th session chambers. With climate change blazing on one side and the promise of digital revolution flickering on the other, world leaders convened during the high-level week to reassert their commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). What unfolded was a kaleidoscope of voices, discussions, and pledges that sought to breathe life into what had often been seen as lofty, distant goals. The pace was fast, yet the ambition seemed to echo slower truths – the earth’s fevered rise in temperature, persistent inequality, and the widening gaps in access to digital infrastructure.
While the Summit of the Future carved out new space for discussions on the use and governance of AI and digital inclusion, the UNGA79 focused on ensuring these discussions weren’t mere fleeting abstractions. Anchored in the Pact, the Global Digital Compact took centre stage, drawing sharp lines around data governance issues, internet access, and AI oversight. These initiatives were a nod to the ever-growing digital divide, where the future of democracy and human rights may just be shaped by the bits and bytes of cyberspace as much as by the ballots cast at polls. Global leaders, it seemed, were not just pledging to keep everyone connected – they were promising to keep everyone protected in an increasingly tricky online world. A bold promise indeed, in a time when the pace of technological change far outstrips the speed at which governance frameworks are formed.
Then came the delicate dance of peace and security, where old enemies and new technologies collided on the agenda. Discussions surrounding the reform of the UN Security Council – arguably one of the most progressive since the Mid-20th century – were matched with fresh commitments to nuclear disarmament and the governance of outer space. No longer the stuff of science fiction, space and AI were recognised as the new frontiers of conflict and cooperation. Yet Africa’s under-representation on the global stage may prove to be the most seismic of shifts. If the Pact’s promise to redress this historical imbalance holds, it could alter the very architecture of global governance in ways not seen since the decolonisation waves of the mid-1900s.
Through it all, the resonance of the future generations loomed large. For the first time, a formal Declaration on Future Generations was signed, reminding current leaders that their decisions – or indecisions – would shape the lives of the not yet born. A future envoy, empowered youth, and re-energised civil society seem to echo a deeper undercurrent: that this Pact, this Summit, and the UNGA79 may not be remembered for its words alone, but for the actions that will (or won’t) follow in its wake.
If you want to take part in decoding disinformation and attending lessons from case studies, you can participate in the event ‘Decoding disinformation: Lessons from case studies’, which will take place online on 30 September from 13:00-14:00 UTC and 14:00-15:00 CEST. You will have the opportunity to study real cases on the matter from the expert panel who will host the session: Jovan Kurbalija, Shita Laksmi, Marília Maciel, Ana Revenco, and Cathleen Berger—other events in our ‘Upcoming’ section.
Marko and the Digital Watch team
Highlights from the week of 20-27 September 2024
X has begun to comply with orders for content removal to meet the court’s requirements.
Telegram’s founder denies sharing user data but Ukrainian officials stress the need for national security.
The policy shift follows the arrest of CEO Pavel Durov in France, where he faces charges related to child sexual abuse materials on the app.
Politicians have also been criticised for using misinformation for political gain, undermining trust in reliable information and democratic institutions.
The initiative signifies an unwavering commitment to an international system capable of addressing contemporary challenges and shaping a sustainable, equitable future.
Goldman Sachs analysts predict that gold could reach $2,700 per ounce by early 2025.
Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle underscored that storing passwords without encryption is widely unacceptable due to potential abuse.
The alliance focuses on promoting innovation and inclusivity within the digital realm, enhancing infrastructure and connectivity in developing regions, and advocating for robust digital governance.
The company plans to restructure into a for-profit benefit corporation, potentially leading to a $150 billion valuation.
The ban followed Musk’s resistance, which he framed as a fight against ‘censorship.’
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Diplomatic extraterritoriality isn’t absolute, but a tool shaped by political necessity. Examples from historic ambassadors to Assange show how its application is influenced by power dynamics. Aldo Matteucci analyses.
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Celebrating 500 issues of DiploNews! Join us on 30 September at 11:00 CEST [9:00 UTC] for a special retrospective event celebrating 25 years of Diplo’s pioneering digital diplomacy research.
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Decoding disinformation: Lessons from case studies on 30 September 13:00-14:00 UTC I 14:00-15:00 CEST, online
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Tech Diplomacy: Actors, Trends, and Controversies | Book launch on 1 October 2024, at 12:00 UTC | 14:00 CEST
