Digital on Day 6 of UNGA79: Digital transformation and equitable AI access
On the last day of the General Debate of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, key discussions focused on the Global Digital Compact (GDC) and its role in guiding digital transformation. Participants emphasised the importance of equitable access to technology, particularly AI, and the need for capacity development to bridge the digital divide. The conversations also highlighted the dual nature of AI, addressing its potential for economic growth alongside the risks it poses, including the misuse of technology in conflict and the spread of misinformation.
Global Digital Compact: Charting digital transformation
The proposed Pact for the Future, Kiribati noted, is a roadmap for strengthening global cooperation on key issues, one of which is digital transformation. Rwanda echoed the Pact’s importance for empowering nations to rebuild sustainably with a renewed focus on digital transformation. Djibouti welcomed the adoption of the GDC annexed to the Pact, acknowledging that we live in an era of disruptive technological advances. Kiribati expressed support for the GDC as it will help bridge the digital divide and ensure that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Kiribati are not left behind. Ecuador stressed the importance of implementing the GDC.
Development: Equitable access to AI
The statements highlighted critical challenges and opportunities related to equitable access to technologies, focusing on AI, as well as the need for capacity development and financial support to bridge the digital divide.
Burundi stressed the urgent need for universal, affordable access to the internet, including AI, particularly in developing regions such as Africa, where connectivity remains low. This gap exacerbates inequalities, denying many in the Global South vital social and economic opportunities. The UAE advocated for increased international investment in advanced technologies to facilitate sustainable development, while Sri Lanka emphasised the importance of establishing accessible digital public infrastructure to promote equitable digital transformation and called for enhanced capacity building and technical assistance.
The necessity of capacity development and technology transfer was echoed by Kiribati and Djibouti. Djibouti’s focus on education systems aims to equip its youth with advanced technological skills, further enhancing their competitive advantage.
The potential of AI and digital technologies to drive sustainable development is acknowledged by several nations. The UAE and Sri Lanka both stressed the transformative impact of these technologies on addressing global challenges, aiming for sustained growth through innovation. The President of the General Assembly summarised the pressing global challenges, including persistent poverty and technological inequalities, calling for an effective international financial architecture to support the realisation of the SDGs.
AI: Balancing innovation and risks in global security
Countries have addressed both the potential and the risks associated with digital technologies, particularly AI. Algeria expressed optimism about Africa’s economic development through advancements in AI, digitisation, and renewable energy. The UAE called for global collaboration to create a prosperous and stable future, emphasising the need to harness technological advancements to develop innovative solutions for businesses, daily life, and government services.
Conversely, Syria condemned the misuse of modern technologies as instruments of death and destruction. Sri Lanka highlighted the weaponisation of new domains like outer space and cyberspace, warning that AI challenges international humanitarian law in conflict situations. Similarly, Ireland called for prompt action to prevent an arms race in autonomous weapons and expressed its support for the Secretary-General’s call to conclude a treaty on autonomous weapons systems by the end of 2026.
Djibouti expressed gratitude to the USA for leading efforts that resulted in the unanimous adoption of the first-ever resolution by the General Assembly to promote safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems.
Sociocultural: From misinformation to violence
Sociocultural issues were addressed only briefly. Sri Lanka cautioned that developments in the digital realm could create fertile ground for the spread of disinformation and hate speech, which may lead to violence.
This summary was generated by humans and provides a comprehensive overview of how digital issues were tackled during the last day of discussions, which took place on 29 September 2024.
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