Digital on Days 4 and 5 of UNGA79: Accelerating GDC implementation and bridging the digital divide
On Days 4 and 5 of the General Debate, discussions unfolded around AI governance, cybersecurity threats, and the need for robust digital infrastructure. As nations confront the dual challenges of innovation and risk, calls emerge for fostering international collaboration and multilateral efforts to build a secure and inclusive digital environment. Central to this dialogue was the call for implementing frameworks like the Global Digital Compact (GDC).
Global digital governance: Swift GDC implementation and inclusive digital governance
Pakistan, Barbados, Tuvalu, Jamaica, Cameroon, Zambia and Tunisia welcomed the adoption of the GDC.
Andorra highlighted the GDC’s role in promoting digital literacy to ensure an inclusive and secure virtual environment, particularly for small states, where technology can offer high-value resources. Samoa underscored the GDC’s focus on creating a robust governance framework for digital technologies and the internet. The Lao PDR stressed the GDC’s aim to leverage technology to accelerate SDGs. Thailand also noted that steps must be taken to close the digital divide through the GDC.
The Philippines, Samoa, and Tuvalu highlighted the urgency of implementing the GDC. The Philippines emphasised the need for rapid action to establish governance mechanisms for new spheres of human activity such as AI and the internet, stressing that these frameworks must prioritise human dignity amid rapid technological advancements. Samoa called for a coordinated, multi-layered approach, advocating for the involvement of UN bodies and development partners to adapt GDC principles to both national and global contexts. Tuvalu echoed the necessity for strong political will and unwavering commitment to implementing the GDC’s principles.
Global cooperation is important to ensure no one is left behind and to build a cyberspace that reflects global standards, San Marino stated. The GDC has set the goals to eliminate all obstacles and facilitate digital cooperation at the international level, Lao PDR noted.
Multilateralism has a crucial role to play in creating opportunities and at the same time it must guarantee accessibility and security in this new virtual space of globalisation, Andorra underlined.
The adoption of the Pact for the Future, the Declaration on Future Generations and the GDC signals renewed hope in multilateralism, Jamaica underlined. Together, these agreements chart a path toward cooperation that is responsive to the challenges of today and the needs of future generations, Somalia stated.
The statements from Russia, Belarus, and China express concerns about fairness, inclusivity, and equity in global governance, especially regarding technology and international cooperation. Russia criticised what it called an undermining of the ‘sovereign equality of member states’ in addressing issues such as IG and AI, and argued that these topics, impacting all of humanity, should be addressed through universal negotiations involving all UN member states. The country claimed that the Pact for the Future was formulated without a single plenary round of negotiations.
Meanwhile, Belarus emphasised that UN law is universal and guarantees equal rights for all states to access benefits, technologies, and resources without discrimination. China expressed support for countries opposing technology blockades and supply chain restrictions.
AI: Global cooperation for ethical AI development and security
Countries shared their concerns about AI’s potential risks and stressed the importance of global governance and collaboration to ensure its ethical and beneficial use.
Bangladesh expressed enthusiasm for the potential of AI, especially among its youth, but emphasised the need to ensure that countries like Bangladesh benefit from AI developments without being left behind. The country called for a balance between AI innovation and the protection of human labour, warning of the existential risks posed by autonomous intelligence. The Holy See emphasised the need for careful reflection on AI, which presents both exciting possibilities and risks, especially amid societal divides. China advocated for a people-centred approach, supporting global AI governance through international cooperation and capacity development.
South Korea and Singapore highlighted both the opportunities and risks AI presents to human rights and dignity. South Korea emphasised the need for new governance norms, pledging to lead global discussions on AI regulation. The Seoul Declaration for Safe, Innovative, and Inclusive AI and the Blueprint for Action for military AI use were key milestones in developing responsible frameworks for AI governance, South Korea said.
AI’s use in peace and security was also brought up by some states. Namely, Cameroon emphasised that despite global challenges to peace and development, advancements in science, technology, and AI offer significant opportunities. Collective responsibility and solidarity are essential to overcoming these challenges, which no nation can address on its own. At the same time, Israel stated that peace with Saudi Arabia could make the two countries cooperate in many fields, including AI.
Kazakhstan warned of AI’s risks in warfare, data privacy, and disinformation, calling for ethical standards and a UN-led AI office. Norway highlighted AI’s potential for good, tied to peace, development, and human rights. San Marino, Japan, and The Holy See voiced their concerns about AI’s impact on security particularly in relation to cyberattacks and nuclear risks.
The Holy See urged all states to engage in comprehensive ethical reflection on emerging technologies, particularly in military use and called for a binding ethical and regulatory framework. It stresses the need for a moratorium on lethal autonomous weapons due to significant ethical and humanitarian concerns. Japan highlighted the challenges posed by emerging technologies, particularly for disarmament and non-proliferation, and stressed the importance of international rule-making on lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS) with a balanced approach considering humanitarian and security perspectives. Japan also emphasised the need to address digital technologies in global governance to protect human dignity. It advocated for international cooperation on AI governance, aiming to maximise AI’s benefits while mitigating risks, and committed to contributing to global discussions on safe and secure AI development through initiatives like the Hiroshima AI Process.
Cybersecurity: Countries call for international cooperation to tackle cyber threats
As nations grapple with the pervasive impact of cyber threats, leaders from diverse regions have voiced their concerns about the challenges their countries face on a national and international level. Jamaica highlighted that cybercrime not only undermines citizen security but is also a formidable barrier to sustained economic development. Montenegro echoed this worry, stating that cyber threats contribute to an alarming global situation.
San Marino warned that emerging technologies, particularly AI, and the possibility of cyberattacks have increased the risk of nuclear weapon use to levels not seen since the Cold War. This precariousness is starkly exemplified by Albania’s experience, with a large-scale cyberattack on its public service infrastructure, which it attributed to Iran.
As global challenges mount, nations are increasingly focused on international cooperation to pave the way for a more resilient global response to these pressing challenges.
Uganda called for eliminating or reducing the incidence of conflicts caused by factors such as new technologies. Similarly, Tunisia called for fighting the criminal and illegal use of digital technologies. Thailand expressed its dedication to partnering with others to prevent drug trafficking and transnational crimes enabled by digital technology.
South Korea emphasised its commitment to addressing cyber threats while promoting a free and safe cyberspace that respects human rights. It actively participates in global efforts to establish comprehensive norms, such as the UN Convention against Cybercrime and works within the UN Security Council to enhance cybersecurity responses. Jamaica emphasised the necessity of international cooperation in addressing cybercrime, noting its active participation in negotiations on the UN Convention on Cybercrime alongside its CARICOM partners. Jamaica looks forward to the convention’s adoption, which it views as a crucial framework for future engagements aimed at combating cyber threats.
Montenegro expressed hope that the New Agenda for Peace would bolster multilateral capacities to confront various challenges, including cyber risks.
Development: Advancing SDGs through technology and capacity building
Development once again took centre stage, with numerous countries highlighting issues related to the SDGs, equitable access to technology, technology transfer, financial support, and capacity building, especially for youth and e-government initiatives.
Many countries reaffirmed their commitment to SDGs, seeing digital as a catalyst. San Marino noted the paramount role played by digital technologies in the achievement of the 17 SDGs. Slovenia connected digital solutions to climate resilience, while Azerbaijan proposed initiatives linking climate action and the SDGs. Thailand underscored closing the digital divide to achieve the SDGs through cooperation and technology transfer.
The digital divide was a prevalent issue across many nations, with Kazakhstan, Tanzania, Malaysia and Uganda, emphasising the need for equitable access to technology to drive development and close the digital divide. One way to narrow the digital divide is through reforms in the global financial and technology regimes, which was advocated by Pakistan and Tunisia. Australia stressed the necessity of accessible technology that benefits all without censorship or exclusion, while Guinea called for universal access to technological innovations while ensuring that ethics remain at the heart of their use.
Another way to bridge the digital gap is through digital literacy and capacity building. To this end, Andorra highlighted the need for digital literacy for an open, safe and inclusive digital future, which was echoed by Thailand. Lao PDR and Timor-Leste noted the importance of technology transfer and capacity building to support their development goals. Similarly, Grenada and Kazakhstan stressed the need to equip young people with digital skills for future opportunities, while Tanzania, Belize and Uganda advocated for vocational training as a pathway for youth empowerment, aiming to close the digital divide. Cambodia noted it would prioritise building its human capital to meet the demands of the digital age and invest more in capacity development.
Singapore announced the renewal of its capacity-building programme for the Forum of Small States (FSE), now called ‘FSE for Good.’ This initiative will include digital-themed programmes focusing on leadership and governance in the context of digital technologies and AI, while South Korea emphasised its commitment to empowering Africa’s youth to promote sustainable development through initiatives such as Tech4Africa. Speaking on behalf of small states, Samoa called for support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to include capacity building, technical assistance, and enhanced digital infrastructure.
Countries like Andorra and Jamaica illustrate the transformative potential of digital access. Andorra has made significant strides, with 90% of homes connected to the internet, leveraging this connectivity to enhance economic diversification and ensure digital rights for all citizens. Jamaica, through its national broadband network, has increased internet penetration significantly, aiming to provide better online government services. Japan highlighted the importance of a rural perspective by leveraging the advanced technology of both established companies and start-ups in rural areas.
On the issue of climate change, Croatia stressed the importance of harnessing innovation for environmental protection amid current crises, while Eswatini presented a comprehensive SDG Recovery and Acceleration Plan focused on digital transformation and renewable energy to combat climate impacts. Similarly, Slovenia highlighted the need for practical solutions, developing a digital system linked to the UN’s ‘Early Warning for All’ Initiative to predict floods and droughts. Lao PDR and Madagascar called for international support to access technology and innovation for green growth, while Grenada sought global partnerships to fund resilience projects and share lessons learned with other nations facing similar challenges. Tonga shared its focus on improving climate-resilient healthcare and education infrastructure in the Blue Pacific, noting the importance of digital platforms to mitigate risks.
Finally, a number of countries shared their progress towards enhancing governance and digital services. Croatia outlined its vision for 2030 supported by digital transformation, while emphasising the need for effective institutions to manage the risks of emerging technologies. Albania highlighted its successful transition to good governance, achieving over 95% paperless public services, which has curbed corruption and increased trust in institutions.
Infrastructure: Closing the digital divide
The need for robust digital infrastructure has never been more critical. As Australia emphasised, comprehensive digital infrastructure is necessary to prevent countries from being left behind in the global digital economy. It is actively promoting sustainable connectivity in the South-South regions, particularly in the Pacific, by developing infrastructure projects like submarine cables.
Ethiopia and the Solomon Islands shared their national examples of boosting digital infrastructure. Ethiopia outlined its broader strategy for economic and digital development, noting that it is implementing transformative changes to advance its digital infrastructure. The Solomon Islands highlighted its partnership with China, which is leading the installation of 161 communication towers nationwide. This initiative is already connecting more rural populations to the digital age.
Economic: Bolstering e-governance for digital economy
Moldova and Cambodia highlight their respective efforts to bolster economic resilience and promote digital transformation. Moldova is advancing digital transformation by implementing e-governance to better connect with citizens and businesses. Cambodia is focused on enhancing public service efficiency, inclusivity and access through e-government, digital economy and society initiatives. A key step is the central bank’s launch of Bakong, a Blockchain-based digital payment system that promotes financial inclusion.
Human rights: Technology and healthcare
In discussions about human rights, AI emerged as a primary concern, along with the need to use technology to enhance national healthcare systems. The Philippines stressed that governance must keep pace with the rapid development of technologies like AI, the internet, and outer space, with human dignity as the top priority. India emphasised using technology to empower people, offering replicable models like digital public infrastructure and accessible healthcare, showcasing how technology can enhance governance and public services. Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to protecting fundamental rights, including freedom of speech, assembly, voting, and press freedom, extending these principles to the digital realm.
Legal: Advocating for ethical technology
The necessity for ethical and moral usage of technologies emerged as a key argument for the implementation of effective laws. Croatia emphasised the importance of upholding international humanitarian law, ending impunity, enhancing women’s leadership, and addressing the climate emergency, while advocating for the ethical and responsible use of new technologies. Iceland highlighted that technology is reshaping human experiences, often developing without adequate governance. It warned that this moral and legal vacuum allows powerful algorithms to manipulate public attention and beliefs, potentially undermining peace, human rights, and the equality of nations.
Sociocultural: Addressing misinformation and building trust in digital services
The pressing issues of misinformation and trust in digital services were sociocultural topics discussed on days four and five. Barbados expressed concern over the impact of misinformation and digital chaos, highlighting the unsettling scenes of war and famine that emerge in a digitally connected world. Tunisia echoed this sentiment, calling for efforts to combat misinformation and the misuse of digital technologies that destabilise communities.
India emphasised the importance of ensuring trusted digital services and promoting an open-source culture to democratise global production and build resilient supply chains, thereby fostering widespread prosperity.
This summary was generated by humans and provides a comprehensive overview of how digital issues were tackled during the fourth and fifth day of discussions, which took place on 27 and 28 September 2024.
For real-time updates, follow our live coverage on the Digital Watch Observatory’s dedicated page through DiploAI reports, written by our AI reporting tool.