UNCTAD calls for stronger global data governance for AI
Fair data governance is increasingly important as UNCTAD works to support responsible AI and sustainable digital development.
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is urging governments, businesses and civil society to strengthen global data governance as AI becomes embedded across every sector of the economy.
The organisation argues that data has become a strategic resource whose benefits should be shared more equitably, particularly with developing countries that generate growing volumes of valuable digital data but have limited influence over the rules governing its use.
UNCTAD describes data as a shared resource that should be managed for the public good rather than treated solely as a commercial asset. Rather than advocating a single global regulatory framework, it supports an incremental approach based on common principles, safeguards and international cooperation.
The aim is to facilitate cross-border data flows while protecting public interests and supporting responsible AI development.
As the secretariat of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development, UNCTAD is coordinating a working group on data governance comprising government representatives alongside experts from academia, business and civil society.
The group is developing recommendations on how data should be governed and shared, with its findings expected to inform a future report to the UN General Assembly.
The discussion comes as AI is increasingly deployed across healthcare, education, agriculture and financial services.
UNCTAD argues that data governance must evolve alongside AI to ensure digital innovation supports sustainable development and prevents decision-making from becoming concentrated among a small number of countries and technology companies.
Why does it matter?
As AI becomes increasingly dependent on access to large, high-quality datasets, data governance is emerging as a strategic policy issue alongside AI regulation itself. How data is collected, shared and governed will influence not only innovation and economic competitiveness but also who benefits from the AI economy.
UNCTAD’s proposal also reflects growing concern that developing countries could become providers of valuable data without having a meaningful role in shaping the rules governing its use. By promoting common principles rather than a single global regulatory model, the organisation is seeking to build broader international cooperation while preserving national policy flexibility.
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