The Summit of the Future Outcome Document outlines the Pact for the Future, which includes two key annexes: the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations. The Global Digital Compact emphasizes the transformative role of digital technologies in reshaping societies globally. While these technologies hold the potential to improve global well-being, their benefits are not equally accessible, particularly for developing nations with limited resources. Achieving a more equitable digital future requires strengthening international cooperation and closing digital divides.
The Global Digital Compact aims to create an inclusive, open, sustainable, and secure digital future for all. Despite progress in bridging the gender digital divide, women and girls remain disproportionately affected, with a significant gap in internet access and digital opportunities. For example, 46% of boys use the internet, compared to only 27% of girls. To address this, the Compact highlights the importance of STEM education, digital literacy, and online safety for women and other underrepresented groups. These are key steps toward closing the digital gender gap.
The Compact operates under the guiding principles of the United Nations Charter and sets out five broad objectives to guide digital cooperation globally:
- Close Digital Divides: The Compact commits to enhancing connectivity by 2030, ensuring affordable access and integrating digital technologies into all levels of development. This includes efforts to promote digital skills and digital public infrastructure to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 9).
- Expand Digital Economy Inclusion: The Compact strives for a digital environment that is fair, inclusive, and affordable, encouraging knowledge-sharing and technology transfer, particularly through North-South and South-South collaborations.
- Ensure Safe and Open Digital Spaces: The Compact underscores the need for human rights protections in the digital sphere, ensuring that digital technologies respect, protect, and promote human rights. It calls for stronger legal frameworks to safeguard children online and encourages the private sector to adhere to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
- Responsible Data Governance: Emphasizing the importance of data governance, the Compact seeks to create responsible, interoperable systems that protect human rights, foster innovation, and promote economic growth. It highlights the need for effective global cooperation in data governance to maximize the benefits of digital technologies.
- Govern Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Humanity: The Compact acknowledges AI’s potential to drive progress across the SDGs and calls for a balanced, inclusive governance framework. It encourages the development of AI that promotes diverse cultures, languages, and local data, ensuring that AI systems benefit all communities.
In sum, the Global Digital Compact is a multifaceted, ambitious document that advocates for an inclusive, secure, and fair digital future. It promotes sustainable development, digital economy growth, AI innovation, STEM education, and the protection of human rights. These commitments aim to make a lasting impact at all levels, from global cooperation to local communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital transformation.
You can read the Digital Compact HERE.
Find out how you can participate to make a difference HERE.
Author: Ahana Ghosh, intern
