ICH special bulletin on the global digital compact, september 2024
Lead author: Laeek Siddiqui
The Global Digital Compact was co-facilitated by the Permanent Representatives of Sweden and Rwanda to the United Nations. Since the Zero Draft, it has undergone several revisions. The latest draft, circulated by the PGA on September 20, 2024, introduces key updates to address the pace and risks of emerging technologies, with a focus on human oversight and stronger international cooperation. It emphasizes digital technology in the non-military domain. Gender equality is given more prominence, tackling barriers for women and girls in accessing digital technology. The draft strengthens commitments to AI by establishing a multidisciplinary International Scientific Panel on AI. It also highlights data governance, privacy, and security, while introducing frameworks to mitigate online gender-based violence, disinformation, and child exploitation. The document emphasizes building resilience against misinformation, supporting journalists, and enhancing crisis-specific information systems. Notably, targets for internet speeds have been dropped from earlier drafts. This bulletin explores key themes from Rev.5 and the latest draft circulated by the PGA and the document’s transformation over several revisions.
Get more detailed analysis on Global Digital Compact and the negotiations in the following ICH Special Bulletin!