| Global Digital Compact | |
| Abbreviation: | GDC |
| Leader Title: | UN Secretary-General |
| Leader Name: | António Guterres |
| Status: | Active |
| Headquarters: | New York |
| Parent Organization: | United Nations |
The Global Digital Compact is an initiative proposed in the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres's Common Agenda. The objective of this compact is to ensure that digital technologies are used responsibly and for the benefit of all, while addressing the digital divide and fostering a safe and inclusive digital environment.[1] [2] The Global Digital Compact is part of the Pact for the Future, which will be discussed and adopted at the UN Summit of the Future in September 2024.[3]
Following consultations with over 1 million voices from around the world, the UN Member States adopted a declaration that emphasized the importance of improving digital cooperation. In response, the Secretary-General's report, "Our Common Agenda," proposes a Summit of the Future, with a technology track leading to the Global Digital Compact.
On 17 January 2023, the President of the UN General Assembly appointed Rwanda and Sweden as Co-facilitators to lead the intergovernmental process on the Global Digital Compact. A road map for the process was published on 16 January 2023.
As part of the consultative process, the United Nations invites input from individuals, groups, associations, organizations, and entities to help shape the Global Digital Compact. The input provided will inform deliberations of the Global Digital Compact, which will take place in 2024 as part of the Summit of the Future.
The Global Digital Compact aims to bring together governments, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to work collaboratively on a set of shared principles and commitments. Some key aspects of the Global Digital Compact include:[4] [5]
The Global Digital Compact is related to various other international efforts, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UN Secretary-General's Roadmap on Digital Cooperation, and the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition.