Internet Governance > Global Digital Compact (GDC) Endorsement Decision—Update
Global Digital Compact (GDC) Endorsement Decision—Update
Since the announcement of the Global Digital Compact endorsement, the United Nations Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies (ODET), formerly known as the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology, has shared the list of organizations that have endorsed the Global Digital Compact. ODET has announced that endorsements are still open on a rolling basis and that the endorsement list will be updated periodically, however the deadline for submissions that will continue to inform the implementation roadmap is 28 February 2025.
Internet Society’s Position
After carefully considering the endorsement opportunity, the Internet Society has decided not to endorse the Global Digital Compact as we await details on the way forward for the GDC implementation. While the Internet Society’s mission aligns closely to the visions and principles (paragraphs 1-8), we are particularly interested in playing a role in the implementation of the GDC. Since the endorsement and the implementation have been decoupled, we are of the view that the implementation process, which will hone in on the GDC objectives and action areas, will be of greater value to all stakeholders.
As we begin 2025, the Internet Society will prioritize reducing global inequality and building trust in the Internet as preparations for the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) twenty-year review kick-off. Where it aligns with our mission and ongoing work, we anticipate an opportunity to support the implementation of the following GDC objectives:
- Objective 1. Close all digital divides and accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
- Objective 3. Foster an inclusive, open, safe, and secure digital space that respects, protects, and promotes human rights, particularly action area on Internet Governance; and
- Objective 4. Advance responsible, equitable, and interoperable data governance approaches.
Objective 1: Closing All Digital Divides and Accelerate Progress Across the SDGs
The Internet Society is deeply committed to achieving universal connectivity, ensuring that everyone, everywhere, has access to the Internet. Our work aims to remove barriers to Internet access through initiatives that support both the expansion of physical infrastructure and the development of local solutions, such as community networks. Our advocacy for affordable access, especially for populations in underserved regions, through our collaborative advocacy with governmental and non-governmental organizations within local communities for policies to bridge the digital divide.
Objective 3: Fostering an Inclusive, Open, Safe, and Secure Digital Space that Respects, Protects, and Promotes Human Rights
A multistakeholder approach to Internet governance is essential to achieving this goal, as we continue to advocate for frameworks that ensure the Internet remains open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy. The Internet Society works to safeguard freedom of expression, privacy, and access to information in the digital space, to ensure that these rights are respected and protected across all online environments. By promoting Internet governance models that are transparent, inclusive, and accountable, we ensure that decision-making processes in the digital ecosystem reflect the interests of all stakeholders in safeguarding everyone’s rights online.
Objective 4: Advancing Responsible, Equitable, and Interoperable Data Governance Approaches
As data increasingly drives digital transformation, the Internet Society advocates for transparent and accountable data governance frameworks that safeguard individuals’ privacy and personal data. We work to ensure that data policies are designed in ways that protect the rights of users while fostering innovation and trust in the digital ecosystem. The Internet Society supports open standards for data management and advocates for the use of encryption and other technologies that enhance data security. Additionally, we promote global collaboration to develop data protection laws to ensure that data integrity is respected, while balancing the need for global digital interoperability.
A Multistakeholder Approach
The Internet Society, along with other stakeholders, has been actively advancing the objectives and commitments outlined in the GDC through our work over the years. These collective efforts have focused on building an open, inclusive, and secure digital ecosystem that addresses emerging challenges through collaboration and shared responsibility. These experiences can serve the GDC implementation process by pulling on and applying the lessons learned from the multistakeholder model to Internet governance.
As we approach the WSIS+20 review, these efforts will continue to evolve, with an emphasis on bridging digital divides, ensuring universal access, and upholding the principles of openness and inclusivity. Ongoing collaboration among stakeholders will remain critical in responding to the rapid pace of digital transformation, as we endeavor on the WSIS+20 review. The WSIS+20 review offers an opportunity to identify the areas where the GDC objectives overlap with WSIS, to leverage existing mechanisms and structures, and avoid duplication.
Are you considering playing a role in the implementation of the Global Digital Compact? Let us know at [email protected].