Main Session on GDC: A multistakeholder perspective | IGF 2023

Knowledge Graph of Debate

Session report

Amandeep Singh Gill, Under-Secretary-General and UN Envoy on Technology

The Global Digital Compact (GDC) is viewed as a crucial tool for addressing global challenges, and it should be considered within the broader context of global issues. The completion of the consultation phase of the GDC, with over 7,000 entities providing inputs, is seen as a significant milestone. Efforts to enhance multi-stakeholder engagement and inclusivity are necessary, inspired by the Secretary-General’s vision on digital cooperation. Balancing multilateral processes and multi-stakeholder engagement is acknowledged as a challenge, but innovative approaches have been taken, such as involving stakeholders in sensitive discussions. Stakeholders are encouraged to engage with local member states to foster greater involvement. Areas such as the digital economy and development issues require greater emphasis and action. The policy brief on the GDC outlines a strategic vision, addressing the digital divide, human rights, and agile governance. Gender inclusion and youth participation are emphasized as important themes. Accountability and adaptability are vital for the digital future, and the fragmented landscape of digital issues calls for better coordination. Critical gaps exist in addressing issues like misinformation, disinformation, AI governance, and human rights accountability. The success of the summit of the future rests on raising the level of ambition, activity, and coherence in responses.

Paul Wilson, Director General, APNIC, Australia

The internet plays a vital role in our society, offering stability, availability, efficiency, and scalability. However, it is often taken for granted and overlooked. Cooperation among all stakeholders is crucial to maintain the internet’s critical qualities and prevent fragmentation or compromise.

Multistakeholder internet governance is essential for the internet’s continued success. The Global Digital Compact (GDC), a proposed framework for global digital cooperation, should recognize and support this cooperation. Paul Wilson, a member of the technical community, emphasizes the need for ongoing global cooperation in internet governance, particularly within the GDC negotiations.

Addressing the current state of internet connectivity is another crucial aspect the GDC needs to focus on. Although significant progress has been made, approximately 33% of the global population remains unconnected, and 66% lack meaningful internet access. Building upon the current state of connectivity is necessary to ensure more people can benefit from the internet.

The internet’s growth is expected to continue, but challenges with capacity, infrastructure, integrity, and security must be addressed. Inclusivity is also important, as the concerns of marginalized communities, youth, and underrepresented groups should be heard in internet governance and the GDC process.

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF), which has been facilitating discussions for 18 years, should be focused on continuous improvement rather than reinvention. The IGF’s multistakeholder community is ready to discuss and enhance internet governance matters.

COVID-19 has highlighted the internet’s significance, as it enables communication, education, and job continuity during lockdowns. Lastly, addressing non-digital issues such as climate action, poverty, and hunger is essential for the internet to contribute to broader societal goals.

In summary, the internet’s stability and success depend on cooperation among stakeholders. The GDC should recognize and support multistakeholder cooperation. It should also address connectivity gaps, ensure internet growth, promote inclusivity, and harness the potential of the IGF. Additionally, the internet’s role in supporting humanity during crises and addressing non-digital challenges should not be overlooked.

Moderator 2

The Global Digital Compact Process has energized the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) community, attracting positive sentiment and drawing attention to the work of IGF and its national and regional initiatives. It has created opportunities for engagement and brought stakeholders together.

However, there is a need for greater clarity and forward-looking perspectives on how the Global Digital Compact can strengthen and expand the field of Internet Governance. To address this, a panel will provide additional insights and clarity on the future of the process, with the aim of enhancing Internet Governance and aligning it with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Another important aspect that demands attention is the complexity of the two governance forms: multilateral and multistakeholder. It is argued that the complexity of these forms may be underestimated, and efforts are underway to foster their complementary nature. The goal is to ensure that both forms can effectively engage and support one another.

Improving governance, accountability, and cooperation within and between the multistakeholder and multilateral processes is also highlighted as a crucial need. There is a call to enhance these aspects for more effective and inclusive Internet Governance, aligning with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

The Global Digital Compact process, along with the Summit of the Future, provides a specific focus on internet development and its intersection with broader governance. This focus closely aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) to address the specific needs of internet development within the broader governance discussions.

Moreover, the role of governments as enablers of people-centered development, human rights, and inclusion is emphasized. The WSIS outcome documents describe the role of governments as enablers in creating an environment that enables these important aspects. This implies that governments play a vital role in shaping and supporting internet development in a way that encompasses human rights and reduces inequalities, aligning with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16.

In conclusion, the Global Digital Compact Process has successfully energized the IGF community, bringing attention to their work and fostering engagement. However, there is a need for more clarity and forward-looking perspectives to enhance and broaden Internet Governance. The complexity of multilateral and multi-stakeholder governance forms is also highlighted. Additionally, improving governance, accountability, and cooperation within and between these forms is crucial. The Global Digital Compact process and the Summit of the Future focus on internet development and its intersection with broader governance, aligning closely with the SDGs. Finally, the role of governments as enablers of people-centered development, human rights, and inclusion is emphasized as a crucial aspect of internet governance.

Audience

The discussions on the Global Digital Compact (GDC) involve various perspectives from stakeholders. One argument is that the final stage negotiations of the GDC should remain open for contributions from multiple stakeholders. The EuroDIG community unanimously supports this stance and is ready to provide further inputs. The upcoming EuroDIG event encourages participation to gather stakeholder input for the future of the internet.

Another perspective is the role of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in implementing the principles and commitments of the Compact. The goal is to achieve a free, open, secure, and sustainable digital future. The IGF is seen as a key platform for inclusive dialogue and stakeholder participation, specifically for SDG 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure.

Civil society voices are also important in the GDC process. Some argue for more involvement at the global level, while others advocate for greater participation at the country level. The objective is to ensure inclusivity and address the needs of marginalized communities.

Stakeholder engagement and active involvement are crucial for innovation in internet governance. It is believed that effective governance can only be achieved when all stakeholders are directly involved. Therefore, the UN should shift from consulting to actively involving stakeholders in decision-making processes.

Transparency and public involvement in negotiations are important. There is support for public involvement in governance issues and greater transparency in the GDC process.

Inclusivity and stakeholder mechanisms are discussed in relation to challenges with certain member states. Questions are raised about how to include stakeholders when member states are not inclusive or unwilling to work with critical voices. The aim is to find mechanisms that ensure all perspectives are considered.

Digital inclusion and reducing the digital divide are also important in the GDC process. The focus is on bridging the divide and providing access to quality digital technologies and connectivity for all.

Gender equality and intersectionality should be considered in the GDC process. Some argue for a feminist and intersectional approach to create a gender-just world. This includes addressing environmental impact, promoting women’s leadership in tech, and protecting against gender-based violence online.

Energy consumption of the internet is a concern. There is a need to focus on reducing energy consumption while ensuring reliable internet access.

The role of the IGF and its relation to the GDC are discussed. The relation should be clarified to avoid competition for resources and attention.

Accountability mechanisms in global compacts and partnerships are another area of concern. Stronger mechanisms are needed, and developed countries should support the capacity-building efforts of developing countries.

In conclusion, the discussions on the Global Digital Compact involve various perspectives, including multistakeholder contributions, the role of the IGF, civil society involvement, stakeholder engagement, transparency, digital inclusion, gender equality, energy consumption, the role of the IGF, and accountability in global compacts. The focus is on creating a fair and inclusive digital future by considering the perspectives and needs of different stakeholders.

Raul Echeberri, Private Sector

The high-level panel on digital cooperation, created by the UN Secretary-General, highlights the significant focus on digital cooperation within the UN’s agenda. Raul Echeberri welcomes this and considers digital cooperation a central point in the Secretary-General’s agenda. However, there are concerns about the inclusivity of the Global Digital Compact process. Echeberri suggests conducting more consultations at the regional level and involving the private sector to a greater extent. The private sector’s diverse interests, sectors, sizes of companies, and regional origins need to be considered in the Global Digital Compact process.

Active participation and involvement in consultations are emphasized, with several governments working hard to organize them. Echeberri himself participated in some contributions. Preferred sessions and formats for consultations are those that allow for more comfortable community engagement rather than just submitting comments.

There is a need for more opportunities for non-governmental stakeholders to participate in the Global Digital Compact process, with reference to the 2005 summit involvement. The expectation is that innovations will improve the process, but no specific evidence is provided to support this claim.

The similarities between the Internet Governance Forum (IGF)’s key agenda topics and the issues in the shared paper for the Global Digital Compact are noted, validating the IGF as a valuable venue for discussing the compact.

A positive outlook on technology evolution is expressed, with the belief that technology should be embraced positively as it continues to evolve.

The argument is made for the need to speed up innovation in every country to achieve inclusive development. Technology is expected to play a significant role in achieving equitable development.

The Global Digital Compact is expected to inspire and bring hope, with inspiration drawn from the message of the Prime Minister of Japan regarding optimizing technology benefits while reducing risk.

Caution is advised against creating new bureaucracies in the compact process, as this may create additional barriers for the participation of developing and small countries. It is important to ensure equal opportunities for participation and contribution.

Existing venues like the IGF are seen as capable of effectively handling challenges, eliminating the need for increased governmental control. The argument is made for multistakeholder mechanisms in digital governance to allow for the full participation of all stakeholders.

The role of governments in creating enabling environments for inclusive development and accelerating innovation is emphasized. It is crucial to ensure that the positive impact of technology benefits everyone worldwide.

Lastly, there is a call for more stakeholder participation and the strengthening of the IGF. More opportunities for stakeholder engagement are needed in the process towards the future summit, with the recommendation to maintain the IGF as the central venue for dealing with the issues at hand.

In conclusion, the analysis highlights the importance of digital cooperation in the UN’s agenda, with the establishment of the high-level panel. Concerns are raised about the inclusivity of the Global Digital Compact process, and the involvement of the private sector and active participation from all stakeholders is advocated. Technology, equitable development, and government involvement in creating enabling environments are identified as key factors. Stakeholder participation and the strengthening of existing venues like the IGF are seen as crucial for effectively addressing the challenges of digital governance and achieving the goals of the Global Digital Compact.

Valeria Betancourt, Association for Progressive Communications

The Global Digital Compact process has received criticism for a lack of clarity and timely information provision, which hampers meaningful engagement and participation of civil society actors. There is a need for the Global Digital Compact to establish clear linkages with existing processes as the scope of Internet-related public policy issues expands and the distinction between digital and non-digital becomes blurred. Inclusion should be prioritized in the process, considering the social and economic impacts of the global pandemic. Efforts must be made to prevent the exclusion of those who are most affected by digitalization, and to challenge perspectives that maintain the status quo.

Addressing digital inequality and injustice is essential to ensure an inclusive digital transition and prevent developing countries from being left behind. Trade rules are used to weaken the digital rights of countries, particularly in the global south. International financial institutions need to make new commitments and big tech companies should be subjected to taxation to address these concerns.

The digital transition should prioritize creating public and social value, as well as expanding human freedoms. The successful implementation of the Global Digital Compact will require financial mechanisms and the strengthening of digital infrastructure skills and regulatory capacities for all countries.

The Human Rights Charter and the International Covenant of Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights should serve as the basis for evaluating commitment to an open, free, and secure digital future. Existing processes such as the Universal Periodic Review and the Sustainable Development Goals can be utilized to further this objective.

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) should be strengthened to bridge the gap between liberative spaces and decision-making processes. Challenging the belief that big tech cannot be regulated is crucial. Global digital governance should establish conditions for equity and fairness. A feminist, sustainable, and transformative vision is necessary for a digital future that is open, free, and secure, and which promotes gender equality, reduces inequalities, and fosters industry, innovation, and infrastructure.

In conclusion, the Global Digital Compact process needs to address issues of clarity, linkages with existing processes, inclusion, digital inequality, trade rules, public and social value, human rights, financial mechanisms, taxation, the role of the IGF, and the need for a feminist and transformative vision. By considering these factors, the Global Digital Compact can work towards a more equitable and inclusive digital future.

Moderator 1

Upon analysing the statements made by the speakers, several key points emerged:

1. The first speaker argues that the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) plays a crucial role in facilitating discussions on global digital compact issues. They believe that the topics covered in the issues paper closely align with the agenda of the IGF, underscoring the forum’s value and relevance.

2. The second speaker advocates for embracing the positive evolution of technology. They argue that rather than resisting technological advancements, societies should adopt a positive approach towards them. The speaker believes that technology has the potential to significantly contribute to global development, aligning with SDG 9, which emphasises the importance of industry, innovation, and infrastructure. However, no specific evidence or examples were provided to support this argument.

3. The third speaker highlights the need to ensure that technological benefits are accessible to everyone globally. They emphasise the importance of achieving equitable development and reducing inequalities that arise from unequal technology distribution. This argument aligns with SDG 10, which focuses on reducing inequality. Unfortunately, no supporting evidence or specific examples were provided to strengthen this point.

It is worth noting that both the first and third speakers expressed positive sentiments regarding their respective topics. However, the lack of supporting evidence weakens the overall strength of their arguments.

In conclusion, the analysis underscores the significance of the Internet Governance Forum as a platform for discussing global digital compact issues. It also highlights the importance of embracing technology’s positive evolution and ensuring equitable access to its benefits worldwide. While the arguments put forth by the speakers are compelling, the absence of supporting evidence or specific examples diminishes their impact.

Bitange Ndemo, Ambassador to Belgium, Kenya

During the discussion, the speaker focused on several key topics related to technology and innovation. They emphasised the significant role of the internet during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in teaching and empowering micro-enterprises to leverage digital platforms for business. This highlights the internet’s ability to facilitate continuity and growth in challenging times. The sentiment expressed towards the internet was overwhelmingly positive.

Another important aspect discussed was the need for regulation in new technologies. The speaker highlighted the rush of people toward regulating these technologies and suggested that The Global Digital Cooperation (GDC) could provide guidance to governments on how to effectively regulate new technologies. While the sentiment towards regulation was positive, the speaker noted the importance of open discussions on standards and regulations in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This neutral sentiment indicates the need for careful consideration in establishing appropriate standards and regulations.

The positive impact of digitalisation and innovation on young people was also emphasised. The speaker acknowledged that digitalisation has enabled young people to leverage technology for innovation, leading to productivity improvements. This highlights the value of providing opportunities for young people to explore their potential and contribute to economic growth. The sentiment towards this topic was largely positive.

The discussion also touched upon the relationship between innovation and regulation. It was argued that innovation should be allowed to take place openly before implementing regulation. The speakers believed that innovation precedes regulation and should not be stifled by unnecessary restrictions. This viewpoint suggests a positive sentiment towards embracing innovation and allowing it to flourish.

Language barriers were identified as a challenge in achieving internet access and inclusivity. The speakers noted that even with 100% internet coverage, language differences can prevent individuals from fully utilising the internet. To address this issue, the speakers suggested leveraging AI technologies, such as Language Learning Models (LLMs), to overcome language barriers. The sentiment towards this topic was neutral, indicating a recognition of the problem without offering a strong opinion on the solution.

In terms of AI, the speakers presented a positive stance, viewing it as an opportunity rather than a threat. They highlighted how AI can eliminate errors in marking academic essays and reduce reliance on outdated theories and rote memorisation in education. This highlights the potential of AI to enhance the quality of education. The sentiment towards AI in education was positive.

The convergence of thought regarding the future of the internet and individual human rights was also highlighted. The speakers referred to a previous session on the declaration of the future of the internet, which addressed similar issues. This convergence suggests a positive sentiment towards aligning the development of the internet with the protection of individual rights.

In terms of policymaking, the speakers emphasised the importance of inclusive development and involving civil society in discussions. They shared personal experiences of benefitting from engaging with stakeholders and civil society as policymakers. The sentiment towards this was mixed, with a negative view on governments sometimes excluding civil society from discussions. The speakers advocated for more open and inclusive policymaking with stakeholder involvement, recognising the value of diverse perspectives in policymaking processes.

In conclusion, the discussion highlighted the essential role of the internet during the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for regulation in new technologies. There was recognition of the positive impact of digitalisation and innovation on young people, and the importance of allowing innovation to take place openly before regulation. Language barriers were identified as a challenge to internet access and inclusivity, suggesting the use of AI technologies as a potential solution. The speakers viewed AI as an opportunity and emphasised the convergence of thought between the future of the internet and human rights. They advocated for more inclusive policymaking with stakeholder involvement, recognising the value of civil society contributions. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the various perspectives and considerations related to technology and innovation.

Speakers