(3rd meeting) Global Digital Compact – Informal Consultations

Global Digital Compact consultations address Zero Draft, highlighting ambitions and challenges in digital cooperation

The informal consultations on the Global Digital Compact (GDC) were convened to discuss the Zero Draft, a foundational document aimed at establishing a framework for global digital cooperation. Co-facilitators Ambassador Chola Milambo and Ambassador Anna-Karin Eneström welcomed member states and stakeholders, highlighting the draft’s commitment to creating a roadmap for strengthening digital cooperation and delivering tangible outcomes.

The Zero Draft addresses several key areas, including the need to bridge digital divides, expand opportunities for inclusion in the digital economy, and govern emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). It focuses on data governance, proposing clear objectives for global digital cooperation and identifying practical commitments and targeted actions to achieve these objectives.

Member states and organizations provided feedback that was both appreciative and critical. Many speakers commended the draft’s ambition and comprehensive nature, with particular support for its action-oriented approach. The draft was recognized for its potential to serve as a comprehensive roadmap for digital cooperation, with specific commitments linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

However, concerns were raised about the potential for duplication of existing mechanisms and the need for further clarification on new proposals. Representatives called for stronger language on issues such as human rights, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and the social impacts of AI. There were also requests for more detail and clarification on various proposals, particularly those related to AI governance and the follow-up and review mechanisms.

The importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to policymaking in digital areas was highlighted, with calls for the involvement of civil society, academia, industry, and technical communities. Additionally, there was a consensus on the need for capacity building and technology transfer to empower developing countries and bridge digital divides.

Noteworthy observations from the meeting include the emphasis on the need to avoid creating new mechanisms that may duplicate existing efforts. Instead, there was a preference for leveraging and strengthening existing multilateral mechanisms, governance frameworks, and functions. The proposed establishment of a global fund for AI and emerging technologies was met with interest, but also with calls for more information on its added value and funding implications.

The co-facilitators acknowledged the rich contributions and feedback from the participants. They committed to providing comprehensive responses to the issues raised by the next meeting on 12th April. The process will continue with further readings and stakeholder meetings to refine the GDC, with the first reading scheduled for 12th April. The aim is to craft a compact that truly responds to the needs of all countries and communities, ensuring that digital technologies are harnessed for sustainable development and that no one is left behind.

In conclusion, the meeting reflected a shared commitment to advancing digital cooperation through the GDC, while also highlighting the complexities and challenges involved in achieving consensus on such a multifaceted and rapidly evolving issue. The co-facilitators and member states expressed a willingness to engage constructively in the negotiations to develop a strong, forward-looking digital compact.

Ambassador Chola Milambo:
Good morning, good morning to you all, excellencies, good morning ladies and gentlemen, I now call to order the informal consultations on the Global Digital Compact. On behalf of my fellow co-facilitator, Ambassador Enstrom, and myself, I warmly welcome you to the presentation of the Zero Draft of the GDC. Would also like to inform you that the presentation today has been broadcast live. Allow me to give the floor now to my fellow co-facilitator, Ambassador Anna Karin.

Ambassador Anna-Karin Eneström:
Thank you so much, Ambassador Chola, and a warm welcome and good morning to everyone. Thank you for being here with us today. We appreciate very much the engagement of all of you and all member states and stakeholders through the GDC process. We have sought to reflect and draw on these rich contributions in the preparation of the Zero Draft. We recognize that this is a comprehensive text, covering a range of digital cooperation issues. With a view to inform your consideration, we propose to present the Zero Draft and our approach to its preparations today. As noted in our letter of 1 April, we will commence reading on the Zero Draft on Friday, 12 April. It is our hope that we can work together to finish the first reading on that date, the 12th of April, so that we can incorporate your input before the next meeting on 2 May. We intend to do this first reading section by section. Submission input can be submitted up to 18 April, but are welcomed at any time prior. Colleagues, the GDC covers a wide range of digital technology issues. We have sought to cover the range of issues identified over the past year of informal consultations, frame a forward-looking, action-oriented compact that can serve as a roadmap for strengthening digital cooperation and deliver tangible outcomes. We have sought to set out clear objectives for global digital cooperation, as well as cross-cutting principles to guide it, identify practical commitments, and targeted actions to achieve objectives. These comprise the bulk of the Sierra draft. Set out modalities for implementation, follow-up, and review, building on existing mechanisms as well as proposals for new arrangements to support coherence, coordination, and alignment of efforts, especially in relation to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. With a view to keeping the compact concise and action-oriented, we have sought to limit descriptive references to ongoing initiatives, events, and reports undertaken by different stakeholders. Read where feasible agreed language. Limit detailed descriptions of specific groups and highlight the inclusivity of the compact, which applies to all people, communities, and states. We have tried to achieve a balance throughout the text in advancing the benefits and opportunities that digital technologies present for all societies and individuals, while also acknowledging and mitigating risks and potential harms. Addressing emerging technologies, especially in relation to artificial intelligence, while also mobilizing cooperation and coordination to address long-standing digital divides. Reflecting the intergovernmental agreement that this compact will represent with the recognition that digital cooperation rests on multi-stakeholder collaboration and will only be effective if all multi-stakeholders are involved. This balance is one that we have sought to reflect in the preamble. We highlight the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Agenda 2030 as the foundation of this compact. We also highlight the World Summit on Information Society and its outcome documents as cornerstones of our digital cooperation. We have kept preambular language short to drive the focus of the compact on practical action and, as a public document, make it as accessible as possible. Objectives In response to statements and inputs, we have added a fifth objective, expanding opportunities for inclusion in the digital economy. As noted by many, action in this area is fundamental to realizing digital inclusion and complementary to all objectives, especially closing the digital divides. On the principles, we have received many suggestions on what principles should be included and how they might be framed. We have tried to reflect ten principles that cut across every area of digital cooperation. We have highlighted the critical importance of equitable and inclusive digital cooperation and governance within and between states. We frame development in human rights as interdependent. and mutually reinforcing elements to deliver digital benefits and address risks. We highlight the relevance of all human rights. We have added principles on gender equality and environmental sustainability. We have sought to distinguish between cross-cutting principles and areas for commitment and action. On commitments and actions, this section comprises the bulk of the compact, reflecting the many views expressed on the need for concrete action, particularly in light of the serious gap in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. To underscore the urgency of progress on the SDGs, a need to measure progress of digital technology in accelerating the SDGs. We have sought to list the relevant SDGs for each proposed action. Almost all of the actions proposed require stakeholder collaboration. Where the responsibility for progress lies with stakeholders, such as private sector and technical community, we try to reflect this in the language and format of the text. We have tried to keep support text for each cluster concise and avoid repetition of the principles expressed in Section 3. Objective 1. Closing the digital divides and accelerating progress across the SDGs. Three clusters. Connectivity, digital literacy, skills and capacities, digital public goods and infrastructure. Many of the actions proposed in this section are not new. We have sought to reflect areas that you have identified as priorities for cooperation. We draw on targets for universal meaningful connectivity established by ITU to track progress. We identify actions to close the gender digital divides, including reflecting the conclusion of the Commission of the Status of Women at its 78th session. Many inputs called for specific recognition of digital public goods, which we have sought to reflect alongside digital public infrastructure. Objective 2. Expanding opportunities for inclusion in the digital economy. One cluster. Access to digital technologies. Under this objective, we have sought to improve access to digital technology, including knowledge, research, capacity, as well as technology transfers. Highlight the importance of enabling policy and regulatory environments, and promote actions to support innovation, especially small and medium enterprises in developing countries. We have also identified cybersecurity standards and capacities as a priority for advancing inclusion in the digital economy, reflecting inputs from many, many stakeholders. And with that, I will hand over the floor to Ambassador Chula to continue the presentation. Thank you.

Ambassador Chola Milambo:
Thank you, Anna Karin. I will run through the remainder of the commitments, and then through the follow-up, and then we’ll have some concluding remarks before we open it up. Objective number 3. Fostering an inclusive, open, safe, and secure digital space. Four clusters. Human rights, Internet governance, digital trust, and security information integrity. We received many inputs on issues under this objective. In reflecting them, we have sought to recognize the urgent need for action to prevent and eliminate bias, discrimination, and harms in the design, development, and deployment, and the use of digital technologies. Reflect the emphasis that many stakeholders have put on child safety. safety online, highlight the role and responsibilities of stakeholders in fostering safety online, including digital technology companies, developers, and social media platforms. In the subsection on human rights, we underscore the applicability of international law and international human rights law online as well as offline. As many governments and stakeholders seek to govern emerging technologies, we see value in calls by many stakeholders for collaboration and practical advice on human rights and technologies. We have therefore included a proposal to that effect. We propose actions to maintain the universal, free, stable, and secure nature of the Internet and its multi-stakeholder governance. Stakeholders have stressed how digital trust and safety and healthy information ecosystems can only be achieved through collaborative actions by governments, private sector, civil society, technical community, and the academia. The actions we propose in these sections tries to reflect this and the need for action at all stages of technology lifecycle. Objective four, equitable international data governance, four classes, data privacy and security, data exchanges and standards, data for development, cross-border data flows. In this section, we have tried to reflect calls for action to close digital divides, including the context of the SDGs summit last year, the General Assembly resolution on AI, and by the high-level advisory body on effective multilateralism. We have sought to reflect concrete actions to advance international data governance to accelerate progress across the SDGs, expand opportunities for inclusion in digital economy, and govern emerging technologies, including AI. To protect data privacy and the security of data with a view to ensuring trust and flow. To enable equitable and inclusive data sharing and exchanges. Propose a process to take these actions forward, building on existing efforts underway in the UN Statistical Commission, CSTD, as well as other processes. Objective number five. Governing emerging technologies, including AI, for humanity. In this section, we have sought to reflect calls for a forward-looking compact that enables cooperation to address emerging technologies. Of course, including but not limited to AI. We also consider that the compact is an opportunity to establish foundations for the international governance of AI, fully recognizing that such cooperative governance will need to be agile and complementary to emerging national, regional, and industry efforts to govern AI. We have sought to reflect the emphasis of many on the role of the UN in supporting coherence and interoperability in the governance of emerging technologies. We were mindful of the pace of AI development, and which requires action if we want to lay a solid and inclusive foundation for international governance of AI. The actions we propose highlight priority areas for cooperation identified in the GA resolution on AI, the ongoing work of the high-level advisory body on AI, as well as inputs received. They include proposals for agile new arrangements to conduct scientific risk and evidence-based assessment of opportunities and challenges in ways that are inclusive, transparent, and publicly accessible. To promote global dialogue and exchange of knowledge and best practice on emerging AI governance arrangements. We recognize the need for harmonization of emerging AI standards. and call on relevant standard-setting bodies to collaborate to this end. We highlight the need for increased capacity building on AI and identify priority actions for collaboration on capacity building. Finally, in this section, we reflect the importance of funding for such efforts. We invite the Secretary General to establish a dedicated global fund for AI and emerging technologies for sustainable development to open to contributions from public, private, and philanthropic sources. I now turn to the issue of the section on follow-up and review. Our goal in the concluding section is to ensure that the ambition of the compact is realized through implementation. We sought to reflect the emphasis of many that the compacts include arrangements to monitor, track, and periodically review progress. We highlight the need to increase and direct funding to take forward agreed actions, including through development assistance, pooled or joint financing facilities, as well as through contributions from private actors. We emphasize the role of all relevant stakeholders in implementing the compact and the need for the full and active engagement of private sector, technical and academic communities, and civil society. The importance of building on existing mechanisms, especially the mechanisms emanating from the WSIS process, including the Internet Governance Forum and the WSIS Action Lines and WSIS Reporting and Reviews. The need to enhance coherence and coordination across the many mechanisms, initiatives, and activities that exist. We see great potential for the WSIS process, reflecting its development orientation to drive digital cooperation, especially in closing digital divides and accelerating progress across the SDGs. We, therefore, propose to invite the UISIS Plus 20 review in 2025 to consider how it might do so. We recognize the important role of UN agencies, funds, and programs, especially the ITU, UNESCO, UNDP, and UNCTAD in advancing digital cooperation. We reflect the stress many have put on the importance of avoiding duplication while also stressing the need to enhance system-wide coordination on digital and emerging technologies. We have, therefore, included a proposal for the establishment of a dedicated office to support such coordination. We consider that this capacity could also support stakeholder engagement in an implementation of this compact, providing a one-stop shop to track progress along the compact. We noted the views of many that follow-up and review of the compact must be concrete but also institutionally light. In proposing arrangements, we have sought to reflect precedents set as the Global Compact on Migration, while recognizing that the pace of digital development and the range of stakeholder involvement require regular and inclusive review. We have, therefore, proposed a biannual, high-level meeting under the auspices of the General Assembly to serve this function. Just a few concluding remarks before I hand it over back to my colleague. Let me conclude by pointing out that this is a unique opportunity to set in motion a sustained effort to harness digital technologies for the SDGs and to set the foundations for international governance of emerging technologies in a timely and agile way. We have heeded to your calls for ambition. Heated calls to be focused, concise, and action-oriented. We have listened to calls to build on what we have, while also reflecting the unique opportunities and challenges that digital technologies pose for multilateralism. This can’t be business as usual. We recognize that the actions and proposals set in the Zero Draft are ambitious, and we understand that delegations need time to fully review proposals. We are looking forward to hear your initial views and comments to working together in the weeks to come. I thank you. Ambassador.

Ambassador Anna-Karin Eneström:
We are – We stopped shaking. I think we have stopped shaking, so we are fine. Thank you very much, Ambassador Chiola, and before we open the floor, we’d like to inform member states that there is no pre-established list of speakers. Delegations are invited to press the microphone button to request the floor. Delegations speaking on behalf of groups are invited to approach the Secretary to be given priority. Thank you very much for your cooperation. And with that, I will give the floor to Uganda. We’ll speak on behalf of the G77 and China. Uganda, you have the floor. And you will be followed by Singapore.

Uganda:
Thank you very much, their co-facilitators. In spite of the tremors and shakes that preceded this, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of G77 and China. At the outset, the group would like to express appreciation for the efforts of the co-facilitators in preparing this action-oriented, coherent, and well-structured Zero Draft, which took into consideration some of the group’s inputs. The group also welcomes the inclusion of measurable commitments and concrete deliverables in the draft. Regarding the timeline outlined by the co-facilitators, indicating that the first reading of the draft will take place on April 12, the group requests the postponement of the first reading to allow delegations to have enough time to consult with capitals and the group to coordinate its position on the draft, especially given the detailed and taken connection of the draft. On the substance of the Zero Draft, the group would like to make the following comments. The idea of provision of means of implementation to developing countries, including capacity building and knowledge and technology transfer, needs to be strengthened further throughout the text and to be considered a cross-cutting aspect in all objectives. Without that, it would be challenging for developing countries to reach the different goals and targets set out in the draft. The group observes excessive caveating of technology transfer language, namely by using voluntary and unmutually agreed terms that goes beyond the 2030 Agenda, which is unacceptable to the group. The group is encouraged to see the mapping between the different commitments and the SDGs throughout the text and will take a closer look at these linkages and the balance between the various SDGs on the draft. The group appreciates the inclusion of a stand-alone section on advancing equitable international data governance, since this is a priority for the group. On the cluster and cross-cutting data flows, the group reiterates the importance of strengthening international cooperation to enable cross-border data flows to maximize development gains in mutually beneficial ways, and of having orderly data flows in line with international law. The group reiterates that the GDC should contribute to fostering an open, fair, inclusive, and non-discriminatory environment for digital development, and appreciates that the Zero Draft included the principles such as inclusive, development-focused, accessible and interoperable, and innovation-friendly. On emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, AI, the group reiterates the importance of inclusive and equal participation by all countries, and ensuring a leading role for the UN in AI governance. We believe that the proposals in the draft are a good basis. It is also crucial to provide capacity building and technology and knowledge transfer to developing countries in this regard to allow for harnessing AI for sustainable development. The GDC should be a catalyst for more equitable access to digital and emerging technologies. and their peaceful uses. At the same time, it must take into account the impact of increasing digitalization, AI, and emerging technologies on labor and employment. The group considers that there should be a clearer depiction of the relationship and linkages between World Summit on Information Society, WSIS, and the GDC in the text. The draft contains a large number of commitments under each objective without explicit clarification as to who will be responsible for them. Developing countries will require support to implement commitments. The follow-up and review section of the draft contains quite a number of new proposals, which will require further examination. However, the group affirms that in following up and reviewing future progress of the GDC, we would need to ensure respect for national sovereignty of states and for government’s leadership in this regard, and in public policy issues pertaining to the Internet and the digital space. The group would have appreciated more emphasis in the text on some of the existing obstacles that developing countries face in accessing digital technologies and innovation, including UCMs. The group reiterates its position that proposals for establishing new mechanisms or entities should already be discussed or considered if they fill existing gaps or effectively complement or reinforce existing arrangements to strengthen digital governance, particularly given their budgetary implications and in light of the current liquidity challenges. The group notes that there are specific commitments and measurable goals mentioned in the draft selectively and would appreciate further clarification on the sources and rationale as to how they were chosen. We reaffirm our commitment to actively engage in this important process. I thank you.

Ambassador Anna-Karin Eneström:
I thank the representative of Uganda, speaking on behalf of the G77 in China, and give the floor to Singapore, speaking on behalf of a group of states, and he will be followed by Indonesia. Ambassador Burhan, you have the floor.

Singapore:
Thank you very much, Ambassador. Good morning, colleagues. I think we all felt some tremors just a few minutes ago here at the United Nations, but I wanted to assure all of you that the small states are neither shaken nor stirred. English co-facilitators, I have the honor to make this statement on behalf of the small states group. In the interest of time, the full text of this statement, as well as the list of 55 countries from different regions that have aligned with the statement, will be submitted to you in writing. Co-facilitators, we view the zero draft as a concise yet ambitious text that represents a good starting point for negotiations. As the zero draft remains under consideration in our capitals, our group would at this preliminary stage like to emphasize five key ideas that we believe should guide the evolution of the zero draft in the months ahead. First, we support and welcome the structure of the GDC. The Zero Draft identified five key objectives for digital cooperation, followed by clusters of action-oriented commitments to be achieved by 2030. This is a sensible and pragmatic approach. While further work will be necessary to refine and improve the specific commitments outlined, our group believes that this structure allows for actionable deliverables rather than empty declarations. Second, we welcome the action-oriented recommendations put forward in the Zero Draft. At the previous informal consultations, we have said that the GDC represented a once-in-a-generation opportunity to develop a global framework for digital cooperation to leverage digital technologies for the good of all. We are encouraged to see that the Zero Draft has put forward a comprehensive roadmap to bring us back on track towards the achievement of the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda. As delegations work to refine and improve the Zero Draft, it is essential that we further increase the level of ambition and not fall back to repeating agreed UN documents. Thirdly, we welcome the linkage made in the Zero Draft between the GDC and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. We have consistently emphasized that the GDC cannot just be an end in itself, but is a vital tool to accelerate progress towards the achievement of the SDGs. In this regard, the identification of specific SDGs relevant to each commitment in the Zero Draft is a good way of ensuring this essential linkage between the GDC and the SDGs. Fourthly, on artificial intelligence, we are supportive of the approach taken by the co-facilitators in harmonizing with and building on the work of the High-Level Advisory Board on AI, as the HLAB on AI continues to refine its recommendations for the final report to be released in a few months. We are of the view that it is important to retain flexibility and keep the door open for the language on this section to further evolve as we go through subsequent readings of the GDC. The governance of AI to ensure that we are able to harness the benefits of AI technologies, including through innovation and cooperation, while mitigating the risks, will be crucial in our pursuit of enhanced progress on achievement of the SDGs. It is therefore critical that we take into account the technical expertise and recommendations of the High-Level Advisory Board on AI. Fifthly, the recommendations in the follow-up and review section of the Zero Draft should have the objective of ensuring that the UN system, member states, and stakeholders build strong and effective partnerships and deliver concrete progress in the area of global digital cooperation. We are ready to consider various proposals contained in the Zero Draft in a manner that synergizes and builds on existing structures and processes, including WSIS and IGF, while avoiding duplications. Co-facilitators, we hope that these preliminary ideas will contribute to the discussions and we look forward to engaging constructively with you and all delegations and I thank you for your attention. And if you would kindly allow me, co-facilitators, I’d like to make a few quick points in my national capacity. Firstly, as Singapore We believe that the GDC has the potential to become a powerful accelerator of the implementation of the SDG goals. Therefore, we very much support a substantive and action-oriented GDC. According to the SDG Digital Acceleration Agenda that was launched last year at the SDG Digital during High Level Week, digital technologies make an impact on 70% of the SDG targets. In other words, out of the 169 SDG targets, 119 of them are directly impacted by the use of digital technologies, including in areas such as climate action, education, eradication of hunger, and poverty. It is therefore very clear that we need to harness the power of digital technologies to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. Conversely, if we fail to do that, if we fail to harness the power of digital technologies, then this can become a driver of greater inequality, injustice, inequity, and not to mention insecurity. Secondly, as we begin the deliberations on the Zero Draft and as we begin our first reading from next week, we should level up the ambition and avoid the temptation to dilute and level down the concrete and ambitious nature of the document that we have before us. In that context, we are ready to work as Singapore with all delegations to raise the level of ambition in the document. Thirdly, and I agree with what you have said, co-facilitators, that ambition should be realized through implementation, and it is therefore very important that we have a section on implementation and review of implementation that is also very robust, that is very clear, and that puts in place mechanisms to ensure monitoring of implementation, review of implementation at the highest political level. In that context, we welcome very much your idea of a high-level meeting every two years so that our political leaders would have the opportunity to provide their guidance and monitor the implementation of the Global Digital Compact. It is clear that more discussion will be needed on some of the ideas with regard to review and implementation, and it is also clear that we need to avoid duplication, enhance coherence as well as synergy. Here, too, we are ready to work with all our friends in this room. Thank you very much, co-facilitators.

Ambassador Anna-Karin Eneström:
I thank Ambassador Burhan for his statement delivered on behalf of a group of small states, and give the floor to Indonesia to speak on behalf of ASEAN to be followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo. Indonesia, you have the floor.

Indonesia:
Thank you very much, distinguished co-facilitators. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the members of ASEAN, or Association of Southeast Asian Nations. We align ourselves with the statement of G77 and China. In the interest of time, this is a shortened version of our statement, and we will make available the full version online. ASEAN views the GDC as a valuable opportunity to turbocharge the SDG and promote sustainable development, including our collective efforts to narrow the digital divide, address new frontier issues, and create a digital global governance framework based on common principles. In this regard, we appreciate the co-facilitators for preparing the zero draft of GDC towards this endeavor. First, ASEAN welcomes the structure of the Zero Draft and reiterates our strong support, in particular the Section of Commitments and Actions, which form the substantive core of the GDC. The Zero Draft is a good starting point and a suitable basis for the next step of GDC process. The various proposed commitments will require scaled-up international cooperation, technology transfer and capacity building for developing countries. Second, ASEAN welcomes the effort to draw commitments in the Zero Draft back to the SDGs. We welcome the emphasis on harnessing digital technologies to close development gaps, particularly for developing countries and those in special situations, through commitments in areas such as data for development, upskilling and digital capacity building, and hope for further strengthen our collective ambition in these areas. We emphasize the importance of promoting safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems to accelerate progress on SDGs, particularly for developing countries. GDC should be a catalyst for more equitable access to digital and emerging technologies and their peaceful uses, and also take into account the impact of increasing digitalization on labor and employment. Third, regional organizations have an important role to play in facilitating global digital cooperation. ASEAN plays key roles in activities of encouraging capacity building, pioneering frameworks and guidelines, and sharing experiences and best practices, all of which is vital to ensuring the successful delivery of the commitments set out in the Zero Draft. ASEAN recognizes the potential value of highlighting specific regional initiatives in the text, and this must be done in a comprehensive and representative way. With regard to data governance and cross-border data flows, The following are two examples of our regional initiatives. First, the ASEAN Framework on Personal Data Protection, and second, the Joint Guide to ASEAN Model Contract Work Clauses and EU Standard Contract Work Clauses, which help companies operating and sharing data between these regions. Finally, ASEAN thanks the co-facilitator for their proposals in the follow-up and review section, including to convene biennial high-level meetings to review the implementation of GDC. We take note of these proposals and will consider them thoroughly. More elaboration on co-facilitators’ proposed vision contained in these proposals will be appreciated. Co-facilitators, ASEAN reiterates our support for the development of a comprehensive and robust GDC. We look forward to a GDC that will enable our people to harness the full benefits of digitalization and contribute to building a better, safer, and more secure digital future for us all. Thank you.

Ambassador Anna-Karin Eneström:
I thank the representative of Indonesia for his statement on behalf of ASEAN and give the floor to the representative of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who will speak on behalf of the Francophonie, and he will be followed by the United States. DRC, you have the floor.

Democratic Republic of Congo:
Thank you. Excellencies, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the group of Francophonie, Francophone ambassadors composed of the permanent representative of the United Nations in New York, of the member states of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie. First of all, I would like to congratulate the co-facilitators for their very comprehensive presentation and express our appreciation for the effort made to reflect the diverse interests of all stakeholders involved in the discussion. The group of Francophone ambassadors in particularly committed to strengthening inclusion and diversity in the digital space and welcomes the impetus given to this aim in the zero draft before us. The commitments and action proposed to bridge the digital divide through initiatives in digital literacy, the promotion of digital skills and development of capacities of civil servants and national administrations in the digital field agenda progress. The development of digital skills and competencies of both the general public and public servants must be a key objective of the Global Digital Compact. This ambition will require substantial financial resources as the needs in these areas are immense. Section two of the first objective touches on the idea of mobilizing public and private resources without, however, putting forward a concrete tool to operationalize such efforts. The establishment of a global fund to fight digital illiteracy under the auspices of the Secretary General, financed on a voluntary basis by public, private, and philanthropic actors, would not only infuse more ambition into the Global Digital Compact but will also enable us to move towards concrete and measurable commitments and actions. Excellencies, the FANCOFUND group welcomes the references to the challenges of cultural and linguistic diversity. in several sections of Zero Draft, particularly those dedicated to the compact cross-cutting principles as well as to commitments and actions aimed at strengthening digital skills and preserving information integrity online. There is, however, some room for improvement, particularly in Section 2 of the Fourth Objective on Data Governance. The Pact should recognize that language differences in data collection and processing can lead to data being used in ways that are detrimental to diversity. It should also call for the development and adoption of standards for data and metadata which ensure transparency with regards to the linguistic and cultural diversity of source data. We need to be more ambitious when it comes to diversity in artificial intelligence systems where the challenges with regards to meta-languages are considerable. Objective 5 of the Zero Draft already commits stakeholders to ensuring that AI applications promote cultural and linguistic diversity. We need to go further in these commitments. The Pact must call for the promotion of artificial intelligence systems that take meta-languages into account in the training data and throughout the life cycle. The language based on the first General Assembly Resolution on Artificial Intelligence adopted on March 21st is a solid basis on which we should build. In addition, The group of Francophone ambassadors is calling for a reference to the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions adopted by UNESCO on October 20th, 2005, to be included in the Eurodraft, along with its operational guidelines from 2017, which extended the scope of the Convention for Digital Environment. A reference in the preamble of the Pact, as well as in Objective 2, will encourage efforts to unleash the potential of the digital economy for artists, creators and producers of cultural goods and services operating in a market increasingly monopolized by a handful of distribution and streaming platforms. Many of the cultural contents—film, music, books, etc.—references and marketed on digital platforms are unfortunately still obscured by the linguistic biases reproduced by algorithmic recommendations. The Pact must guarantee the discoverability of cultural content available in all languages. Dear co-facilitators, Important steps have been taken, thanks to your openness to listen to different views. You have the full support of the Francophone group to continue in this direction. Thank you.

Ambassador Anna-Karin Eneström:
I thank the representative of the Democratic Republic of Congo for her statement on behalf of the Francophonie, and I now give the floor to the United States, to be followed by Romania. Ambassador Chris, you have the floor.

United States:
Thank you to the co-facilitators and your staff for the hard work on this impressive zero draft. The proposed Global Digital Compact takes a serious, pragmatic, and ambitious approach to leveraging digital technologies for sustainable development while mitigating risks. We are pleased to see the draft rooted in our shared commitment to the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We are also pleased that it affirms meaningful connectivity, gender equality, closing digital divides, digital inclusion, tech platform transparency, and multi-stakeholder Internet governance. As the negotiations of the GDC progress, the United States will focus attention on several areas. First, we should support and strengthen existing entities and mechanisms while avoiding duplication. There is already significant work being done on digital issues in the UN system, including at the ITU, UNESCO, and UNDP. The multilateral development banks are also making significant investments to connect the unconnected. Second, we should accelerate progress on gender equality by closing digital divides and removing barriers to the equitable use of ICT and the Internet by women and girls. Third, we appreciate that the Zero Draft recognizes that rights respecting digital transformation is a means to accelerating progress on the SDGs. We support the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights work in this area and are open to exploring the proposed new Digital Human Rights Advisory Service. We also encourage the use of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in the digital space. Fourth, we should ensure appropriate safeguards are a priority for work on digital transformation, including in digital public infrastructure. And we should clarify that digital public infrastructure and digital public public goods are related but separate approaches. And finally, we should promote innovation by instituting appropriate safeguards to respect intellectual property rights. With respect to artificial intelligence, the United States welcomes the recent consensus adoption of a resolution to advance safe, secure, and trustworthy AI. The GDC should work to build on that consensus by emphasizing how AI can be harnessed for the SDGs. We believe that any recommendations for UN governance of AI should be backed by rigorous analysis, be consistent with the mandate of UN entities, and not duplicate existing work. Instead, we should explore how to better support existing UN mechanisms and entities. Finally, we also strongly support the continued work of processes like the IGF and WSIS and believe that follow-up and review of the GDC should be conducted through existing UN processes. The United States looks forward to working constructively with all member states and stakeholders for a successful global digital compact. Thank you.

Ambassador Anna-Karin Eneström:
I thank the United States for its statement and give the floor to the Permanent Representative of Romania, to be followed by China, Ambassador Cornell, you have the floor.

Romania:
Thank you very much, dear co-chairs. In addition to the statement that will be delivered by the European Union, I simply want to make a few points because we came a long way and that was a long process in consulting with member states on such an important issue and I simply wanted to be here to share with you our strong appreciation for the very good work that you’ve put into input in this draft and I definitely applaud the efforts that produced this very valuable document. Now of course, we have some time to invest in improving it but I’m a bit concerned with our efforts to improve it. Hopefully, at the end of the day, we’ll preserve the very coherent structure of the document. I think, from our point of view, it has a principle-guided approach. The centrality of human rights is important, the international humanitarian law. As we’ve been saying, my delegation as well, throughout these consultations, digital cannot be expanded in a vacuum. And this effort that we continue to develop within the UN system takes place in a completely dynamic environment, very much fueled and encouraged by developments in the private sector. And every day we have news, and sometimes we cannot keep up with these developments. And I feel this document, and we have a few months ahead, this document will be important because it will show that the international community of the United Nations is up to the task indeed in reaping the benefits of technology, but at the same time, to create that balance that would prevent abuse and misuse of technology. We also very much applaud, because we did have this important development a few weeks ago, a couple of weeks ago, the adoption of the AI resolution in the General Assembly. And I think it shows that we can come to a common denominator. But it’s very much important not to aim at the lowest common denominator. It’s probably the easiest, the lowest common denominator. But I’m afraid that the lowest common denominator would not meet the expectations or the developments, technical developments on the ground. The cooperation with the private sector is very much important. And I have the feeling that, of course, some of the developments in the private sector would continue with or without a solid or less solid GDC. But we want a solid GDC, because it’s actually the exposure and the projection of the global community’s expectation on technology. And probably we are looking at something that would influence developments for the period ahead. And it’s a strong signal for the private sector as well. that governments can come together and create parameters for a sound and sane development of technology that will benefit humanity and sustainable development and create additional benefits for all of us. We also noted that some of the proposals from the HLAB AI have been introduced in the document. Of course, probably throughout the conversations we’ll be having a chance to look at the, some of the new mechanisms proposed, like the Global Fund for AI and the Managing Technologies, but also some of the new structures that we’ll be looking at. From my point of view, this is probably the least of the issues that the new structures that we’ll be creating to deal with. The most important is to identify the right recipe of policies that member states should employ in encouraging the use of technology. So I want to thank you, indeed. That was a good effort, and I think we are at a good point, and we shouldn’t actually ruin the effort. We should indeed improve it. Thank you very much.

Ambassador Anna-Karin Eneström:
I thank the Permanent Representative of Romania for his statement and give the floor to China to be followed by Japan. China, you have the floor.

China:
Thank you very much, distinguished co-facilitators, for convening the meeting today and for your very comprehensive presentation. My delegation aligns itself with the statement made by Uganda on behalf of G77 China, and would like to add some preliminary remarks in our national capacity. China highly appreciates the co-facilitators and the efforts of co-facilitators, as well as that of the Secretariat in facilitating the Global Digital Compact and preparing the Zero Draft. We fully recognize that the Zero Draft reflects the important role of the United Nations for enhancing global digital governance. and stresses the importance of bridging digital divides and accelerating the implementation of sustainable development goals. Regarding the Section of Principles, we believe the GDC should encourage innovation and the participation of all countries to unlock the benefits of the digital economy for all, highlight the right development, and promote an open, inclusive, fair, just, and non-discriminatory environment for digital development, including by opposing UCMs. Regarding advancing equitable data governance, the GDC should handle data security in a comprehensive, objective, and evidence-based manner, enhance free flow of data in an orderly manner, and in accordance with national laws and regulations. On the Section of Governing Emerging Technologies, including AI, the GDC needs to uphold a people-centered approach and adhere to the principles of developing AI for good, ensuring the full and equal access of developing countries to AI technologies, and improving developing countries’ representation and voice in global AI governance. And one very important aspect is the international community should provide assistance with regard to the capacity building of developing countries. We believe that the United Nations should be the main channel for global AI governance and look forward to the final report of each lab. On follow-up and review, we are willing to look at the proposals in the Zero Draft, while recognizing that we should make full use of existing mechanisms and avoid duplication. In the meantime, the process must be inclusive, transparent, and respecting national sovereignty. It should be member states-driven and based on consensus. To conclude, Mr. Distinguished Co-Facilitators, China will actively and constructively engage in the upcoming intergovernmental consultations to produce a comprehensive, ambitious and action-oriented GDC. Thank you very much.

Ambassador Anna-Karin Eneström:
I thank the representative of China for his statement and give the floor to the representative of Japan to be followed by India. Japan, you have the floor.

Japan:
Shall I start speaking? Yes. Thank you, Co-Facilitators. Japan expressed its appreciation to Zambia and Sweden for bringing us together again for this endeavor. We understand that composing the ZERO Draft was not easy and we appreciate your dedication to this work. We greatly appreciate the inclusion of elements that we raised in previous consultations and written inputs in the principles and commitment sections of the text. Japan is now carefully reviewing the text in order to engage actively in the coming consultations. Today, I would like to just mention two points on the general initial response to the text. First, as for the implementation of these commitments, Japan would like to once again reiterate the importance of taking a multi-stakeholder approach to policymaking in digital areas, including the Internet. For instance, Japan believes that the Internet Governance Forum should have the central role for the follow-up on Internet governance, which is rightly reflected in the ZERO Draft. Second, we would also like to emphasize that, for the effective and efficient implementation of the commitments made in the GDC, we must make the best use of institutions and forums that are already in place, such as the Internet Governance Forum and ITU. It is essential not to duplicate the roles of existing institutions and fora, but to devise their roles appropriately. Moreover, against the backdrop of the UN’s current liquidity crisis, efficient utilization of existing resources is all the more critical. Therefore, we first carefully discuss how to match the commitments in the GDC with the mandates and capacities of existing institutions and fora before we consider the need to create any new mechanisms. In this regard, we would like to hear from those UN agencies that may potentially have the ability to implement the GDC commitments. Japan will actively engage in discussions on the GDC. Meanwhile, we will continue participating in discussions on AI and other fora which should complement our works in the GDC process. I thank you.

Ambassador Anna-Karin Eneström:
I thank the representative of Japan for his statement. I give the floor to the representative of India, to be followed by the European Union. India, you have the floor.

India:
Good morning, colleagues. Thank you, co-facilitators, for convening us today for the detailed presentation on the Zero Draft of the Global Digital Compact. These inputs will help member states assess and analyze the draft in a more comprehensive and holistic manner. My delegation aligns with the remarks of G77 in China, and the following are the preliminary views of the Indian delegation as the text is being analyzed in detail in the capital. At the outset, my delegation appreciates the effort of the co-facilitators for bringing together the views and suggestions of the member states on to the Zero Draft. We appreciate the strong push for connectivity and digital skill development in the compact. As the world increasingly becomes digital, affordable access to connectivity and skilling of people. are critical for a growing digital economy. In this context, my delegation appreciates the proposals to bridge the digital divide with the emphasis on inclusion. We also appreciate the focus on digital public infrastructure in the GDC, especially to develop safe, secure open source platforms, along with developing an understanding for its safeguards. My own country has had remarkable success on this front. The India citizen stack has been in fact lauded for the speed and scale at which it was developed and delivered. We remain open to sharing our best practices and our model is up for application should countries choose to do so. Co-facilitators, my delegation notes that the cluster on data flow and internal data governance mechanism does not adequately account for data sovereignty. It is also necessary to further discuss the process of standard setting of data and metadata. Similarly, the commitment sought from private sector to strengthen safeguards for users online, especially that of children could be further strengthened. The link drawn between environmental sustainability standards and procurement merits further discussion. My delegation also takes note of the proposals on follow-up mechanisms suggested by the co-facilitators like the scientific panel on AI, coordination mechanism within the UN, and the funding mechanism proposed in the compact. Co-facilitators, India looks forward to the readings proposed in the coming weeks. We are ready to take part actively in ensuing discussions and offer our full support and cooperation for developing a strong, forward-looking digital compact. Thank you.

Ambassador Anna-Karin Eneström:
I thank the representative of India for his statement and give the floor to the permanent representative of the European Union to be followed by Guatemala. Ambassador Stavros, you have the floor.

European Union:
Thank you, Madam Chair. Excellencies, dear colleagues, the Zero Draft has created an earthquake. in New York, and that is a testament to the fantastic work you’ve done. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. Let me begin by thanking the co-facilitators for presenting an ambitious and substantive GDC Zero Draft. The European Union commends the overall objective to address the digital divides and to leverage digitization as an accelerator of the SDGs, including through clear and measurable targets. Digital technologies can be great contributors to the SDGs, but this requires that we establish a global framework that works for the benefit of all. We welcome the effort to acknowledge existing processes and the renewed commitment to the WSIS and the IGF. We also welcome the commitment to protect human rights in the digital sphere and to uphold a human-centric, multi-stakeholder and inclusive governance model driven by environmental sustainability. We also appreciate that the Zero Draft repeatedly highlights the importance of capacity building as a key element in addressing the digital divides. Allow me to flag six matters that require particular attention in our view. First, we must engage to promote, respect, protect and fulfill human rights also in the digital sphere, and we would appreciate greater emphasis on the potential for a successful digital transition that results from mainstreaming human rights as enablers for the SDGs. This could be achieved by adding language on human rights under Objective 1 to highlight the interlickages between human rights and sustainable development, while the preamble should explicitly mention that individuals and their rights must be at the center of the digital transformation. Second, we should strengthen the language and targets related to individuals and groups in vulnerable or marginalized situations, as well as to gender equality, to ensure the digital transition is truly inclusive for all. Third, the objective related to governing emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, is very detailed and ambitious. We seek more clarity regarding the link to the upcoming H-Lab final report and the overall added value and feasibility of the proposed actions at the UN level. More specifically, we would like to see a reference in the principles and in the objectives themselves to the need for a balanced, technology-neutral, and risk-based approach to the governance of AI and other emerging technologies. This would be especially important in light of existing risks for human rights, consumer rights, health, critical infrastructures, the perpetuation of embedded biases, including racial biases, and children’s rights. The GDC must also take into account and build on existing international bodies and multi-stakeholder processes, both within and outside the UN system, such as the Global Partnership on AI or the OHCHR. Other initiatives and forums may be better equipped, in fact, technically, for instance, to facilitate AI capacity building, to develop standardization, and to address copyright issues, or are already very advanced in AI definition, risk assessment, or incidence reporting. We advocate for more emphases on the need to promote AI systems that advance, protect, and preserve linguistic and cultural diversity. Finally, we look forward to discussing in more detail the proposal for an international scientific panel on AI. Fourth point, we should further emphasize the need to minimize and mitigate the environmental impact of digital technologies, including energy and resource usage and waste management. Fifth, we advocate for stronger language on the risks of power concentration in the digital economy, including private entities. This is crucial for promoting inclusivity, innovation, and the common good. Sixth, finally, we take note of the ambition of the follow-up section. which explicitly builds on existing processes and institutions and links GDC implementation to the World Summit of Major Security. At the same time, the Zero Draft proposes the creation of multiple new entities and processes. As a general principle, Madam Chairman, the EU does not support new entities and processes that duplicate or erode existing ones. Instead, a primary focus should be on leadership, coordination, synergy building, and the adaptation of existing structures to ensure proper follow-up and review of the GDC. With regards to implementation, a main priority should be on defining a strong and meaningful role for the IGF, the WSIS Forum, and the UN CSTD. We would also appreciate some clarification on the added value and the cost and funding implications of the new proposed structures and how they relate to the WSIS process and the Tech Envoy’s Office. In conclusion, the EU remains fully committed to participate constructively in the creation of a GDC rooted in human rights, humanism, inclusivity, and sustainability. Thank you very much.

Ambassador Anna-Karin Eneström:
I thank the Permanent Representative of the EU for his statement and give the floor to the Representative of Guatemala to be followed by Switzerland. Guatemala, you have the floor.

Guatemala:
Thank you for giving me the floor. My delegation aligns itself to the intervention delivered by the G77 and China. At the outset, we want to thank the distinguished co-facilitators, ambassadors of Sweden and Zambia, for the presentation of this zero draft. We look forward to advance with strong steps towards a consensual outcome that should be able to reflect ambition, fill in the current gaps, and improve coordination addressing the pillars of work of this organization. Guatemala highlights that capacity building should be the key element across the techs as well as technology transfer and the promotion of an inclusive and open digital environment. We should create a strong basis to share good practices and knowledge in topics as e-government, digital infrastructure, open data, and policies to empower women and indigenous peoples in the digital field. Science, technology, and innovation are key to socioeconomic progress and solving global problems and challenges that humanity is facing. But while we benefit from the opportunities, we must also address the challenges and threats that it brings. So the promotion and protection of human rights online and offline is a priority. We must promote a safe digital environment while fighting misinformation and combating civil crime. We must guarantee freedom of expression, freedom of press, and inclusion of all sectors of society while addressing hate speech. Our delegation would like to address also the role of science and technology and innovation for international peace and security, balancing the opportunities with the dangers, ensuring proper international norms, standards, and regulations that are in practice to guarantee the protection of all civilians when using or deploying new technologies. We have seen that this element is not fully addressed in the GDC, so we highlight the importance of its inclusion in the specific chapter of the Pact of the Future and in the path towards the new Agenda for Peace. Finally, we reiterate the importance of more and better coordination within the UN system. We have to avoid duplication and fill the current gaps, making sure that we make the best use of resources to ensure that finance is going to the ground to create more impact in the communities, especially in developing countries. We trust that the know-how of the agencies as UNDP, ITU, UNESCO, UNICEF, and others can generate even greater impact with more synergies and working closely with national governments and institutions. Please count facilitators with the continued support of Guatemala through this process. Thank you.

Ambassador Anna-Karin Eneström:
I thank the representative of Guatemala for her statement and give the floor to the representative of Switzerland to be followed by Armenia. Switzerland, you have the floor.

Switzerland:
Thank you, Madam Co-facilitator. And we thank you for this year’s draft of the Global Digital Compact. It is a very good basis to start our negotiations towards building a shared understanding on how to harness the benefits of digital technologies for all while mitigating risks. We welcome the clear general structure with objectives, principles, commitments, and actions as well as follow-up. We also welcome and support the references to human rights throughout the text. We will continue examining the various substantive proposals related to digital divides, meaningful connectivity, digital literacy, digital inclusion, data governance, data flows, emerging technologies, and AI, and we’ll react in more detail during the first reading of the text. Many of these proposals directly address non-governmental stakeholder groups. Successful implementation will depend on their active and meaningful participation throughout this process, including the opportunity to provide written inputs and proposals on the text. With regards to institutional arrangements, we note that synergies are not sufficiently sought with existing institutions, processes, and bodies, especially with the WSIS architecture, which have heavily invested into digital governance in the past two decades. There is a risk of creating unnecessary duplications and inefficiencies, which would render the overall system more complex and less inclusive, especially for governments and stakeholders from smaller countries and those with limited resources. In particular, existing institutions and forum must be leveraged with regards to the creation of additional entities in AI governance. An in-depth gap analysis must be conducted as a basis for further discussion on how to operationalize the functions identified by the interim report. of the High-Level Advisory Board on AI. Furthermore, the draft provisions contained in the Zero Draft regarding GDC follow-up and review establish an unnecessary new architecture that duplicates existing mechanisms established under WSIS, including the CSCD, the WSIS Action Alliance, as well as the work performed by the WSIS Forum and most importantly, the Internet Governance Forum. In our view, an in-depth rework of paragraph 61 to 65 is therefore necessary. In order to ensure an efficient use of the UN system resources and fully harness synergies with well-established institutions, processes and fora. Finally, when establishing specific targets for measuring progress in the context of the GDC, which we welcome, we also must be mindful not to create a parallel system to the one set up as part of the 2030 Agenda. And we think that alignment should be assured with the relevant work conducted under the aegis of the UN Statistical Commission. Let me conclude the co-facilitators by thanking you again for your efforts in preparing the Zero Draft and assure you my delegation’s full and constructive support in the upcoming process. Thank you.

Ambassador Anna-Karin Eneström:
I thank the representative of Switzerland for his statement and give the floor to the representative of Armenia to be followed by Mexico. Armenia, you have the floor.

Armenia:
Thank you, Madam Chair. At the outset, we would like to express our appreciation to co-facilitators, Sweden and Zambia for their tireless efforts in preparing the Zero Draft, which will serve as a good basis for further negotiations. We firmly believe that GDC can become a solid framework for fostering innovative solutions and advancing sustainable development goals through global digital cooperation. We are glad to note that Zero Draft addresses the need for collective action to eliminate technology facilitated violence, hate speech, cyber crime and we would welcome stronger language to that end that would call for more robust commitments. We are of the view that GDC could also address the challenge of monitoring gross violations of human rights and could define standards for using digital technologies in humanitarian work. In the same vein, it can regulate the use of digital technologies for constant monitoring of protected objects, such as cultural and religious sites, in line with international law. Furthermore, we believe that the GDC should promote responsible, human-controlled development, deployment and ethical use of artificial intelligence systems to ensure safety, risk awareness and preparedness, protection of human rights and inclusiveness, and to accelerate the global efforts for sustainable development. Keeping in mind the transformative opportunities and unprecedented risks offered by AI, including in the military domain, we are happy to see the reference to inclusive cooperation and the recognition of UN’s central role in supporting international AI governance. Armenia looks forward to working with all member states and stakeholders towards a result-oriented GDC. Thank you.

Ambassador Anna-Karin Eneström:
I thank the representative of Armenia for his statement and give the floor to the representative of Mexico to be followed by Vietnam. Mexico, you have the floor.

Mexico:
Thank you very much to the co-facilitators, firstly for their efforts and for the presentation of the Zero Draft of the Global Digital Compact. I’ll focus today on general comments. The Zero Draft constitutes a good starting point for our deliberations. It is a comprehensive document that includes a number of fundamental issues for my delegation. We recognize the efforts of the co-facilitators, as it is a draft with coherence and cohesion in terms of structure. Firstly, we consider that the ten principles articulated in the pact reflect priorities that have been highlighted by many in previous consultations and are a good balance on which to build the rest of the document. We favor a concise document, including brevity in the section on principles, but we will be making specific contributions on human rights, gender equality, environmental sustainability, linguistic and cultural diversity, the role of stakeholders, and further support for developing countries. Regarding the section on commitments and actions, we support your approach of dividing the document into clusters, for the more we believe that the order and the sequence of these clusters are well articulated. However, we understand that the language as it appears in the zero draft is a starting point, and there are opportunities to further clarify, refine, and strengthen the language. Mexico considers it important to deepen the debate on new proposed mechanisms and structures. These are new proposals that require detailed and extensive discussion to ensure that this pact is effective, relevant, and implementable. It is also important to gather information and further details on proposals contained in Objective 5 on governance of emerging technologies. Mexico believes that there is room in this section to articulate in greater detail aspects of the international governance of emerging technologies, and it is important to raise the level of ambition and precision of the zero draft. It is of great importance for us that this pact is inclusive, and it’s an opportunity to not let those who are not at the forefront of the development of these technologies to lag behind in governance efforts. Regarding the follow-up and review section, my delegation has questions about some proposals, particularly in the last five paragraphs, and we would appreciate further discussion on the complementarity of these proposals with existing structures, as well as their funding, among other topics. We reiterate the importance of this pact being ambitious, concrete, and action-oriented. It is essential not to duplicate existing efforts and to seek to optimize existing schemes and relevant spaces. You can count on Mexico to engage constructively in this process and to be open to creating drafting as we must avoid writing new ideas in old ways. Thank you very much.

Ambassador Anna-Karin Eneström:
I thank the representative of Mexico for her statement and give the floor to the representative of Vietnam to be followed by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Vietnam, you have the floor.

Vietnam:
Thank you, Madam co-facilitator. Let me begin by expressing our appreciation to the co-facilitator for preparing the zero draft of the GDC. Vietnam associates itself with the joint statement made by Uganda on behalf of G77 and China and by Indonesia on behalf of ASEAN. Now I would like to make some remarks in our national capacity. Firstly, we view the zero draft as a well-structured and action-oriented document that can serve as a good basis for further discussion and negotiation. It is our hope that the structure of objectives, principles, and detailed and concrete commitments and action might provide a comprehensive roadmap for global digital cooperation. Secondly, the zero draft focus on objectives such as closing digital divides and accelerating progress across sustainable development goals and advancing equitable international data governance demonstrate a strong development orientation. The commitments and action outlined in this area, including targets around connectivity, digital skills, digital public goods, and data for development, are particularly encouraging. Thirdly, while appreciating the comprehensive nature of the document, our delegation see a number of areas that could be further strengthened. For example, the document acknowledged the importance of technology transfer, knowledge sharing to expand inclusion in digital economy. We believe that more concrete and actionable provisions around technology transfer and capacity building are needed to truly empower developing countries and bridge digital divides. Finally, while the follow-up and review section of the Zero Draft is commendable, it warrants further consideration on the necessity and feasibility of each new proposed mechanism. In conclusion, Vietnam is committed to engaging actively and constructively throughout the negotiation process with the aim of crafting a compact that truly responds to the needs of all countries and communities. By working collectively, we are confident that we can shape a global digital compact that unlocks the transformative potential of digital technology for sustainable development and leaves no one behind. I thank you.

Ambassador Anna-Karin Eneström:
I thank the representative of Vietnam for his statement and give the floor to the Islamic Republic of Iran to be followed by the United Kingdom. Iran, you have the floor.

Islamic Republic of Iran:
Thank you. Madam co-facilitators, let me join others and thank you and your fellow facilitators and your respected team for the work done. We also align ourselves with the statement delivered by the chair of the G77 and China, Uganda. In my capacity, in my national capacity, I would like to just highlight some of the points. For the sake of the time, just I mentioned a few of them. In principle, we are of the view that the main goal of the GDC should be closing the digital gap that exists and continue to increase, as well as recognize the challenges ahead of us, especially UCMs, that UCMs provide concrete action to address and resolve such hinders. The unilateral coercive measures imposed on several countries, including mine, constitute a serious obstacle to fulfilling of the fundamental human rights. We also believe that the process should avoid duplication. Hence, TUNE’s agenda should be our roadmap here, and the process should address and recommend its recommendation, like public policy and international level, digital divide, equal footing, technology transfer, and capacity building. Additionally, the process should build on WACI’s goals and consider the challenges from WACI’s, such as internet governance, enhanced cooperation, national sovereignty, and digital divide, respect and observe values and regulations of the countries, by countries, and those who have dominance in ICT environment, including in internet. Other issues that need to be considered in all process, one of them is monopoly. Monopoly in ICT and digital cooperation is extremely harmful. Demonopolization is necessary to establish an international fair, ethical, transparent, and multilateral framework. Respecting cultural diversity and responsibility of the transporter ICT and digital companies is another important issue in this process. On the role of the stakeholders, there is a strong need that stakeholders, rather than states, observe principles, norms, rules, and regulations for their responsible behavior in ICT environment and be accountable for their actions. On the role of private sectors and social media platform, they should observe rules, norms, and policies of the countries where they operate and should be also accountable for their behavior in the ICT environment. In other words, state should also consider ways and means to hold them responsible, ensure appropriate measures with a view to making private sector with extraterritorial impact, including platform, accountable for their behavior in the ICT environment. And then the GCD should recognize that all countries have the right to determine their own model of development and governance and this ecosystem in a fair and equitable manner. And finally, the GCD also should recognize that all countries should enjoy necessary capacities and tools for exercising sovereignty and the cyberspace in order to manage possible risks and harms to support particularly children, women, and families vis-a-vis negative effects and consequences of cross-border illegal, criminal, and harmful contents and activities in the internet, digital platform, and emerging virtual environment. Many thanks. Thank you.

Ambassador Anna-Karin Eneström:
I thank the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran for his statement and give the floor to the United Kingdom to be followed by Australia, United Kingdom. You have the floor.

United Kingdom:
Co-facilitators, the UK welcomes your efforts to produce this zero draft. The cross-cutting principles are well balanced, and we appreciate the focus on practical, actionable commitments. Overall, the draft provides a valuable starting point for negotiations. In the interest of time, I’ll deliver a slightly shorter statement and make the full version available. We welcome the draft’s recognition of the fundamental importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to digital cooperation. All stakeholders have a role to play in building our digital future, and this guiding principle must remain at the heart of this compact. In this regard, the draft could benefit from an explicit statement of support for the multi-stakeholder model of Internet governance, which has proven itself to be resilient in upholding the unfragmented, free, open, peaceful, and secure Internet we rely on today. We support the focus on delivering universal, meaningful connectivity and harnessing digital as an accelerator of the SDGs. Where we already know what best practice looks like, we must accelerate action. We would like to see more specific commitments to tackle the specific barriers faced by underserved communities and groups, for example, women and girls, and persons with disabilities. We welcome the inclusion of human rights as a cross-cutting principle and as a cluster under Objective 3, but we think there could be value in weaving human rights throughout the entirety of the compact, reflecting the intrinsic link between human rights and sustainable development. We would welcome further detail on the proposed advisory mechanism to be provided for consideration during these negotiations. On AI governance, we note the ambitious and detailed proposals put forward. We echo the comments already made by others that decisions on future governance should be evidence-based, and further detail and substantive discussion will be needed before establishing new permanent structures under the auspices of the UN, such as the Scientific Panel and an annual global dialogue. We will also need to give further consideration to proposals to pursue common definitions and standards through the UN, including in relation to data, which may not be the best focus of our collective energy. We commend the focus on maximizing the availability and use of responsible, inclusive data and digital transformation, recognising these as accelerative drivers of progress on and for the SDGs. Finally, we recognise the critical importance of the implementation of the Compact, supported by appropriate follow-up and review mechanisms. We remain convinced that our starting point should be leveraging and strengthening, where necessary, existing mechanisms, mandates and structures. We would welcome more detail and compelling evidence to justify a need for new funds, platforms and structures, in order to reduce the risk of duplication and ensure consistency with the wider UN reform agenda. Co-facilitators, you have the UK’s full support in aiming for ambitious outcomes and strong member-state commitments. We look forward to continuing our discussions in the coming weeks. Thank you.

Ambassador Anna-Karin Eneström:
I thank the representative of the United Kingdom for her statement and give the floor to Australia, to be followed by Canada. Australia, you have the floor.

Australia:
May I take this opportunity, as my colleagues have said, to extend Australia’s congratulations to the co-facilitators. It’s very clear to us the extensive work that’s gone into this zero draft and you will continue to have our full support as we negotiate this important Compact. Like speakers before me, Australia believes the draft is a very good starting point to begin negotiations and we’re pleased to have seen many of our priorities reflected in this draft. Australia very much welcomes the useful linkages between the objectives in the document and the corresponding sustainable development goals against each proposal. The references to principles of inclusion, diversity, gender equality, accessibility and the affirmation that human rights are applicable and essential to digital cooperation and technology development are great. We particularly note the importance of Objective 3 in this regard and welcome its references to online digital safety, including child safety, as noted by the co-facilitator earlier this morning. We also welcome that the zero draft recognises the importance of non-state stakeholders in all aspects of digital cooperation, not only in the negotiation of the… pact itself but also the ongoing role they will have in developing and implementing the GDC objectives and commitments. We are pleased to see clear and concrete actions set out for coordination between governments and stakeholders, particularly those actions calling for cooperation with the technology industry and private sector to address online harms and digital safety. However, we do have some concerns we wish to see resolved. We want to reconcile existing mechanisms and platforms with proposals to establish new offices and functions. Our starting point remains the GDC should strengthen existing multilateral mechanisms, governance, frameworks and functions rather than seek to establish duplicative processes. As others have said this morning, proposals for new mechanisms should only be discussed to feel clearly identified gaps. In relation to the issue of artificial intelligence we agree with others that is that it is important to retain flexibility and keep the door open for the language to evolve. We think this will be especially important so as not to preempt the outcomes of the final report of the HLAB which is due to be released this summer. Australia is of the view that implementation and review of GDC objectives should build upon and take advantage of long-standing and proven forums for digital issues and governance such as WSIS and IGF that are inclusive and include multi-stakeholders. We would also like to see strengthened language on the application of international law including the UN Charter and international human rights law. While we welcome the existing strong reaffirmation of the important role of the Internet Governance Forum, the GDC should also recognize that the IGF is only one component of a full and diverse architecture of multi-stakeholder Internet governance. Finally, while we recognize the significant benefits that can come from sharing data and developing open source models, actions and commitments to digital public goods, digital public infrastructure and data commons should be taken in a responsible way and should be conscious of possible data quality and security risks. and include specific actions to address these risks. Australia looks forward to further discussions and our refinement of the compact, and my delegation provides our thanks again for your significant work thus far.

Ambassador Anna-Karin Eneström:
I thank the representative of Australia for her statement and give the floor to the representative of Canada to be followed by the Holy See. Canada, you have the floor.

Canada:
Thank you, co-facilitator. Let me begin by thanking you and Zambia for the extensive work that’s gone into developing the Zero Draft, which offers a valuable starting point upon which to carry forward our deliberations. We’re very pleased to see principles such as inclusion, gender equality, human rights-based, and multi-stakeholder engagement guiding our digital cooperation. We also welcome the commitments and actions taken on digital connectivity, digital literacy, skills and capacities, and information integrity to help us meet the goals of the SDGs. However, we note that the Zero Draft is missing greater consideration for how to avoid duplication of existing UN processes and fora, and we remain deeply concerned with the scope and scale of new institutions, bodies, and funds that would be created in implementing the GDC and the ambitious new contributions that these would require. While we recognize that forums such as WSIS and IGF must evolve and be fit for new purposes, they have corporate memory on digital issues and governance that rests upon a mechanism that is inclusive and multi-stakeholder. The follow-up and review mechanism of the GDC should build on such existing efforts. A detailed and comprehensive mapping exercise of existing digital cooperation initiatives, such as ones related to AI, undertaken by the Tech Envoy’s Office, would offer a concrete means of ensuring we avoid duplication. On AI, we strongly support, amongst other things, the reference to the UNESCO recommendation on the ethics of AI, but we note that many elements, like the reference to AI safety and standards, require further clarification to help us foster shared understanding of what they mean in this context and how different stakeholders will be involved in their elaboration. We recognize that the UN has an important role to play on fostering cooperation in responsible AI, and invite further reflection on these topics given the complexity of the issue, including on how the HLAB AI final report will factor in. We would not want to preempt their recommendations. Finally, we would like to recall that all stakeholders, including civil society, academia, industry, and the technical community, could be involved in upcoming negotiation sessions. Canada looks forward to working with the co-facilitators while engaging actively and constructively in GDC negotiations in the months ahead. Thank you.

Ambassador Anna-Karin Eneström:
I thank the representative of Canada for her statement, and give the floor to the Holy See to be followed by Costa Rica. Holy See, you have the floor.

Holy See:
Thank you. Thank you very much, Excellency. Excellencies, the Holy See thanks you for convening this meeting to present the zero draft of the proposed Global Digital Compact, and commend your efforts in preparing the text. At this stage, we are still reviewing and assessing it, but we know that the GDC is a comprehensive and ambitious document that covers many relevant areas, and we highly appreciate your thorough work. The text that we have in front of us is indeed a good basis for negotiation, and thanks to you and your teams for preparing it. We are of the view that our approach in drafting and negotiating the proposed GDC should not be merely technical in nature, rather it should be accompanied by an ethic inspired by a vision of the common good, an ethic of freedom, responsibility, and fraternity. And the GDC should be based on such an ethic in a manner that does not remain purely at the level of words, but translating to genuine cooperation among people and states, with a view of achieving the SDGs. As a preliminary remark, we are pleased to see that the text contains several positive elements, in particular related to connectivity, inclusion in the digital economy, digital trust, safety, security. freedom of expression, and artificial intelligence. We also appreciate the structure foreseen and proposed for the compact, as well as the principles and objectives included in the draft. At the same time, in our view, the GDC would benefit from stronger provisions related to development and capacity building, education, protection of children, and the social impacts of AI, as well as the international governance of emerging technologies. In this regard, we think that the fifth area of the GDC should further elaborate and lay out some of the elements needed to govern this field. We would also be supportive of including language on the impact of digital technologies in the field of peace and security, including in the dedicated section on emerging technologies and AI. We also note that the compact contains several follow-up initiatives. In this regard, as a general comment, we think that these ideas may have merit if they strengthen existing initiatives for our programs, rather than duplicating them or adding unnecessary burden to the entire system. In conclusion, please be assured that the GDC looks forward to engaging constructively in the drafting process of the compact. Thank you very much.

Ambassador Anna-Karin Eneström:
I thank the representative of the GDC for his statement and give the floor to Costa Rica, followed by Interpol.

Costa Rica:
Thank you, co-facilitators. First of all, we want to thank you for presenting us the zero draft of the GDC. The content covers a lot of ground, as well as new topics that are essential to address at the multilateral level. Producing this draft and tasking us to reflect on these topics is an impressive feat. We appreciate that the draft is action-oriented and forward-looking, and that it proposes concrete targets and standards that we can agree on to allow us to make that we can agree on to allow us to harness the benefits of digital technologies. Allow me to share three initial reactions. First, we celebrate that the zero draft has reflected concrete proposals to ensure the protection of human rights online. We particularly support the establishment of a UN Digital Human Rights Advisory Service to provide practical guidance on human rights and technology issues to governments, the private sector and relevant stakeholders. We also support the calls to digital technology companies and developers to commit to promote and protect and respect human rights. Second, a multi-stakeholder approach is fundamental and we appreciate your efforts in including this principle in the text. We also need to consider the coordination required to leverage the actions in existing international mechanisms and avoid duplications. The proposals to create new mechanisms should be made only in those cases where the gaps are identified. Third, we note that the proposals on some sections are new and might require additional discussions. For instance, in Objective 5 we welcome the proposal of a scientific panel on AI, a multi-stakeholder global dialogue on AI and a fund on AI and emerging technology. However, they beg the question, where are the decisions made that the scientific panel and the global dialogue on AI inform? There is a vacuum for member states to develop and implement solutions for AI and emerging technologies. Costa Rica is a strong proponent of the creation of a specific body to tackle the research and development of emerging technologies such as AI. Co-facilitators, once again, let me reiterate our strong welcome to the CIRO draft and our motivation to engage in fruitful negotiations. Thank you.

Ambassador Anna-Karin Eneström:
Sorry, I thank the representative of Costa Rica for her statement and give the floor to the representative of Interpol.

Interpol:
Thank you. Thank you, co-facilitators, for convening this meeting and for the inclusive approach undertaken. Interpol welcomes the reflection of multi-stakeholder perspectives in the zero draft of the Global Digital Compact. Indeed, technology and innovation present opportunities to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, yet they also produce new and evolving risks. In this regard, Interpol urges the Compact to further highlight the nexus between security and development in the digital sphere in two concrete ways. First, Interpol welcomes the Compact’s recognition that a secure digital future is tied to eliminating and preventing cybercrime, including online sexual violence and misinformation. However, crimes committed in the digital sphere can extend beyond pure cybercrime. With digitalization, many traditional crimes are now further enabled and accelerated by online tools. For example, Interpol has noted a tremendous increase in cyber-enabled illicit finance and the exploitation of digital spaces by terrorist networks for recruitment and coordination. Thus, we call for the Compact to reflect a more holistic view of the cyber threat landscape to support the international community in addressing a fuller range of digital dangers. Second, Interpol recommends that the document further encourage global law enforcement cooperation to promote digital trust and security. This is crucial in a digital future that holds an increasingly complex criminal landscape. For example, in the dark net, criminals remain anonymous and difficult to trace. The Internet’s global reach also means that victims and criminal infrastructure span multiple jurisdictions. Global mechanisms, such as Interpol’s Cybercrime Collaborative Platform, can serve as centralized intelligence hubs that coordinate global cybercrime operations. Specifically, in the domain of AI and emerging technologies, Interpol recommends highlighting a law enforcement perspective to the Compact’s call for frameworks to govern their secure and responsible use. In this regard, we note established frameworks, such as the Toolkit for Responsible AI Innovation, in law enforcement, launched last year by Interpol and UNIQI. Further, this must be accompanied by close public-private collaboration. Interpol recommends that the compact further call on technology companies and social media platforms to strengthen cooperation with law enforcement to safeguard digital spaces and provide support during investigations involving digital crimes. Excellencies, colleagues, as the largest international police organisation and a key implementing partner of Agenda 2030, Interpol remains committed to enhancing multilateral cooperation to create an inclusive, open, safe and secure digital future. I thank you. I thank the representative of Interpol for her statement and I see no further requests for the floor. I will thereby thank all of you for your active participation this morning and I hand over the floor to Ambassador Chola to conclude the meeting. Thank you.

Ambassador Chola Milambo:
Thank you so much. Again, let me just thank each one of you for your interventions, very rich contributions. We do appreciate the positive sentiments towards the GDC and the work that has gone on. We do appreciate as co-facilitators and as the team that has been working hard on this. We have heard several comments, some of them on seeking clarifications on several matters, some are calling for stronger language, several issues. To be fair, I think we’d also want to provide responses in a very comprehensive manner as well, especially where you are requesting clarity. We shall beg your indulgence that we get back to you on the several issues raised by April 12. Having said that, allow me to provide some closing remarks. I would like to refer to our letter dated 1 April 2024. As mentioned in that letter, the first reading of the Zero Draft will take place on 12th of April at 10 a.m. in this chamber. After that, we shall hope to continue with the second reading on 2nd and 3rd of May in Conference Room 2. We intend to convene periodic meetings to update interested stakeholders, the first of which will be convened on the 24th of April at 3 p.m. Other states are encouraged to observe this meeting, which will be held virtually. Once again, we thank you very much for your active participation. This meeting stands adjourned.